"Spontaneously, Rick Derringer was instructed to perform a solo. Reminiscing his career, he was the B.C. Rich-equipped rebel who ignited Johnny Winter's band, and a one-shot prodigy for Steely Dan among others."
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In a career spanning over five decades, Rick Derringer, the Ohio-born guitarist, left an indelible mark on the world of music. His contributions, as a songwriter, producer, sideman, and guitar designer, were far-reaching and diverse, touching the lives of some of the most notable artists in the industry. This article, first published in Guitarist magazine, pays tribute to the prolific figure in the rock 'n' roll scene of the 70s and 80s.
Derringer's early influences were Buddy Holly and Elvis Presley, and he declared himself "a natural" on his first Harmony electric guitar. His band, The McCoys, topped the Billboard chart with "Hang On Sloopy" in 1965, and their music later influenced artists like James Taylor and Wynton Marsalis.
Derringer's collaborations spanned multiple genres, and he worked with a wide range of artists, including Alice Cooper, Meat Loaf, 'Weird Al' Yankovic, Johnny Winter (and his brother Edgar), Steely Dan, Bonnie Tyler, Cyndi Lauper, and Dolly Parton. His punchy guitar work on Alice Cooper's Killer and Bonnie Tyler's Total Eclipse of the Heart is still fondly remembered.
One of Derringer's most significant contributions was his work with 'Weird Al' Yankovic. He produced the first six studio albums, including hits like "Eat It" and "Fat," and played guitar on some of Yankovic's earliest recordings. His iconic solo on "Eat It" is a testament to his versatility and skill.
Derringer also designed the B.C. Rich Stealth guitar in the early 80s, which is still sold by the company today. His guitar work on various Steely Dan albums was so well-received that Donald Fagen and Walter Becker never asked him to revisit his parts.
Rick Derringer wrote the flag-waving wrestler Hulk Hogan's ring anthem, Real American, and his own version of "Rock And Roll, Hoochie Koo" on his solo debut "All American Boy" in 1973, which reached US No 23.
Despite strong success with 'Weird Al,' Derringer felt that association typecast him as a novelty producer, which affected his broader production career. However, his legacy is a thousand flashes of brilliance rather than one defining statement. He was never a household name, but his DNA swirls in some of the best rock music out there, and it would have sounded different without him.
In the twilight of his career, Derringer found refuge as Johnny Winter's backing band. Joe Bonamassa wrote a tribute to Derringer, stating it was an honor to know him, work with him, and call him a friend. Derringer passed away in May at the age of 77, leaving behind a rich and diverse musical legacy that continues to inspire new generations of musicians.
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