Grammy-winning artist Rick Derringer passes away at 77 years old.
Veteran musician and Grammy-winning producer Rick Derringer has passed away at the age of 77. His longtime caretaker and friend, Tony Wilson, announced Derringer's death on Monday, May 26, in Ormond Beach, Florida, through a Facebook post.
"Sadly, we announce the passing of renowned guitarist and entertainer Rick Derringer at 8:09 PM on May 26th, surrounded by his loving wife, Singer Songwriter Jenda Derringer, his caretaker Tony Wilson, and their band of 28 years," Wilson wrote in a statement released Tuesday.
Throughout his six-decade career, Derringer carved out a significant name for himself, starting with his tenure as a member of the McCoys, where he gained fame with hits like "Hang On Sloopy." He went on to collaborate with numerous influential artists such as Steely Dan, Alice Cooper, Kiss, and Weird Al Yankovic, for whom he produced six albums, including the Grammy-winning "Eat It" and "Fat."
Other notable collaborations include work with Edgar Winter, Bonnie Tyler, and Hulk Hogan, for whom he created the iconic theme song "Real American." His diverse collaborations and hit singles like "Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo" showcased his versatility and impact on various genres.
Though the cause of Derringer's death was not disclosed in the statement, his passing has left an indelible void in the music world, according to Wilson. Memorial services will be announced in due course.
In addition to his impressive career, Derringer also contributed to the soundtrack for Season 4 of the popular Netflix series "Stranger Things" in 2022.
The music world mourns the loss of Rick Derringer, a versatile artist who worked with numerous influential musicians, including Steely Dan, Alice Cooper, and Weird Al Yankovic. His passing has left an indelible void in the US entertainment industry, particularly in the world of music.
