Grammy-Winning Guitarist Rick Derringer Dies at 77

Rick Derringer, the legendary guitarist, singer, and producer known for his work with The McCoys and a broad range of prominent artists, died at 77 in Ormond Beach, Florida. Derringer first gained fame as a teenager with The McCoys' 1965 No. 1 hit "Hang On Sloopy" and later achieved solo success with "Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo." He produced iconic tracks like "Frankenstein" and "Free Ride" for the Winter brothers, and worked with artists including Steely Dan, Alice Cooper, KISS, Cyndi Lauper, Barbra Streisand, and "Weird Al" Yankovic, producing Yankovic's Grammy-winning hits "Eat It" and "Fat." Derringer also penned the famous pro-wrestling theme songs "Real American" for Hulk Hogan and themes for Demolition, which gained cultural significance beyond wrestling, being used by political figures such as Barack Obama and Donald Trump. His legacy spans six decades and includes touring with Ringo Starr's All Starr Band and Peter Frampton, leaving a lasting impact on music and popular culture. Derringer's passing was mourned by fans and colleagues alike, with no cause of death disclosed.