A true Pop music superstar and American songwriter, Rick Derringer is no more. Yes! Living a life dedicated to music, building his band McCoys in his teenage years to today, he is a living legend whose legacy lives on forever. Let’s pay tribute to all his prominent works once again, and sing his tunes with all heart and harmony.
His Early Influence
Richard Dean Zehringer was born on August 5, 1947, in Celina, Ohio. His parents, John and Janice Thornburg, were major music enthusiasts with a grand record collection. But his major influence comes from his uncle Jim Thornburg, who was a famous musician at that time in Ohio. Rick has mentioned that when he first heard his uncle playing guitar in his parents’ kitchen, he was drawn to that instrument. He was 8 years old, his parents gifted him an electric guitar that he started playing along with his brother Randy.
McCoys Pop Band
Later, the family moved to Union City, Indiana. Ricky started his band named McCoy, and in 1965, when he was 18 years old, it was hired by the Stangeloves studio in New York. Here they released the first song, “Hang On Sloopy”, which became a major super hit, especially known as the Derringers’ homeland song of Ohio. Even today, this song is often played at the Cleveland Guardians’ home games and Ohio Caverns at the end of every tour. Subsequently, he released his first solo album, All American Boy.
Most Popular Songs
Derringer has released billboard charted songs like “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo” that reached top 25 out of Hot 100 and became the highest-charted single. Later years, he created “Still Alive and Well” with Johnny Winter, “Let Me In” from his Solo album, wrote Hulk Hogan’s WWE theme“Real American”, “Teenage Love Affair”, “Gimme More”, and heartfelt ballad “Don’t Ever Say Goodbye”. All these represent his versatility in singing and love for songwriting.
Collaborations and Grammy
Derringer’s passion to make and produce music is not limited to his albums. He is well known for collaboration in songwriting and contributing guitar skills to various artists. With Johnny Winter, he played popular tracks like “Frankenstein” and “Free Ride”. He has played memorable guitar pieces for Steely Dan’s “My Rival”, Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart”, Barbra Streisand’s “Left in the Dark”, and played commendable solo guitar for Air Supply’s “Making Love Out of Nothing at All” in 1983. Further awarded a Grammy for producing Yankovic’s debut album “Weird Al”.
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Recent Works and Death
Even after being disbanded, Derringer never stopped collaborating, he has extended his musical influence thanks to God-like guitar skills that fans swoon over. His recent album “Rock the yatch” was released in 2023 at the age of 75, and he participated in many music community events until he suddenly closed his eyes in Florida on May 26. We can say it’s the end of an era of prodigy.
Written by: Meghana Pinninti