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Rick Derringer
1947 - 2025
Rick Derringer
1947 - 2025
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1947
DIED
2025
Rick Derringer Obituary
Rick Derringer, who had a hit with the McCoys' version of "Hang on Sloopy" and later wrote his own classic in "Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo," died May 26, 2025, at the age of 77 at his home in Ormond Beach, Florida.?
Derringer's career was wide-ranging and varied, touching more corners of the music world than many fans realize. As a young singer and guitarist with the McCoys, he had a major smash hit with their version of "Hang on Sloopy," now widely considered one of the classics of the garage rock era. In 1973, he had a hit of his own with the guitar-driven "Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo," which he also recorded with Johnny Winters. In 1985, he co-wrote one of his best-known songs: "Real American," the theme song for WWF/WWE star Hulk Hogan. Around this same time, he was also working as a producer and helped bring some of the best-known songs by parody legend "Weird Al" Yankovic to the masses, producing "Eat It," "Fat," and most of Weird Al's first six albums. All told, he released over two dozen albums as a solo artist, with both Edgar Winter and Johnny Winter, and with bands such as the McCoys, The Derringers, and others. He won a Grammy for his work with Yankovic.
Collaborators took to social media to pay tribute to Derringer. Weird Al said on Instagram, "He had an enormous impact on my life, and will be missed greatly," while musician Joe Bonamassa said on X, "Rest in Peace my friend. It was an honor to know you, work with you and call you a friend."
By Eric San Juan
(Image: Mauricio Santana/Getty Images)
47 Entries
Ross Martin
July 9, 2025
Dear Jenna
im so sorry for your loss
Only met Rick a few time but ive been
following him since 1973
i feel like i lost a true frend or a family member
Ross Martin
Mike Owen
July 1, 2025
Rick was one of the top 5 guitarist of all time and a great performer and what I hear from people close to him a great person and a credit to the music business. We will never see a guy that talented come our way again and every time I remember him playing in the 60's as we are only one year apart in age. I really loved his playing and could listen to him all night long. That to me is talent. RIP Rick D.
Michael short
June 22, 2025
one of the nicest people. you could meet
Alfred Herman Schrader
June 15, 2025
When I was 16 I formed my first rock group.
Rick's fast fret action and for me at that time, his complexity on the guitar, was a challenge.
He made a difference in my life for sure.
How you can show support
Alfred Herman Schrader
June 15, 2025
Steff Stonaha-LaFlash
June 8, 2025
I saw Rick at the Shaboo Inn Reunion in 1990. Despite some issues with the sound system, he rocked it out of the park. By far the best performance that day. Many photos and memories I'll treasure forever. My Mom (God rest her soul) met Rick in, of all places, the local grocery in Colchester, CT back in the early 1990's. He complimented her on her hair (she used a rinse that gave it a pink tint). From then on, each time they met, they spoke like old friends. She introduced me to him on one such occasion. Aside from being an awesome guitarist, he was the most down-to-Earth guy. Sincere condolences to the family. Rest easy, Rick. You will be missed.
Dino Cammarta
June 6, 2025
The short period of time that I came into you and Jendas life it was all inspiring... you made music history... You are the legend and you will live on....
Edward Barclay
June 4, 2025
Rick was a huge influence to me ,being a guitar player myself RIP bro-Eddie B
Victor Rosario
June 3, 2025
Rest now Rick. Thank you for all the music and inspiration you brought to so many of guitar players. "Truck on out and spread the news, that I'm tired payin' dues, done said goodbye to all my blues..." Rock on Brother.
- Victor Rosario / Brooklyn N.Y.
Gary mahalak
June 2, 2025
What a shock, my favorite rock guitarist
I guess we will all meet up in the big concert in the sky before to long
Walter Reichard
June 2, 2025
Rick was a great man with a unique gift. He gave us many memories from his musical talent. He will be missed. R.I.P. Rick.
-Walter Reichard
Bob Baker
June 1, 2025
Rick was a good guy as well as a good guitarist. I emailed him several times and he responded sincerely. How I remember his excellent Hollies set at September's, Buffalo, NY. Unknown to some, Rick surrendered his life to Jesus Christ and for that, has his name written in God's book of life. He knew that his Faith in Jesus Christ promised him eternal life with God....after this brief sojern on life is over. Back with his loved ones, it is good to know he was saved...... forever.
