Awful Announcing

Rick Derringer, writer of Hulk Hogan’s ‘Real American’ theme, dead at 77

For a certain generation of pro wrestling fans, there is still a Pavlovian response that comes with hearing the opening guitar riffs on “Real American,” the longstanding entrance music for Hulk Hogan.
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Rick Derringer, Singer of ‘Hang on Sloopy,' Writer of ‘Rock and Roll Hootchie Koo' and ‘Real American' Wrestling Theme, Dies at 77

Rick Derringer, whose six-decade career spanned teen stardom as lead singer of the ‘60s smash "Hang on Sloopy," a ‘70s solo hit with "Rock and Roll Hootchie Koo," session work with artists from Steely ...
The Spokesman-Review

Classic rock guitarist, ‘Real American’ singer Rick Derringer dies at 77

NEW YORK — Classic rock guitarist and “Real American” singer Rick Derringer has died. He was 77 years old. His longtime wife, Jenda Derringer, told TMZ he died “peacefully” at a hospital in Ormond ...
The Saratogian

Rick Derringer, who had a hit with ‘Hang On Sloopy’ and produced ‘Weird Al,’ dies at 77

Guitarist and singer Rick Derringer, who shot to fame at 17 when his band The McCoys recorded “Hang On Sloopy,” had a hit with “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo” and earned a Grammy Award for producing ...
Yardbarker

‘Real American’ Hitmaker Rick Derringer Dies – Hulk Hogan’s Theme Writer Was 77

Rick Derringer, the fiery guitarist, producer, and the man behind one of pro wrestling’s most unforgettable anthems, has died at the age of 77. He passed away peacefully on May 26, 2025, in Ormond ...