LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) - Legendary guitarist, singer and Mercer County native Rick Derringer died on Memorial Day in Ormond Beach, Florida, according to a Facebook post by his caregiver, Tony Wilson.
At 17, he and The McCoys recorded “Hang On Sloopy,” which later became Ohio’s official rock song.
Born in Celina and raised in Fort Recovery, Derringer was well known for his music career, which began in his teens with the band The McCoys. At 17, he and The McCoys recorded “Hang On Sloopy,” which later became Ohio’s official rock song. Derringer also had a hit with “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo,” won a Grammy for producing “Weird Al” Yankovic’s debut album and played the guitar solo on Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart.” On Tuesday afternoon, Groamy of Groamy’s CDs and Tapes reflected on Derringer’s life and his ties to the local community.
“He went on to play with Johnny and Edgar Winter. He worked with Cyndi Lauper. He worked with Steely Dan, so it's not just an Ohio thing, it's like a music thing. Some people may remember when he played at the Square Fair years ago. You know, when The McCoys were around, they played this area a lot. You know, they played out at Springbrook Gardens back in 1966, and so, they do have that local connection- an amazing guitar player, you know,” says Groamy, owner of Groamy CD's and Tapes.
Derringer was 77-years old.
