Overview

• He passed away on May 26, 2025 in Ormond Beach, Florida surrounded by his wife, Jenda, and caretaker Tony Wilson
• His health had declined after a triple bypass surgery earlier this year, though no official cause of death has been announced
• He first rose to fame at 17 as lead singer of The McCoys with the 1965 No. 1 hit “Hang On Sloopy” and later scored a solo hit with “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo”
• Derringer’s session work spanned artists including Steely Dan, Alice Cooper and Cyndi Lauper, and he produced six albums for “Weird Al” Yankovic, winning a Grammy for “Eat It”
• He wrote and performed Hulk Hogan’s theme song “Real American” and inspired tributes from fans and fellow musicians worldwide