Rick Derringer: from rock legend to agent of the Lord — interview 2023
29 may 2025 в 23:13
Born as Richard Dean Zehringer in the city of Celina, Ohio, Derringer rose to national fame at just 17 years old as the frontman of the band The McCoys. Their version of the song «Hang On Sloopy» reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1965, surpassing The Beatles' «Yesterday». This song remains an eternal anthem, especially in Ohio, where it was named the official rock song of the state in 1985.
In 1973, Derringer released his debut solo album «All American Boy», which included the hit «Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo». The song reached number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and became a staple of classic rock radio. Its popularity continued, being featured in films such as «Dazed and Confused» and the Netflix series «Stranger Things».
Throughout his career, Derringer worked with a wide range of artists from various genres. He played guitar on albums by Steely Dan, Bonnie Tyler, and Barbra Streisand, among others. He also toured with Ringo Starr’s All-Starr Band and contributed to albums and tours by Cyndi Lauper.
Derringer produced several albums for «Weird Al» Yankovic, including the Grammy-winning parody «Eat It», a parody of Michael Jackson’s «Beat It». He also wrote and performed the song «Real American», which became the entrance theme for wrestler Hulk Hogan and was later used by various political figures during campaigns.
In recent years, Derringer has undergone a spiritual awakening that has influenced his music. He began incorporating Christian themes into his performances, reworking some of his early songs to reflect his faith. In a 2023 interview with Jazz Weekly, he described himself as a «double agent of the Lord, working behind enemy lines»
In 1973, Derringer released his debut solo album «All American Boy», which included the hit «Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo». The song reached number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and became a staple of classic rock radio. Its popularity continued, being featured in films such as «Dazed and Confused» and the Netflix series «Stranger Things».
Throughout his career, Derringer worked with a wide range of artists from various genres. He played guitar on albums by Steely Dan, Bonnie Tyler, and Barbra Streisand, among others. He also toured with Ringo Starr’s All-Starr Band and contributed to albums and tours by Cyndi Lauper.
Derringer produced several albums for «Weird Al» Yankovic, including the Grammy-winning parody «Eat It», a parody of Michael Jackson’s «Beat It». He also wrote and performed the song «Real American», which became the entrance theme for wrestler Hulk Hogan and was later used by various political figures during campaigns.
In recent years, Derringer has undergone a spiritual awakening that has influenced his music. He began incorporating Christian themes into his performances, reworking some of his early songs to reflect his faith. In a 2023 interview with Jazz Weekly, he described himself as a «double agent of the Lord, working behind enemy lines»
© Artemenko Olga
