Rick Derringer, the rock guitar player and vocalist best understood for the 1965 chart-topping hit “Hold on Sloopy,” passed away on May 26, 2025, at the age of 77 in Ormond Beach, Florida. His death was validated by his caretaker and buddy, Tony Wilson, who shared that Derringer died quietly with his better half, Jenda Derringer, by his side. The artist had actually been handling health issues following a triple coronary bypass previously in the year.
Here’s a better take a look at his life, profession, and tradition listed below.
He Rose to Popularity at 17 with “Hold on Sloopy”
Born Richard Dean Zehringer in Celina, Ohio, Derringer attained nationwide popularity at simply 17 years of ages as the frontman of The McCoys. Their performance of “Hold on Sloopy” skyrocketed to No. 1 on the Signboard Hot 100 in 1965, surpassing The Beatles’ “The other day.” The tune stays a long-lasting anthem, especially in Ohio, where it was designated the state’s main rock tune in 1985.
He Had an Effective Solo Profession
In 1973, Derringer launched his launching solo album, All American Kid, including the hit “Rock-and-roll, Hoochie Koo.” The tune reached No. 23 on the Signboard Hot 100 and ended up being a staple of timeless rock radio. Its appeal sustained, with looks in movies like Dazed and Baffled and the Netflix series Complete Stranger Things
He Teamed Up with Various Music Legends
Throughout his profession, Derringer dealt with a large range of artists throughout categories. He played guitar on albums by Steely Dan, Bonnie Tyler, and Barbra Streisand, to name a few. He likewise visited with Ringo Starr‘s All-Starr Band and added to Cyndi Lauper‘s albums and trips.
He Produced for “Strange Al” Yankovic and Made Up “Genuine American”
Derringer produced a number of albums for ” Strange Al” Yankovic, consisting of the Grammy-winning parody “Consume It,” a satire of Michael Jackson‘s “Go away.” He likewise co-wrote and carried out “Genuine American,” which ended up being the entryway style for wrestler Hulk Hogan and was later on utilized by numerous political figures throughout projects.
He Accepted Christian Styles Later On in Life
In his later years, Derringer experienced a spiritual awakening that affected his music. He started including Christian styles into his efficiencies, remodeling a few of his earlier tunes to show his faith. In a 2023 interview with Jazz Weekly, he explained himself as a “mole for the Lord, working behind firing line.”
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