Rick Derringer — the prolific guitarist whose career included solo success and work with the likes of The McCoys, Edgar and Johnny Winter, and producing one of the most iconic wrestling themes of all time — has died. He was 77.
Derringer’s death was confirmed in a Facebook post from caretaker and longtime friend Tony Wilson, who did not disclose a cause of death. The post notes Derringer died at 8:09 p.m. on May 26 with his wife, Jenda, and Wilson by his side.
Born in Celina, Ohio, Derringer formed The McCoys in the early ’60s, who were best known for their 1965 cover of “Hang On Sloopy.” The song went on to become an unofficial anthem for Ohio State University and was named the official rock song for the state of Ohio in 1985. “Hang On Sloopy” is often played during games of some of Ohio’s professional sports teams, including the Cleveland Guardians, the Cleveland Browns, and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
After the McCoys disbanded in 1969, Derringer and McCoys bassist Randy Jo Hobbs and drummer/brother Randy became the backing band for Johnny Winter. Derringer later would join Edgar Winter’s White Trash and the Edgar Winter Group. In addition to his guitar duties, Derringer worked in a producer capacity on some of Edgar Winter’s most popular albums, including 1972’s They Only Come Out at Night, which features “Frankenstein” and “Free Ride.”
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