Rick Derringer, the basic rock guitarist-songwriter greatest recognized for performing the storage rock hit “Grasp on Sloopy” and for writing “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Coo,” has died, his rep confirmed. He was 77.
“With a profession spanning six a long time, the legendary Rick Derringer left an indelible mark on the music business as a guitarist, singer-songwriter and producer,” Wilson mentioned in a press release on Fb. He didn’t disclose a explanation for demise however mentioned Derringer died in Ormond Seaside, Florida. “Derringer’s legacy extends past his music, entertaining followers together with his signature vitality and expertise. His passing leaves a void within the music world, and he shall be deeply missed by followers, colleagues and family members.”
Wilson wrote that “out of respect for Rick Derringer’s household and family members, particulars relating to funeral preparations and memorial providers shall be introduced” at a later date.
Derringer was born in Celina, Ohio, in 1947. He first broke by means of together with his band The McCoys within the ’60s, with “Grasp on Sloopy” topping the Scorching 100 in 1965. Their subsequent single, a canopy of the music “Fever,” peaked at No. 7 on the chart.
By the ’70s, Derringer discovered additional success together with his music “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Coo.” Johnny Winter first launched a model of the music in 1970 on the album Johnny Winter And, which featured Derringer and fellow McCoys members Randy Jo Hobbs and Randy Zehringer. Derringer launched his personal model in 1973, with that one hitting No. 23 on the Scorching 100.
Derringer labored with Johnny’s brother Edgar Winter as effectively, producing his songs “Frankenstein” and “Free Experience.” He additionally wrote and carried out “Actual American,” which appeared on the WWF’s Wrestling Album that he produced. That music would grow to be Hulk Hogan’s theme.
Derringer was prolific, working with a spread of main acts together with Cyndi Lauper, Kiss, Steely Dan, Barbra Streisand, Bonnie Tyler and Ringo Starr. He produced “Bizarre Al” Yankovic’s first six albums, profitable a Grammy for “Eat It” (a parody of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It”) in 1984 for greatest comedy recording.
“I’m very unhappy to say that my pal, rock guitar legend Rick Derringer, has handed,” Yankovic wrote on Instagram on Tuesday. “He had an infinite influence on my life and shall be missed vastly.”
