Skip to content
Guitar Heroes: 

Published on

Rick Derringer (born Richard Dean Zehringer on August 5, 1947, in Fort Recovery, Ohio) was an American rock guitarist, singer, songwriter, and producer. His career spanned more than five decades, and he's best known for his hit song "Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo", as well as collaborations with The McCoys, Johnny and Edgar Winter, and later work as a producer and Christian artist.

Early Life and the McCoys

Rick Derringer began performing music at a young age. In the early 1960s, he formed a band called The McCoys with his brother Randy Zehringer and other local musicians.

  • 1965: At just 17, Derringer (still using his birth name) and the McCoys had a No. 1 hit with "Hang On Sloopy."
  • The band opened for major acts like the Rolling Stones and toured widely.
  • Over time, the McCoys moved away from pop and toward a harder blues-rock style.

Collaboration with the Winter Brothers

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Derringer became closely associated with Johnny Winter and Edgar Winter.

  • He joined Johnny Winter And, playing lead guitar and contributing to landmark albums like "Johnny Winter And Live" (1971).
  • Derringer also produced and played with The Edgar Winter Group, including on the hit albums "They Only Come Out at Night" (1972) and "Shock Treatment" (1974).
  • He produced "Frankenstein" and "Free Ride", two of Edgar Winter’s biggest hits.

Solo Career

  • 1973: Released his first solo album, All American Boy, featuring the enduring rock anthem "Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo."
  • The song became his signature hit, reaching the U.S. Top 40 and earning regular radio play ever since.
  • Derringer continued to release solo albums through the 1970s and 1980s, including Spring Fever (1975) and Guitars and Women (1979), the latter produced by Todd Rundgren.

1980s and Production Work

  • Derringer became a successful studio musician and producer, working with Cyndi Lauper, Barbra Streisand, and Weird Al Yankovic, for whom he produced several albums including "Eat It" and "Fat."
  • He also contributed to TV and movie soundtracks and continued touring.

Christian Conversion and Later Career

  • In the late 1990s, Derringer became a born-again Christian, and his musical focus shifted accordingly.
  • He began releasing Christian rock albums such as Derringer Xpress and We Live.
  • Despite the shift, he continued to perform his classic rock hits and participate in nostalgia tours.

Controversies and Later Years

  • Derringer has been involved in some legal and financial troubles, including tax issues and a 2017 arrest for carrying a loaded gun on a commercial flight, though he claimed he misunderstood the law.
  • He has remained active musically into the 2020s, occasionally releasing new material and touring.

Death

  • Derringer passed away on May 26, 2025, at the age of 77. He died at Advent Health ICU in Ormond Beach, Florida, surrounded by his loving wife, Jenda Derringer, and close family.

Legacy

  • Though not a household name like some of his contemporaries, Derringer has had a substantial influence in rock history as a guitar virtuoso, songwriter, and producer.
  • "Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo" remains a staple of classic rock radio and film soundtracks.
  • His work with artists like the Winter brothers and his behind-the-scenes contributions have made him a respected figure in the music industry.
Voices Of Classic Rock: 

Published on

Burton Cummings is a renowned Canadian musician, best known as the lead vocalist and keyboardist for the rock band The Guess Who. His contributions to music have left a significant impact, both as part of the band and as a solo artist. His instantly recognizable voice is heard on dozens of hits from the late 1960s to early 1970s and beyond.

Early Life

Burton Lorne Cummings was born on December 31, 1947, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. He showed an early interest in music and was influenced by rock 'n' roll and R&B. Cummings was a member of several local bands in Winnipeg during his teenage years, including The Deverons, where he began to develop his distinctive voice and keyboard skills.

The Guess Who

In 1965, Burton Cummings joined The Guess Who, replacing original lead singer Chad Allan. This marked a turning point for the band, leading to their rise in fame. Under Cummings' leadership, The Guess Who produced a string of hits during the late 1960s and early 1970s, including:

  • "These Eyes" (1968)
  • "Laughing" (1969)
  • "Undun" (1969)
  • "No Time" (1969)
  • "American Woman" (1970)
  • "No Sugar Tonight/New Mother Nature" (1970)
  • "Share the Land" (1970)

Cummings' powerful voice and songwriting prowess, along with guitarist Randy Bachman's contributions, helped solidify The Guess Who's place in rock history. Their song "American Woman" became particularly iconic, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning the band international acclaim.

...continue reading "Burton Cummings"
Songs You Didn't Realize Were Covers: 

Published on

"You Better Run" is a song by The Rascals, an American rock band that was influential in the 1960s. The song was written by Felix Cavaliere and Eddie Brigati, two key members of The Rascals. Released in 1966, the song is known for its energetic and driving rock sound, showcasing the band's transition from their earlier blue-eyed soul style to a more rock-oriented approach.

This song has been covered by several artists over the years, most notably by Pat Benatar in 1980 on her album "Crimes Of Passion". Her version of "You Better Run" was the second video ever played on MTV, making it a significant moment in music video history.

The Rascals' original "You Better Run" is notable for its raw energy and powerful vocal delivery by Felix Cavaliere. The song's aggressive guitar riff and strong rhythm section are characteristic of the garage rock sound of the mid-1960s. It's also recognized for its gritty and rebellious tone, which made it stand out in the band's discography. Benatar's version is largely faithful to the arrangement and feel of the original, but with an updated production.

