Singer and guitarist Rick Derringer passed away Monday in Ormond Beach, Florida, the Associated Press reported. The 77-year-old was best known for hits "Hang On Sloopy" and "Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo" with the band The McCoys.
Derringer's death was announced by his caregiver, Tony Wilson, in a post to Facebook. He did not indicate the cause of death for the rock legend.
"Derringer’s legacy extends beyond his music, entertaining fans with his signature energy and talent. His passing leaves a void in the music world, and he will be deeply missed by fans, colleagues, and loved ones," Wilson posted to Facebook.
Of all the credits in Derringer's decades-long career, his only Grammy Award came from his work as producer on "Weird Al" Yankovic's self-titled debut album. The parody singer-songwriter was one of many musicians to offer a fond farewell.
In a post to Instagram, Yankovic included a photo with Derringer and kind words of remembrance. "I’m very sad to say that my friend, rock guitar legend Rick Derringer, has passed," Yankovic wrote in his post on Tuesday.
"Rick produced my first 6 albums and played guitar on my earliest recordings, including the solo on 'Eat It.' He had an enormous impact on my life, and will be missed greatly. RIP," Yankovic wrote.
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Fellow guitarist Joe Bonamassa also offered his condolences via X, formerly Twitter. "Joe Rest in Peace my friend. It was an honor to know you, work with you, and call you a friend," Bonamassa wrote.
Mötley Crüe star John Corabi also tweeted his goodbyes. "So sad to hear about the passing of Rick Derringer. What a brilliant guitarist/producer and songwriter. I saw him quite a few times, and was blown away at what he did with his guitar. R.I.P. Rick."
With a career spanning multiple genres and years, Derringer was a valuable asset to the music industry. He was only 17 when the McCoys, formed with his brother, Randy, charted the hit "Hang On Sloopy" in 1964.
His solo hit "Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo" found a new audience after being featured in the Netflix series Stranger Things in its fourth season. In 1973, Derringer's album "All American Boy" reached No. 25 on the charts, featuring instrumental tracks "Time Warp" and "Joy Ride."
Music production was a significant part of Derringer's credits, including his work with Yankovic. However, Derringer also worked as a session musician playing for Barbara Streisand, Kiss, and Todd Rundgren during the 1970s and 1980s. His work for Steely Dan included the tracks "Katy Lied," "Gaucho," and "Countdown to Ecstacy."
By the mid-1980s, Derringer landed a spot on tour with Cyndi Lauper and played on three of her albums, including her wildly successful "True Colors." In 1985, Derringer produced "The Wrestling Album" for the World Wrestling Federation using many songs he co-wrote as theme songs for pro wrestlers, including Hulk Hogan's "Real American."
Derringer may not be a household name, but his career includes many hits and collaborations that have certainly become well-known. His presence in the industry will surely be missed.
