Remembering Rick Derringer: 10 essential songs that defined the guitar journeyman's career

Rick Derringer, who passed away on May 26, 2025, at the age of 77, was a guitarist, songwriter, and producer whose music career lasted more than 60 years. He started as a teen rock star and later became known for his work in rock, blues, and pop. Derringer played with top artists, wrote well-known songs, and helped shape the sound of many popular albums.

He first made it big in the 1960s with The McCoys and went on to have a solo career. Derringer also worked closely with artists like Johnny Winter, Edgar Winter, and Air Supply. He played the guitar, wrote songs, and produced records that are still remembered by fans of classic rock and blues.

Here are 10 songs that define Rick Derringer’s career. These songs show the range of his talent, from early rock hits to deep blues tracks and even music tied to pop culture.

10 best Rick Derringer songs to remember him

1. Hang On Sloopy

Released in 1965 by The McCoys, Hang On Sloopy became a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Derringer was only 17 at the time. The song’s simple rhythm and singalong chorus made it a favorite on the radio. It became a garage rock classic and is now the official rock song of Ohio.

This track launched Rick Derringer’s career and showed his ability to connect with a wide audience. It also marked the start of his long journey in the music business.

2. Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo

Ringo Starr and All Starr Band in Concert (Image via Getty)

Derringer first wrote this song for Johnny Winter, but later released it as a solo track in 1973. It became one of his biggest solo hits. The song features a strong guitar riff and a catchy chorus that made it a staple of classic rock.

Many fans know Derringer best for this track. It is often played on rock radio and used in movies and TV shows. It helped define his style and guitar sound in the 1970s.

3. Still Alive and Well

This song was written for Johnny Winter and appeared on his 1973 album of the same name. Derringer played the guitar and produced the album. The song became a regular part of both artists’ live shows. Still Alive and Well highlighted Derringer’s role not just as a guitarist, but also as a producer. It showed how he helped other artists shape their sound.

4. Let Me In

From his 1976 solo album, Let Me In is a rock song with a catchy hook and strong guitar parts. The song didn’t chart as high as some others, but it became a fan favorite during live shows. This track shows Derringer’s skills as a songwriter and performer. It also reflects his focus on melody and simple but strong song structure.

5. Teenage Love Affair

This track comes from Derringer’s first solo album All American Boy (1973). It mixes pop with rock and tells a story that many young listeners could relate to. The song is upbeat and easy to sing along with. Teenage Love Affair added to the variety of his early solo work. It showed that he could write more than just hard rock and guitar-heavy tracks.

6. Sweet Evil

After Party For The Boomtown Rats At Kipling's Last Resort (Image via Getty)

Sweet Evil was the title track of Rick Derringer’s 1977 album with his band Derringer. The song has heavy guitar riffs and strong rhythm, with a sound close to hard rock of that era. The song’s tight structure and layered guitar parts show Derringer’s skills with a full band. It also reflects the sound of late ‘70s rock music and his ability to stay current.

7. I Play Guitar

Released in 1983 on the album Good Dirty Fun, this song is a clear message about Rick Derringer’s passion. It became popular during his live shows where the guitar solos were extended and energetic. I Play Guitar tells listeners exactly who Derringer is. For fans, this song became more than just music — it was a summary of his identity.

8. Somebody Loan Me a Dime

This blues track features in the album Jackhammer Blues. Originally written by Fenton Robinson, Rick Derringer’s version shows his deep connection to blues music. He gives the song a smooth, slow feel that allows the guitar to stand out. This song proved that Derringer wasn’t limited to rock. He had the ability to dig deep into traditional blues and make it his own.

9. Real American

Rick Derringer and Steven Tyler (Image via Getty)

Real American was written for WWF’s The Wrestling Album in the 1980s. It became the theme song for Hulk Hogan and was used later in politics and pop culture. Although it’s different from his usual work, the song reached a wide audience. This track shows Rick Derringer’s ability to work outside of the usual rock world. It gave him a presence in wrestling, sports, and even national events.

10. Making Love Out of Nothing at All (Air Supply)

Rick And Liz Derringer (Image via Getty)

Although not a single track, Rick Derringer performed the guitar solo on this 1983 Air Supply hit. The tune is famous for its powerful vocal sections and theatrical climax, yet the guitar solo provides an emotional climax. Derringer frequently referred to this as one of his most enjoyable studio experiences. It proved that his talents could enhance a song even if he was not the featured artist.

Rick Derringer's musical career spanned several genres and decades. He was not just a recording artist but also a producer, band member, and guest guitarist. His contribution to rock, blues, and pop music has left an enduring legacy.

These 10 songs illustrate just how broad his influence was and how he adapted with the times. From a chart-topper to a big blues tune to a wrestling theme, Derringer's guitar did it all. His music is still a part of American rock history.

Edited by Vinayak Chakravorty

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