Benatar's version peaked at #42 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. The original version was moderately more successful, reaching #20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Initially released as a single on Atlantic Records, "You Better Run" was later included in the compilation album Time Peace: The Rascals' Greatest Hits in 1968. The song's legacy lies in its influence on the rock genre and its role in The Rascals' evolution as a band, marking a period where they began to experiment with a harder, more rock-oriented sound.

Classic Rock History: Tools Of The Trade: 

Published on

Reverb, short for reverberation, is the effect of sound reflecting off surfaces in an environment, creating a sense of space and depth. The invention and development of reverb as an audio effect in recording and electric musical instruments is a fascinating journey that spans decades and involves numerous technological advancements. Let's take a look at the history of reverb, along with some examples of its use.

...continue reading "Reverb"
Voices Of Classic Rock: 

Published on

David Clayton-Thomas is a renowned Canadian rock singer best known as the lead vocalist of the band Blood, Sweat & Tears. His powerful voice and dynamic stage presence have made him a significant figure in rock and jazz-rock music.

David Henry Thomsett was born September 13, 1941 in Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, England. Clayton-Thomas had a turbulent childhood. His family emigrated to Willowdale, Toronto, Canada, when he was young. He had a difficult relationship with his father and left home at an early age.

He spent some time living on the streets and was eventually incarcerated for petty crimes. During his time in a reformatory, he discovered his passion for music.

After his release, Clayton-Thomas began performing in local clubs. He initially played folk music and rhythm and blues, drawing influence from artists like Ray Charles and Bobby Bland.

...continue reading "David Clayton-Thomas"
Voices Of Classic Rock: 

Published on

Paul Rodgers is a celebrated rock singer and songwriter, best known for his powerful and distinctive voice. Over his career, he has fronted several notable rock bands and has also enjoyed a successful solo career.

Paul Rodgers’ career spans over five decades, during which he has established himself as one of rock's premier vocalists. His work with bands like Free and Bad Company, as well as his successful solo endeavors, have cemented his legacy in rock music history.

Paul Bernard Rodgers was born on December 17, 1949, in Middlesbrough, England. He began his musical career in the 1960s, initially inspired by blues and rock 'n' roll artists like Muddy Waters, Otis Redding, and Wilson Pickett.

...continue reading "Paul Rodgers"
Classic Rock History: Tools Of The Trade: 

Published on

The Leslie speaker is a unique and iconic sound device primarily associated with the Hammond organ. Invented in the early 1940s, it has become synonymous with the distinctive swirling, rotating speaker effect heard in many classic rock, jazz, and blues recordings.

The Leslie speaker was invented by Don Leslie, an engineer and inventor, in 1941. Leslie was initially inspired by the desire to enhance the sound of the Hammond organ, which was becoming increasingly popular at the time. The goal was to create a speaker system that could replicate the rich, full-bodied sound of a pipe organ within a smaller, more portable instrument.

Leslie experimented with different speaker designs and configurations until he developed a system that used rotating speakers to create a unique modulation effect. His invention utilized a system of rotating horns and baffles to spread the sound around the room, producing a swirling, Doppler-like effect that enriched the sound of the organ.

Leslie's invention quickly gained popularity, especially among musicians playing Hammond organs, as it added a dynamic, spacious quality to their performances.

...continue reading "The Leslie Rotary Speaker"
Classic Rock History: 

Published on

Jeff Porcaro was a highly respected and influential drummer best known for his work with the band Toto. Born on April 1, 1954, in South Windsor, Connecticut, Porcaro grew up in a musical family. His father, Joe Porcaro, was a session percussionist, and his brothers Mike and Steve also became accomplished musicians.

Porcaro's career took off in the 1970s and 1980s, during which he became one of the most in-demand studio drummers in Los Angeles. His precise yet versatile drumming style made him a sought-after collaborator for a wide range of artists and genres, from rock and pop to jazz and R&B. He played on numerous hit records, contributing his distinctive groove to songs by artists such as Steely Dan, Boz Scaggs, Michael Jackson, and Paul McCartney, among many others.

In 1977, Porcaro co-founded the band Toto with his brother Steve Porcaro, along with David Paich, Steve Lukather, Bobby Kimball and David Hungate. Toto quickly rose to fame with their self-titled debut album in 1978, which featured the hit singles "Hold the Line", "I'll Supply The Love" and "Georgy Porgy." Porcaro's drumming was a crucial element of Toto's sound, characterized by its precision, power, and groove.

...continue reading "Jeff Porcaro"
Classic Rock History: Tools Of The Trade: 

Published on

In the late 1950s, a groundbreaking invention emerged in the world of music— the Maestro Echoplex. Conceived by Mike Battle and released by the Maestro company in 1959, this tape delay effect unit swiftly became a trailblazer in shaping the sonic landscape.

Operating on tape delay technology, the Echoplex utilized a loop of magnetic tape to craft mesmerizing echo effects. Its mechanism involved recording the signal onto the tape and playing it back after a brief delay, resulting in a warm and distinctive sound. This innovation quickly found favor among musicians, particularly guitarists seeking to experiment with novel delay effects.

...continue reading "The Maestro Echoplex"
Back Catalog Albums: 

Published on

Released September 20, 1975, "Masque" is the third studio album by the American rock band Kansas. Kansas is known for their unique blend of progressive rock, art rock, and hard rock elements.

I first became aware of this album, and of Kansas itself, when a fraternity brother from another chapter named Joe transferred to my school and moved into the frat house that year, bringing his collection of albums with him. Kansas' breakout album "Leftoverture" was still a year away, but "Masque" was my preview of coming attractions.

...continue reading "Kansas: “Masque” 1975"