Bob Baker
Lockport, NY
Shelley White
June 1, 2025
I remember Rick when he played in Dayton, Ohio. Love the memories. I will always cherish the picture of him, me and Randy taken backstage. So saddened to hear of his passing. Prayers and peace to family and friends. Fly high my friend!
Dr. Stephen J Peirce
June 1, 2025
Jenda, it was my pleasure to have cared for you both. Please know that you and Rick are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dr. Stephen Peirce
Tracy Willis
May 31, 2025
I loved rock and roll hootchy koo plus all work with Winters Bros. Rest in peace,Bro!
Thomas O´Neill
May 31, 2025
Thank you so much for the great music memories created by you Rick Derringer. I thoroughly enjoyed them. It led to my love of all music which currently is a big part of my life today.
Edgar, Rick, Tommy at Ringo All Starrs concert - handsome Rick....
May 31, 2025
Mark Powell
May 31, 2025
It was an honor to have met you and spent a short time knowing you.
This is Rick and Tommy plus Edgar, Rick and Tommy at Caesar's Windsor Casin
May 31, 2025
Bunner Smith
May 31, 2025
I knew Rick and Jenna from Bradenton and helped them buy cars from Firkins Automotive where I was a manager ... we saw each other many times and I happened to introduce Tommy Mannausa to Rick ... Tommy played keys and was a great songwriter ... Tom recorded several songs with Rick in 208 and 2009 ... Rick played some those songs live in concert and I have heard them all at Tommy's home studio and played that guitar Rick signed and gave to Tommy ...it hangs on his wall at his studio ... Rick was a monster guitarist and a great singer ... RIP you'll be missed ...
Terry 'Tecka' Iredale
May 31, 2025
Saddened at the loss of Rick.I was a big fan right from 'Sloopy Days'
Electra Blues still stands out as one of my fav songs .R.I.P Rick Derringer.
Tecka'
Down Under'
DR
May 30, 2025
Condolences to Rick´s family and friends during this time of grief and sorrow. May the fond memories always be cherished.
Timothy Whisler
May 30, 2025
You will be missed Rick , my condolences to the family. Rest peacefully.
Ed Carlson
May 30, 2025
Extremely saddened to hear that Rick passed away. Rick was a friend of mine . He and Jenda got together with us often in the past. His music brought much enjoyment to millions over the years. He belongs in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Rest in Peace my good friend, you will be greatly missed.
Gail Sams
May 29, 2025
Having met Rick several times, I can honestly say he was a beautiful person..always so kind and friendly. He believed in Jesus and was wonderfully talented. Rick will be missed so much.
dolan lippencott
May 29, 2025
i met rick several times he was always nice to me an amazing guitarist and a big inspiration dolan lippencott
Anthony Vezina
May 29, 2025
Anthony T Vezina
May 29, 2025
Anthony Vezina
May 29, 2025
Brian LaSaga
May 29, 2025
I loved his version of "Hang On Sloopy" from his 1975 "Spring Fever" Album. Great guitar player. RIP Rick.
Dennis Drugan
May 29, 2025
Condolences to Rick Family from Johnny Winter original Bass Player from Beaumont Texas
Senserly
Dennis Drugan
& Family
David Maye
May 29, 2025
I was always a big fan of Rick. Saw him play with Edgar Winter. Met him and his beautiful wife on the street in Montreal. We can rejoice knowing Rick knew the Lord. Our prayers go out to his family.
David Maye Pointe Claire Quebec
John R Cates
May 29, 2025
Met Rick at the Dallas International Guitar Festival a few years ago. Such a great guy, and an amazing musician! Loved hearing him share his faith in his later rendition of "Still Alive And Well". RIP brother, and may God´s peace surround your family during this time of grief.
John Cates, Dallas, TX
Stephanie Evers-Chan
May 29, 2025
On Monday, the world said a sad "goodbye" to a true gentleman who blessed my life with his friendship for 30 years. Rick was a gifted musician whose contributions to the music industry will be his lasting legacy for many more years to come. He was a true friend, and I was honored to have known a man of his level of integrity and to call him my friend. His presence will be missed each and every day by all those who were fortunate to know and love him. Rest in peace, my friend. . .you will always have a place in our hearts!
Chris
May 29, 2025
I offer my sincere condolences to the family of Rick Derringer. Music is the language that makes us all happy. Thank you for sharing him with the world. May our Lord give you comfort as you mourn his loss.
