Rick Derringer, the versatile guitarist, producer, and songwriter whose career spanned more than six decades and included the chart-topping “Hang on Sloopy,” the rock anthem “Rock and Roll Hootchie Koo,” and the iconic wrestling theme “Real American,” has died at age 77. His caretaker, Tony Wilson, confirmed his passing to Variety. Derringer died Monday evening in Ormond Beach, Florida. No cause of death has been announced, though he had reportedly been in declining health.
Born Richard Dean Zehringer in 1947 in Ohio, Derringer first found fame as a teenager with The McCoys, whose 1965 single “Hang on Sloopy” soared to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. That hit, still beloved in his home state, was later named the official rock song of Ohio in 1985.
Derringer soon evolved into a prolific and dynamic force in American rock. In the 1970s, he joined Johnny and Edgar Winter, producing and performing on hits like “Frankenstein,” a No. 1 instrumental classic with the Edgar Winter Group. He also released his signature solo hit, “Rock and Roll Hootchie Koo,” in 1973—originally recorded by Johnny Winter—and the song would go on to be featured in films like Dazed and Confused and shows such as Stranger Things.
Throughout his career, Derringer became a sought-after session guitarist, appearing on albums by Steely Dan, Barbra Streisand, Todd Rundgren, Alice Cooper, Kiss, and many more. His guitar solos powered Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart” and Air Supply’s “Making Love Out of Nothing at All,” both written by Jim Steinman.
In the 1980s, Derringer extended his influence into pop culture and professional wrestling. After touring with Cyndi Lauper and performing on her albums including True Colors, he collaborated with the World Wrestling Federation to produce The Wrestling Album in 1985. His most enduring contribution was “Real American,” the theme song for Hulk Hogan that later found unexpected political life—used at various times by Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Donald Trump.
Derringer’s later career saw him tour with Ringo Starr’s All Starr Band, as well as artists like Peter Frampton and Carmine Appice. He also leaned into Christian music, releasing multiple gospel albums with his second wife, Jenda Derringer, while becoming increasingly vocal about his conservative beliefs.
A true rock chameleon, Rick Derringer’s contributions to American music and culture are wide-ranging—spanning psychedelia, hard rock, pop, pro wrestling, and politics. Despite shifts in style and public persona, he remained a respected figure in guitar circles and a beloved collaborator.
He is survived by his wife, Jenda, and their children.
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