Photo: Getty Images
Rock legend Rick Derringer has passed away at the age of 77, TMZ reports.
The icon, responsible for hits like "Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo," "Hang on Sloopy," and "Real American," to name only a few of his timeless tracks, was taken off life support on Monday (May 26) night following a "medical episode."
His wife, Jenda Derringer, told TMZ that he died "peacefully."
Derringer underwent a triple bypass surgery two months ago, and his caretaker, Tony Wilson, said he "seemed totally fine" in the days leading up to his death. Wilson mentioned that the star reached for his pillow and went into "some sort of shock" on Memorial Day. He was rushed to a hospital in Ormond, Florida, where he later passed away.
Both Derringer's wife and caretaker were with him when he breathed his last breath, revealing, "We thought we had years left, but God's timing is perfect." Jenda also commented on how "positive" and upbeat he was following his bypass surgery.
The renowned musician was born in Celina, Ohio, and rose to fame at 17 years old as the lead singer of The McCoys in 1965 with chart-topper "Hang on Sloopy," which became the official theme song of The Ohio State University (adding an "O-H-I-O") in 1985. "Real American" became Hulk Hogan's WWE theme song (per Wrestling Inc.) that same year, and was also used by former President Barack Obama during a White House Correspondents’ Dinner in 2011.
The standout collaborated with Ringo Starr, Cindi Lauper, Weird Al, Steely Dan, Alice Cooper, Kiss, Barbra Streisand, and Johnny and Edgar Winter throughout his impressive six-decade career.
A cause of death has yet to be revealed as the world mourns the loss of the late, great Rick Derringer.