Rick Derringer, Influential Rock Guitarist and Producer, Dies at 77

Rick Derringer, the acclaimed American guitarist, singer, and producer, passed away on May 26, 2025, at the age of 77 in Ormond Beach, Florida. His death was announced by his caregiver, Tony Wilson, via a Facebook post. Derringer’s musical journey began in his teens with The McCoys, whose 1965 hit ‘Hang On Sloopy’ catapulted him to fame. He later achieved solo success with ‘Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo’ and released his most successful album, ‘All American Boy,’ in 1973.

Throughout his extensive career, Derringer collaborated with numerous prominent artists. He contributed as a session musician for bands like Steely Dan, played the guitar solo on Bonnie Tyler’s ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart,’ and worked with artists such as Todd Rundgren, Kiss, and Barbra Streisand. In the mid-1980s, he joined Cyndi Lauper’s tour and played on her albums, including ‘True Colors.’

Derringer also made significant contributions as a producer. He produced ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic’s debut album, earning a Grammy for the Michael Jackson parody ‘Eat It.’ Additionally, he produced the World Wrestling Federation’s ‘The Wrestling Album,’ co-writing Hulk Hogan’s theme song ‘Real American.’

His passing marks the end of a remarkable era in rock music, leaving behind a legacy that influenced generations of musicians and fans alike.