Rock guitarist, singer, songwriter, and producer Rick Derringer – born Richard
Dean Zehringer in Celina Ohio on August 5, 1947 – was best known for his long
career that included hits like 1964’s “Hang on Sloopy” (with his band The
McCoys) and the 1973 solo single “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo.” He’s also
well-known for replicating Eddie Van Halen’s “Beat It” solo on ‘Weird Al’
Yankovic’s 1984 parody hit “Eat It.” His musical journey began when he received
a guitar for his ninth birthday, which led to him forming garage rock band The
McCoys after his family relocated to Union City, ...