Rick Derringer, the guitarist and singer who skyrocketed to fame at age 17 with The McCoys’ chart-topping hit “Hang On Sloopy,” and later made waves with his solo anthem “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo,” has di.ed. He was 77.
Derringer passed away Monday in Ormond Beach, Florida, according to a Facebook post by his caregiver, Tony Wilson. The cause of death has not been disclosed, per the Associated Press.
Following The McCoys’ initial success, Derringer went on to collaborate with major rock acts throughout the 1970s, including Johnny Winter and Edgar Winter. He played a key role in the Edgar Winter Group, contributing vocals and guitar to hits like “Free Ride.” In 1973, he released his own signature solo track, “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo.”
Derringer was also an accomplished producer and studio musician. He earned a Grammy Award for producing the debut album of comedic music icon “Weird Al” Yankovic in the early 1980s.