Kevin O'Brassill
May 29, 2025
Read the Word live it too thanks Rick God give your family Pease.
Russ Guidotti
May 29, 2025
It was an honor to have met Rick while driving UBER in the Daytona area. He was very approachable and openly shared stories of his life. He was a soft spoken gentle hearted individual and I will always remember our conversations. Thank you Rick for making the world a better place to live in.
Scott Nolan
May 28, 2025
Saw Rick at the Bottom Line in NYC playing with Johnny Winter,did jump and even Hang on Sloopy even the owner of the blub came out of the office....RIP to a musicians musician from Scott in Sebastuan Fl
Andrew Roper
May 28, 2025
What a talent. You will be greatly missed.
Rick Derringer and Tommy James Mannausa
May 28, 2025
Tommy James Mannausa
May 28, 2025
Bunner Smith introduced Rick and Jenda to me in 2008 and I sent Rick the song Hit Me. Then, Jenda and I at their Bradenton home worked on Hit Me and Timekeepers and in walked the man (in from recording his final track on Knighted by the Blues album at Panda Productions/Clearwater, Fl. We shook hands and immediately walked into their garage and went into his car and he says, "listen to this...", as he cranked up the volume. We laughed and agreed - absolutely pure - from Knighted by the Blues. After we recorded Hit Me, Timekeepers I flew out and stayed at Rio Rancho, New Mexico and we three had a blast for a couple of weeks, including working on our song "58". The beautiful home Rick and Jenda rented had a baby grand piano I could play at overlooking the pool and hot tub. Most don't know this, but Rick was masterful at playing the piano. Rick's infectious smile could light up a room to stadiums. At DTE Energy Center stage Rick performed our song "Bandana" and it was exciting to see his magic. It was fun and amazing to see Rick again perform live "Bandana" on the Artie Lange show and again had that wonderful smile. We were together in Caesar's Hotel in Windsor, Ontario and were chatting in a circle, before the All Starr's took the stage, with Edgar Winter, Wally Palmer, Gary Wright and Johnny Bee and Edgar leans over over to me and says, "where do you come off starting "58" with the chorus line". Rick stepped in and said, "now Edgar.....". And Edgar replied, "that was genious!" It was hilarious. Rick provided wonderful seats for Valerie and I and he was a huge star up on that beautiful stage, with all those amazing icons. His performance on every song was pure magic and sitting there, I was thinking back just few weeks earlier Rick and I were eating popsicles discussing the possible opportunity in Rio Rancho, NM. While we were in Nashville, Rick and I visited with Gibson Guitar and I set up a stool and asked Rick to play, I announced it was Rick stsnding on the stool performing and 20 or so came, listened and clapped. Then shortly after Rick says to the Gibson Guitar exec Bruno, "Gibson should gift Tommy a Gibson". Bruno said, "okay Rick, you and Tommy have 5 minutes and not a second longer to go out and pick one out". Of course of the zillion guitars in the monstrous building, Rick knew right where to go - he grabs the Gibson Les Paul mahogany and we jogged back to Bruno and Bruno says, "oh... you had to grab that one didn't ya?" We laughed and that guitar today is in my studio, which is played from time to time. Rick was so generous with his time and knowledge. I am so appreciative of our times together and the music we created. Thank you Rick! All our love.....
Tommy James Mannausa
Robert Patterson
May 28, 2025
Rick. Your where my 1st New Year´s Eve concert. 1979 San Francisco Cow Place. RIP
Steven Celani
May 28, 2025
So sorry to ricks family he will be missed by many Steve celani Peabody ma
Steve Budshaw
May 28, 2025
Bless you neighbor! I loved all you have done in music!RIP Ormond Beach resident!
Suzanne Berkey
May 28, 2025
Sending Rick and Family warm hugs and love. Thank you for sharing your talents with me for many years.
Suzanne Berkey, Daytona Beach, FL.
Christopher Gerard Davis
May 28, 2025
I will keep this brief. A part of my childhood going back to 1965 into the 1970s, absolutely. It was years later I really began to appreciate the depth of this man's talents and brilliance.
Condolences to Rick's family members. He will always be a blessing to those of us who love our youthful memories and the sounds of that youth, in this case Rock n Roll. Rest in God's Sweet Peace, Richard Dean Zehringer, aka Rick Derringer. Thank you for the memories!
Chris Davis
Plano, Texas, USA
Bob Gilmore
May 28, 2025
Love your music! Rock on brother! RIP
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