Rick Derringer, the guitarist, producer, singer, and songwriter, has died a string of illnesses in the last few years, including triple bypass surgery in the last few months. He was 77. The news came from his caretaker, Tony Wilson, who wrote on Facebook: “R I P RICK DERRINGER LEGENDARY GUITARIST ENTERTAINER PRODUCER WRITER – HANG ON SLOOPY ROCK AND ROLL HOOCHIE KOO – REAL AMERICAN – RICK THE YACHT RICK AND JENDA DERRINGER YOU WILL BE MISSED GREATLY.”
Born in 1947 in Celina, OH, Rick began playing in bands in junior high, and his teen group The McCoys had a #1 hit with “Hang on Sloopy” in 1965 (produced by The Strangeloves). In the late ’60s, Derringer began backing Edgar Winter and Johnny Winter while also pursuing a solo career. His solo single “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo,” which was first recorded with Johnny Winter, was a Top 40 hit in 1973, the opening track on his solo debut, All American Boy. He also was producer of The Edgar Winter Group’s first three albums, including hits “Free Ride” and “Frankenstein” (both from 1973’s They Only Come Out at Night). Over the years, Rick also played on records by Steely Dan, Cyndi Lauper, Todd Rundgren, Jim Steinman, Air Supply, Bonnie Tyler, and more.
Weird Al Yankovic, whose first six albums were produced by Derringer, wrote, “He had an enormous impact on my life, and will be missed greatly.”
Rest easy, Rick.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbZq5idUJcI