Rick Derringer is a versatile American rock guitarist, singer, songwriter, and producer whose career spans over five decades. Born Richard Zehringer in 1947, Derringer first found fame as the teenage frontman of The McCoys with their 1965 chart-topper “Hang On Sloopy.” He later became a respected solo artist, studio musician, and producer.
His biggest solo hit, “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo,” remains a staple of classic rock radio. Derringer has played with music legends like Johnny Winter, Edgar Winter, Steely Dan, and Ringo Starr. Even after the spotlight faded, Derringer stayed busy with music production, touring, and exploring new styles.
| Full Name | Richard Dean Zehringer |
|---|---|
| Stage Name | Rick Derringer |
| Born | August 5, 1947 |
| Origin | Fort Recovery, Ohio, USA |
| Genres | Rock, Hard Rock, Blues Rock, Jazz Fusion, Christian Rock |
| Instruments | Guitar, Vocals |
| Years Active | 1965–present |
| Associated Acts | The McCoys, Johnny Winter, Edgar Winter Group, Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band |
| Major Hits | “Hang On Sloopy,” “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo,” “Free Ride” (as producer/guitarist) |
| Labels | BANG, Blue Sky, CBS, Alligator, Razor & Tie |
Early Life and the McCoys Era
Rick Derringer was born Richard Dean Zehringer on August 5, 1947, in Fort Recovery, Ohio. By age 17, he had formed a band called Rick and the Raiders with his brother Randy Zehringer. The group eventually changed its name to The McCoys.
In 1965, The McCoys recorded “Hang On Sloopy,” a cover of a 1964 tune by The Vibrations. The track shot to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, briefly dethroning The Beatles’ “Yesterday.” This sudden success catapulted Derringer into national fame.
The McCoys enjoyed brief chart success with other songs like “Fever,” “Come On Let’s Go,” and “Up and Down.” They opened for The Rolling Stones during the Stones’ U.S. tour in 1966. However, as musical tastes changed, The McCoys struggled to shed their “bubblegum pop” image, and the band dissolved by the late 1960s.
Collaborations with Johnny and Edgar Winter
After the McCoys, Derringer joined blues guitarist Johnny Winter’s new band, Johnny Winter And. Here, he began to earn respect for his serious guitar chops. He also played in Edgar Winter’s White Trash and later the Edgar Winter Group, where he contributed to their hit “Free Ride.”
This era helped shape Derringer’s signature blues-rock style and broadened his musical reputation beyond teen pop.
Breakthrough Solo Hit: “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo”
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Derringer launched his solo career in the early 1970s. His debut solo album, All American Boy (1973), featured the hard-rock anthem “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo.” The single reached No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became his most enduring solo hit.
Although he wrote the song earlier for Johnny Winter, it was Derringer’s own version that took off. “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo” remains his best-known track and a rock radio staple.
Later Albums and Singles
Derringer released several follow-up albums, including Spring Fever (1975), Guitars and Women (1979), and Good Dirty Fun (1983). While none matched the commercial success of All American Boy, he did score minor hits like:
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“Teenage Love Affair” (#80, 1975)
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“Let Me In” (#86, 1976)
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“Hang On Sloopy” (solo version, #94, 1976)
In 1976, he also founded a self-titled band, Derringer, releasing several albums that attracted a cult following, especially among hard rock fans.
Life as a Producer and Session Musician
Derringer’s talents went beyond performing. He became an in-demand producer and studio musician. He produced albums for “Weird Al” Yankovic, including hits like “Eat It” and “I Lost on Jeopardy.” He also worked with Bette Midler, Cyndi Lauper, Barbra Streisand, and Meat Loaf.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Derringer began to explore new sounds, including jazz, fusion, and Christian rock. His jazz-leaning album Free Ride (2002) showcased a different side of his musicality.
“Hang On Sloopy” as an Enduring Legacy
“Hang On Sloopy” remains Rick Derringer’s most iconic song—even though it was recorded with The McCoys. In 1985, it was officially designated as the state rock song of Ohio.
The song has been covered by artists like The Ramsey Lewis Trio, The Sandpipers, and The Lettermen. Derringer himself often plays it at his live shows, including during a 2011 performance with Ringo Starr’s All-Starr Band.
Recent Years and Personal Life
Derringer has remained active in the music industry, performing both solo and as a guest with other artists. He became a born-again Christian in the late 1990s and began incorporating Christian themes into his music. Albums such as We Live (2008) and Knighted by the Blues (2009) reflect his spiritual journey.
Despite a lower public profile, Derringer continues to tour and record. His technical guitar skills and songwriting have earned him a lasting place in classic rock history.
Selected Discography (Highlights)
With The McCoys:
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Hang On Sloopy (1965) – #1 US
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“Fever,” “Come On Let’s Go” – minor hits
Solo:
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All American Boy (1973) – includes “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo”
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Spring Fever (1975)
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Guitars and Women (1979)
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Good Dirty Fun (1983)
With Derringer (band):
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Derringer (1976)
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Sweet Evil (1977)
Later Works:
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Free Ride (2002) – jazz reworks
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We Live (2008)
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Knighted by the Blues (2009)
Rick Derringer’s journey from teen idol to respected rock guitarist, songwriter, and producer showcases his adaptability and talent. From “Hang On Sloopy” to “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo,” his music continues to resonate with fans across generations.