Rick Derringer, the influential guitarist and vocalist best known for the chart-topping hit “Hang On Sloopy” with his band The McCoys, has passed away at the age of 77. Though not always in the spotlight, Derringer’s fingerprints are all over American rock and pop history.
The sad news of his passing was confirmed by longtime friend Tony Wilson via Facebook, though no specific cause of death was disclosed.
A musical prodigy who launched his career in his teens, Derringer may not have been a household name, but his presence was undeniable. He was a go-to session and touring guitarist for a dazzling array of superstars, including Barbra Streisand, Cyndi Lauper, and Steely Dan.
With a career spanning decades, Derringer left a lasting legacy, bridging multiple genres and generations of music. His work behind the scenes made him one of the most trusted and admired sidemen in the business.
