Legendary Guitarist Rick Derringer: Why the “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo” Hero Is Trending Today

Legendary American guitarist Rick Derringer, whose scorching riffs powered the No. 1 single “Hang On Sloopy” with the McCoys and the arena staple “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo,” died Monday, 26 May 2025, at his home in Ormond Beach, Florida, aged 77. News of Derringer’s passing was confirmed by longtime caretaker Tony Wilson; a cause of death has not yet been released. Key Highlights • Over six decades, Rick Derringer evolved from teenage chart-topper to in-demand session ace, producer and solo star. • Signature songs: “Hang On Sloopy,” “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo,” and WWE anthem “Real American.” • Produced and played on albums for Johnny and Edgar Winter, “Weird Al” Yankovic and Cyndi Lauper. • Inductee, Musicians Hall of Fame (2019). A Teen Prodigy With The McCoys Born Richard Zehringer in Fort Recovery, Ohio, Derringer vaulted to fame in 1965 when “Hang On Sloopy” unseated the Beatles atop the Billboard Hot 100. At just 17, the left-handed guitarist drew industry attention for his fluid blues licks and stage-ready charisma. “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo” & Guitar-Hero Status After touring with Jimi Hendrix and Cream, Derringer joined Johnny Winter And, where his high-gain solos crystallized on 1970’s “Johnny Winter And Live.” He recut his own composition “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo” in 1973, minting a FM-radio mainstay that still fuels classic-rock playlists worldwide. Studio Wizard, Pop Producer Beyond the spotlight, Derringer proved equally adept behind the console. He produced Edgar Winter’s “Frankenstein,” steered three Grammy-winning LPs for parody king “Weird Al” Yankovic, laid guitar tracks for Steely Dan and Todd Rundgren, and co-wrote Hulk Hogan’s entrance theme “Real American,” later a global sports anthem. Later Years & Faith-Driven Projects In the 2000s Derringer embraced Christian rock, releasing the album “The Three Kings” and touring churches alongside wife Jenda. His 2023 autobiography “Six-String Survivor” detailed battles with bankruptcy, tinnitus and the changing music business while celebrating “the privilege of playing guitar for a living.” Tributes Flood Social Media • Billy Gibbons: “Rick Derringer set the bar for Texas-meets-Midwest guitar swagger.” • “Weird Al” Yankovic: “He made my parodies sound like platinum; more importantly, he was endlessly kind.” • WWE: “Every arena shake to ‘Real American’ is part of Rick’s legacy.” What’s Next Memorial arrangements are pending. Fans can stream a newly curated playlist, “Rick Derringer Essentials,” now trending on major platforms. A petition to induct Derringer into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame surpassed 50,000 signatures within hours of his death announcement. SEO Takeaway Rick Derringer guitarist, dead at 77; “Hang On Sloopy,” “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo,” Johnny Winter, Weird Al producer, Hulk Hogan theme “Real American,” legacy, tributes, obituary, career highlights.