Grammy-winning 70s rock guitarist Rick Derringer dies aged 77
He made his name in The McCoys.
Classic rock guitarist, singer, and producer Rick Derringer has died at the age of 77.
Tony Wilson, a long-time friend of Derringer’s, shared the news on Facebook, saying Wilson and Derringer’s wife, Jenda, were at the rock star’s side at the time of his death.
Wilson did not share a cause of death, but wrote: ‘Derringer’s legacy extends beyond his music, entertaining fans with his signature energy and talent.
‘His passing leaves a void in the music world, and he will be deeply missed by fans, colleagues, and loved ones.’
Born Richard Zehringer on August 5, 1947, in Fort Recovery, Ohio, Derringer rose to fame as a teenager in the 1960s with the band The McCoys, whose debut single Hang On Sloopy topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 1965, knocking The Rolling Stones’ Satisfaction from the number one spot.
The track’s infectious energy marked the arrival of a prodigious young talent, and the musician went on to leave a major mark on rock music.
The guitarist was a major figure in American classic rock (Picture: Mauricio Santana/Getty Images) Derringer collaborated with lots of rock legends, including Ringo Starr (Picture: Mauricio Santana/Getty Images) Derringer first made a name for himself as a member of The McCoys (Picture: Don Paulsen/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)He collaborated extensively with legends such as Johnny and Edgar Winter, Steely Dan, Alice Cooper, and ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic.
His guitar work on tracks like Frankenstein and Free Ride helped define the sound of 1970s rock.
In 1973, he released the solo album All American Boy, featuring the hit Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo, which remains a classic.
A versatile musician and producer, Derringer also made a name for himself behind the scenes, working on a wide range of albums across genres.
He earned a Grammy Award for his production work with ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic and lent his talent to albums by Barbra Streisand, Todd Rundgren, and others.
In the 1980s and beyond, he explored Christian rock and continued to tour and record prolifically.
He is survived by his wife, Jenda, and their children.
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