Rick Derringer, a renowned classic rock guitarist, has died at the age of 77 on Monday.
Derringer’s longtime friend and caretaker, Tony Wilson, confirmed the news on Facebook and said in a press release that he died at 8:09 p.m. in Ormond Beach, Florida.
Wilson shared that the guitarist was surrounded by his wife Jenda Derringer and himself at the time of his passing.
Though no cause of death has yet been revealed, an official joint Facebook page for Derringer and his wife revealed he had been facing several health issues in recent months and had recently undergone an ankle bypass.
The musician was known for founding the rock band The McCoys and was known for recording the 1965 hit song Hang On Sloopy with his bandmates at just age 17.
The Grammy-winning rocker was also known for working with other music legends like Alice Cooper and Barbra Streisand among many others.
Rick Derringer, a renowned classic rock guitarist, has died at the age of 77; pictured November 2011 in Sao Paulo, Brazil
The musician was known for founding the rock band The McCoys and was known for recording the 1965 hit song Hang On Sloopy with his bandmates at just age 17; pictured from left to right in 1976: bassist Kenny Aaronson, guitarist Rick Derringer, guitarist Danny Johnson and drummer Vinny Appice
The music industry vet had an acclaimed career spanning over six decades.
Derringer, born Rick Zehringer, co-founded The McCoys with his brother, drummer Randy Zehringer, in their native Ohio in 1962, and they played alongside bass player Dennis Kelly.
He was also famous for writing Rock and Roll Hootchie Koo — an iconic song that was used in season four of Stranger Things — and Hulk Hogan’s Real American wrestling theme song.
Additionally, he produced ‘Weird’ Al Yankovic’s first album and gave Patti Smith her first major credit on the song Jump from Derringer’s 1973 debut solo album All-American Boy.
He was known for being a friend of Andy Warhol and for working with singer Cyndi Lauper.
In recent years, he had toured across the world with Ringo Starr and The All Starr Band.
Tributes started pouring in following the tragic news as his loved ones took to social media to remember his legacy and honor his memory.
‘Derringer’s legacy extends beyond his music, entertaining fans with his signature energy and talent,’ Wilson wrote in a statement honoring his close friend of many years.
The musician was known for founding the rock band The McCoys and was known for recording the 1965 hit song Hang On Sloopy at just age 17; pictured January 1970
Derringer, born Rick Zehringer, co-founded The McCoys with his brother, drummer Randy Zehringer, in their native Ohio in 1962, and they played alongside bass player Dennis Kelly (not pictured); pictured from left to right in 1971: Randy Z, Rick Derringer and singer Johnny Winter
In recent years, he had toured across the world with Ringo Starr’s band; pictured with Ringo Starr in November 2011 while performing in Sao Paulo, Brazil
‘His passing leaves a void in the music world, and he will be deeply missed by fans, colleagues, and loved ones,’ he continued.
Wilson also wrote that Derringer ‘left an indelible mark on the music industry as a guitarist, singer-songwriter, and producer.’
Derringer’s former bandmate, drummer Vinny Appice of Black Sabbath fame, shared a tribute for his mentor and friend.
‘I woke up this morning to some sad news,’ he wrote in a Facebook post. ‘My mentor and friend Rick Derringer has passed. Derringer was the first professional band I played in 1976.
‘Rick was a great guitarist and even more a teacher to me, recording, playing clubs and arenas. I went into the band with eyes wide open, ready to learn from a seasoned professional Rick,’ he continued.
‘We recorded 3 albums together and played many tours, opening for Aerosmith, Boston Foghat and more. We even co-headlined with Journey on some gigs, we also had Tom Petty, THE RUNAWAYS open for us,’ Appice added.
‘It was an amazing experience working together with Rick. I will never forget him, he was a [sic] amazing songwriter, guitarists [sic] and friend, may he rest in peace.’
Former Mötley Crüe frontman John Corabi wrote on X: ‘So sad to hear about the passing of Rick Derringer. What a brilliant guitarist/producer and songwriter. I saw him quite a few times, and was blown away at what he did with his guitar. R.I.P. Rick.’
The music industry vet had an acclaimed career spanning over six decades; pictured 1965 in New York City
He was also famous for writing Rock and Roll Hootchie Koo — an iconic song that was used in season four of Stranger Things — and Hulk Hogan’s Real American wrestling theme song; pictured August 2012 in New York City
Tributes started pouring in following the tragic news as his loved ones took to social media to remember his legacy and honor his memory; pictured July 1977 in Oakland, California
Derringer’s legacy extends beyond his music, entertaining fans with his signature energy and talent,’ Wilson wrote in a statement honoring his close friend of many years; pictured June 1976 in Willimantic, Connecticut
‘His passing leaves a void in the music world, and he will be deeply missed by fans, colleagues, and loved ones,’ his friend Wilson wrote in a statement; pictured January 1988
Wilson also wrote that Derringer ‘left an indelible mark on the music industry as a guitarist, singer-songwriter, and producer; pictured September 1981 with his ex-wife Liz Derringer in New York City
‘Rest in peace my friend,’ fellow guitarist Joe Bonamassa wrote on X. ‘It was an honor to know you, work with you and call you a friend.’
Ron Onesti, the president and CEO of Onesti Entertainment and owner of Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, Illinois, also shared a tribute to his ‘good buddy’ as he recalled how they had just talked on the phone recently.
‘We lost another hero. My good buddy Rick Derringer got his wings on Memorial Day,’ Onesti wrote on Facebook.
‘He called me from his bed a few days ago — we planned on his return to The Arcada. He said, “I want nothing more.” I can’t believe it. He is now in Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo Heaven. God bless him.’
