Classic Rock Musician Rick Derringer Dead at 77: Here Are 6 of His Best Songs

American musician Rick Derringer died at age 77 on Monday, May 26. He was best known for his work with the 1960s classic rock band The McCoys, in which he served as a singer and guitarist. He also collaborated with notable artists such as Steely Dan and Alice Cooper throughout his career and eventually went on to become a very popular solo artist. To honor Derringer, we have rounded up six of his most iconic songs—including “Hang on Sloopy”—that you can listen to right now. Read on to discover what they are. 

6. “Teenage Queen” (1973) 

Written and performed by Derringer, “Teenage Queen” appeared on his 1973 album All American Boy, which just so happened to be his debut solo album. The song itself was filled with moving lyrics like “My mind still refuses to let her go” and “The end that wasn’t in our dream”, proving that despite being in the rock genre, Derringer could craft moving and relatable lyrics about, love, loss and how sometimes life doesn’t always go as planned. 

5. “Real American” (1985) 

Derringer recorded the hit “Real American” in 1985, before it made its way onto his 2007 album entitled Rockin’ American. The song quickly became one of his most recognizable, as it served as Hulk Hogan’s WWE entrance theme. It even appeared on his 2014 playlist, The Very Best of Rick Derringer, and has over 14 million streams on Spotify. 

4. “Don’t Ever Say Goodbye” (1975) 

Filled with lyrics like “I’ll love you past the day I die” and “That’s why I sing it out!”This 1975 song really encapsulates what it means to be a musician, thanks to its themes of love, loss and knowing that, at the end of the day, the ability to write out how you are feeling is what separates the good performers from the great ones. It appeared on Derringer’s album “Spring Fever” and was written and performed by him for many years to come. 

3. “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo” (1973) 

Also appearing on Derringer’s debut album is none other than the hit song “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo.” It features a stellar drum beat in the background, must listen to believe guitar riffs and promises listeners that Derringer is “never gonna lose that funky sound”—his words, not ours. “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo” currently has over 20 million streams on Spotify and, over 50 years later, is still considered one of Derringer’s best and most well-known songs. 

2. “Somebody Loan Me a Dime” (2000) 

Released in 2000, “Somebody Loan Me a Dime” really showcases Derringer’s range and ability to entertain listeners. At over 10 minutes long, the song itself features several lengthy and must-hear-to-believe guitar solos, and Derringer’s signature blue-sounding voice and moving lyrics. “Somebody Loan Me a Dime” is one of his more underrated songs, we will admit it, but it definitely is one of his best. 

1. “Hang on Sloopy” (1965) 

Coming in at number one is none other than the song that many people claim solidified Derringer’s spot as one of the best classic musicians of all time. Yes, we are talking about his 1965 hit, “Hang on Sloopy,” which was originally sung by The McCoys, Derringer’s band. It is fun, fresh and something we can see people dancing to back then and now.