The entertainment world is in mourning following the death of a legendary rock musician after classic rock guitarist, singer, producer, and songwriter Rick Derringer died this week at 77 years old.
Derringer’s longtime friend and caretaker, Tony Wilson, shared the news via Facebook, per The Independent. The guitarist was surrounded by his wife, Jenda, and Wilson when he passed on May 26 in Ormond Beach, FL.
No cause of death was announced at the time, though an official Facebook page for Derringer and his wife had detailed several health issues in recent months, including an ankle bypass in March 2025. The final post from his Facebook profile came back on April 17 with a message that read: “We’re all feeling great! Rick, Jenda and Derringer Dog, Lana Grace.”
“With a career spanning six decades, The Legendary Rick Derringer left an indelible mark on the music industry as a guitarist, Singer songwriter, and producer. As a member of the McCoys, he achieved fame with hits like ‘Hang On Sloopy.’ Still live and well, Derringer also worked with notable artists such as Steely Dan, Alice Cooper, Kiss, Weird Al, Cyndi Lauper, and Barbra Streisand, and penned hits like ‘Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo’ and ‘Real American,'” read a statement from Derringer’s caretaker.
“Derringer’s legacy extends beyond his music, entertaining fans with his signature energy and talent. His passing leaves a void in the music world, and he will be deeply missed by fans, colleagues, and loved ones.”
Derringer first rose to prominence when his band The McCoys recorded “Hang on Sloopy,” which reached No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 back in 1965. He eventually joined Johnny Winter in 1969, creating the band Johnny Winter And.
Derringer shot to fame at age 17 when his band The McCoys recorded “Hang On Sloopy.” The song reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1965.
Later in his career, Derringer worked “extensively with singer Cyndi Lauper, produced Weird Al Yankovic’s first album, and wrote and produced many popular theme songs for wrestlers, including Hulk Hogan’s ‘Real American,’ according to Variety.
