Rick Derringer, the legendary guitarist and singer-songwriter behind hits like “Hang on Sloopy,” has passed away at 77. According to his friend and caretaker Tony Wilson, Derringer died peacefully on Monday after a brief illness. Wilson described Derringer as leaving an indelible mark on the music industry, spanning six decades.
Derringer’s wife Jenda revealed that he had undergone surgery on his legs in February but remained positive and peaceful despite the complications. The rocker rose to fame with The McCoys, releasing “Hang on Sloopy” in 1965, which became an anthem for Ohio State University football fans.
Throughout his career, Derringer worked with notable artists like Cyndi Lauper and Barbra Streisand. He won a Grammy for producing Weird Al Yankovic’s self-titled 1983 album. The music world will miss him, leaving a void that will be deeply felt by fans, colleagues, and loved ones alike.
Source: https://www.thedailybeast.com/legendary-guitarist-and-singer-rick-derringer-dead-at-77