Sad to say famed guitarist Rick Derringer has died at age 77.
Rick was famous for the song, “Hang On Sloopy” when his band was called The McCoys in the mid 60s.
He struck gold again in the mid 70s as a solo artist with a monster hit, “Rock and Roll Hootchie Koo.”
Around the same time, Rick had a total Renaissance, playing with the Edgar Winter Group on their huge hits, “Frankenstein” and “Free Ride.” His credits include dozens of other albums and singles you can look up in Wikipedia.
I knew Rick a little bit. For many years he was married to Liz Derringer, a PR maven and popular New York celebrity herself. They were a hot rock couple of the 70s.
Liz tells me: “Rick was not only an amazing guitarist, he was a great person. We spent 25 incredible years together. I am so saddened by his passing. He will remain in my heart forever.”
Condolences to Liz and Rick’s entire family. He was a star.
