R.I.P.: Rick Derringer, Influential Rock Musician

Rick Derringer (1947-2025)

Rick Derringer, born Richard Dean Zehringer, was an American musician, producer, and songwriter who passed away on May 26, 2025, at the age of 77 in Ormond Beach, Florida. 

His death was announced by his longtime friend and caretaker, Tony Wilson, via Facebook, and confirmed by his wife, Jenda Derringer. 

Derringer passed away peacefully in the AdventHealth ICU, surrounded by Jenda and Wilson, after being taken off life support following a sudden heart-related medical episode. No specific cause of death was disclosed, though recent health issues, including an ankle bypass surgery two months prior, were noted on an official joint Facebook page for Derringer and his wife.

Derringer rose to fame at 17 as the frontman of The McCoys, whose 1965 hit "Hang On Sloopy" topped the Billboard Hot 100. He later achieved success with his 1973 solo hit "Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo" and collaborated extensively with artists like Johnny and Edgar Winter, producing hits like "Frankenstein" and "Free Ride." He also worked with Steely Dan, Cyndi Lauper, and "Weird Al" Yankovic, earning a Grammy for producing Yankovic’s "Eat It" and "Fat." His contributions extended to wrestling, with iconic tracks like "Real American" for Hulk Hogan and the theme for Demolition in the WWF.

Tributes poured in from fans, musicians, and figures like Mötley Crüe’s Joe Corabi and political analyst Roger Stone, highlighting Derringer’s influence as a guitarist, songwriter, and producer. His legacy spans rock, blues, pop, and gospel, with a career marked by versatility and enduring impact