Reality Check
Keepin' it 100
In 1965, when he was just 17-years-old, Rick Derringer’s band The McCoys had a Billboard #1 hit with “Hang On, Sloopy”. In 1973, he had another hit with “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo” off his solo album All American Boy. Over the course of his career, he played on albums with Johnny & Edgar Winter, Alice Cooper, Richie Havens, Todd Rundgren, Steely Dan, Cyndi Lauper, Barbra Streisand, and Kiss. Derringer is credited with discovering “Weird” Al Yankovic, and won a Grammy for producing Yankovic’s albums.
But most wrestling fans know him as the musician behind Hulk Hogan’s iconic entrance theme, “Real American”. Via his friendship with Cyndi Lauper, Derringer entered the world of pro wrestling in the 1980s via the then-WWF’s Rock-n-Wrestling Era. He would produce 1985’s The Wrestling Album with David Wolff and, along with Jim Johnston, its 1987 sequel Piledriver: The Wrestling Album II.
However you knew him, we’re sorry to pass along news that Derringer died recently at the age of 77. Word came earlier today (May 27) via a Facebook post from his long-time friend and caretaker Tony Wilson. Guitar World confirmed the news while republishing their interview with Derringer from last year. There is no word on a cause of death, but he had been in poor health.
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Rick Derringer, writer & singer of Hulk Hogan’s ‘Real American,’ has died
The 77-year-old was a prominent musician and producer who left an impact larger than one of pro wrestling’s most recognizable themes.www.cagesideseats.com
If he's proven to be a MAGA Trumpanzee like Hoegan or @Brad Piff then yes, the negs are deserved.