Who was Rick Derringer’s first wife Liz Derringer? Split and more explored as Hang on Sloopy singer dies at 77

Songwriter and guitarist Rick Derringer, who was once married to entertainment journalist, Liz Derringer, has passed away. The legendary musician, who was reportedlty ill over the past few months, as reported by Variety, passed away in his sleep on Monday at the age of 77. No cause of death was given in the official statement released on Tuesday by his close friend and caretaker, Tony Wilson, who wrote on Facebook:

"Derringer’s legacy extends beyond his music, entertaining fans with his signature energy and talent. His passing leaves a void in the music world, and he will be deeply missed by fans, colleagues, and loved ones.”

Rick Derringer was part of the popular 1960s rock band The McCoys, who rose to fame with their hit single, Hang on Sloopy that debuted at no 1 on Billboard Hot 100 Chart in 1965. Derringer went on to release his solo music, including his hit single Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo, and also collaborated with wrestler Hulk Hogan for his now widely popular theme song, Real American, in 1985. Apart from this, Derringer also collaborated with many renowned musicians all throughout his career.

More about Rick Derringer's marriage to first wife, Liz Derringer, as the legendary guitarist passes away

Rick Derringer married Liz Agriss in 1969, who later changed her name to Liz Derringer after marriage. Liz Derringer, who now runs Derringer Media, a New York-based boutique PR agency, met Rick through Andy Warhol. According to Whitehot Magazine, Liz Derringer was working at Interview magazine at the time when she met Rick Derringer.

Liz Derringer, who later went on to work as an entertainment journalist for CNN and New York City Daily News, was married to the guitarist for nearly 22 years until their divorce in sometime in the 1980s. According to The Washington Post, he later married musician Dyan Buckelew Derringer, the couple welcomed their only child, Mallory Derringer in 1992. He later married Jenda Derringer in 1997.

In an 2012 interview with Whitehot Magazine, Liz Derringer recalled a time when Rick Derringer was working with Jimi Hendrix. She said:

"He [Rick Derringer] and I used to go to the Record Plant where Jimi was recording. He would sit there put down the music tracks, go into the hallway and start writing the lyrics. Another time Jimi's guitar was stolen. He came to borrow one from Rick. He had to string it for him because Jimi was left handed."

Later in the interview, Liz Derringer, who for the longest time was thought to have starred in the Hang on Sloopy music video, which actually featured a performance by dancer Lisa Leonard Dalton, was asked what Rick Derringer meant to her and about their connection all these years later. She said:

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"Oh my god. He was everything to me. He was my life. My love. My confidant."

According to The Washington Post, Rick underwent triple bypass surgery earlier this year and was surrounded by his wife, Jenda Derringer, at the time of his death.

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