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Who Was Rick Derringer? 5 Things About the ‘Hang on Sloopy’ Singer Who Died

The rock guitarist, best known for “Hang On Sloopy” and “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo,” died at 77. Find out more about Rick Derringer here.

Image Credit: Redferns Rick Derringer, the rock guitarist and singer best known for the 1965 chart-topping hit “Hang On Sloopy,” died on May 26, 2025, at the age of 77 in Ormond Beach, Florida. Derringer produced several albums for “Weird Al” Yankovic, including the Grammy-winning parody “Eat It,” a spoof of Michael Jackson ‘s “Beat It.”He also co-wrote and performed “Real American,” which became the entrance theme for wrestler Hulk Hogan and was later used by various political figures during campaigns. (Photo by Larry Hulst/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) In his later years, Derringer experienced a spiritual awakening that influenced his music.He began incorporating Christian themes into his performances, reworking some of his earlier songs to reflect his faith.

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