Legendary singer/guitarist/producer Rick Derringer passed away some days ago (on May 26, 2025) at the age of 77. Rick Derringer was a musician who gave the world many great songs, powerful guitar solos and unforgettable performances. Myth of Rock takes a look back and follow the steps of Rick Derringer’s career.
by Dimitris Zacharopoulos
Rick Derringer was born Richard Dean Zehringer on August 5, 1947, in Fort Recovery, Ohio. He grew up in a musical family and began playing guitar at a young age. He was still a teenager when he formed a band called The McCoys with his brother Randy and some local friends. In 1965, when Rick was just 17 years old, The McCoys released a song that would make them famous across the country. The song was “Hang On Sloopy”. It became a number one hit on the Billboard charts and turned Rick into a star almost overnight. With that one song, a young boy from Ohio became part of rock n’ roll history.
But Rick wasn’t a one hit wonder. He kept working hard, playing guitar, writing songs and performing. In the early 1970s, he joined forces with blues-rock guitarist Johnny Winter and his brother Edgar Winter. Rick became a key part of their bands and helped shape their sound. With the Edgar Winter Group, Rick played on some classic songs like “Frankenstein” and “Free Ride”. These songs are still played on the radio today, and Rick’s guitar work is a big reason why they sound so good.
In 1973, Rick released one of his most famous songs as a solo artist: “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo”. It was a fun, loud and powerful rock anthem that showed off his guitar skills and his voice. The song became a hit and has since become one of the most recognized rock songs of the 1970s. “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo” is one of those songs that always gets people moving. It’s exciting, raw and full of life—just like Rick himself.
Over the years, Rick worked with many other artists. He produced records for Johnny and Edgar Winter, and also worked with pop stars like Cyndi Lauper. He even helped produce songs for “Weird Al” Yankovic, showing that he had a good sense of humor and could enjoy different kinds of music. Rick’s talent went far beyond just playing guitar. He had an ear for sound, and he knew how to bring out the best in the musicians he worked with.
Rick Derringer’s guitar playing was always something special. He could play fast and loud, but he could also play with feeling and soul … he told stories with his guitar. Many young guitarists have studied his solos and learned from his style. He was never the most famous guitarist in the world, but he earned the respect of many great musicians and fans who understood just how good he really was.
Derringer’s life was not always easy. Like many musicians, he faced struggles with money, changes in the music industry, and the ups and downs of fame. But he always kept going. He never gave up on music, and he never stopped performing.
Some facts
- The McCoys had seven songs chart in the top 100, including covers of “Fever” and “Come On, Let’s Go”.
- In 1973, Derringer released his first solo album, “All American Boy”. “Spring Fever” (1975) and “Guitars and Women” (1979) came up later.
- Derringer collaborated with Steely Dan and Meat Loaf.
- Derringer collaborated with Todd Rundgren, playing on four of Rundgren’s solo albums.
- He was a regular in Andy Warhol’s circle and frequently visited Warhol’s studio, The Factory.
- He got involved with professional wrestling. He wrote and performed a song called “Real American”, which became the entrance music for famous wrestler Hulk Hogan.
- In 1983, he played guitar on two hit power ballads written and produced by Jim Steinman – Air Supply’s “Making Love Out of Nothing at All” and Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart”.
- He played a guitar solo in “Exciter”, from the “Lick It Up” album by KISS.
- In the later part of his life, Rick became a born-again Christian and began making music that reflected his faith.
- Derringer went on three world tours with Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band.
- In 2014, Derringer performed on Peter Frampton’s Guitar Circus tour with other notable guitarists.
- In 2018, Derringer embarked on a tour with Vanilla Fudge, Mitch Ryder, and Badfinger under the name HippieFest.
Rick Derringer made a lasting impact on rock music. He lived and breathed rock n’ roll for more than fifty years. He didn’t follow trends, but followed his own path and created a musical legacy that will live on and on. He died peacefully after being taken off life support Monday night following a medical episode. His death means the loss of a true rock n’ roller, a rock music hero, who gave his very soul for rock n’ roll music! Rest in Peace, Rick!
