Remembering Rick Derringer
(August 5, 1947 – May 26, 2024)
We’ve just learned that rock guitarist, singer, and producer Rick Derringer has passed away at the age of 77. Today, we remember a man whose guitar riffs lit up radios and arenas across five decades of rock history.
Derringer first made waves as a teenager with The McCoys, whose 1965 hit “Hang On Sloopy” knocked the Beatles off the top of the charts. But it was his blazing solo hit, “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo,” in 1973 that cemented his place in classic rock legend—an anthem of swagger and six-string firepower that still echoes on rock radio to this day.
He was a go-to guitarist for the best in the business, working with Johnny Winter, Edgar Winter, and even joining the Winter brothers’ bands throughout the ’70s. His guitar work on “Frankenstein” and “Free Ride” remains iconic. Derringer was also a prolific producer, contributing to albums by artists like Cyndi Lauper, “Weird Al” Yankovic, and others behind the scenes.
He stayed active through the decades, bringing his signature tone and love for rock and blues to countless sessions, tours, and solo projects. Known for his American flag guitar and hard-driving stage presence, Rick Derringer embodied the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll.
We send our condolences to his family, friends, and loyal fans around the world.
Rest easy, Rick. You gave us riffs to remember.
— Classic Rock Videos and its followers