Born Richard Dean Zehringer on August 5th, 1947, guitarist Rick Derringer first rose to success with his band The McCoys and their 1965 hit song “Hang On Sloopy.” But it was 1973 when he hit with “Rock and Roll Hoochie Coo.” That song is still a classic rock staple. Rick also went on to work with legends like Edgar Winter, Kiss, Alice Cooper, Steely Dan, Ringo Starr, Weird Al and even wrote the music for Hulk Hogan’s “Real American” theme song.
On Monday, May 26th, Rick passed away at the hospital in Florida after being taken off life support with his wife Jenda by his side. A true legend of the guitar and of American Pop Culture history. Rick Derringer will be missed.
Here’s the full post from his friend Tony Wilson
