Rick Derringer dead: Cyndi Lauper collaborator dies surrounded by family as tributes pour in

Rick Derringer has died it's been announced. The news has prompted to the late who died aged 77, who worked with the likes of in his career, which spanned more than six decades.

Tony Wilson, described as his longtime friend and caretaker, shared the news on . He told fans that Rick passed away on Monday night in Ormond Beach, Florida, surrounded by his wife Jenda Derringer and Tony himself.

In his post, Tony said: "[Rick's] legacy extends beyond his music, entertaining fans with his signature energy and talent. His passing leaves a void in the music , and he will be deeply missed by fans, colleagues, and loved ones." He also said that Rick "left an indelible mark on the music industry as a guitarist, singer-songwriter, and producer".

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Rick rose to fame in the 1960s as part of the band the McCoys. He co-founded the group with his brother Randy Zehringer, who was their drummer, and bassist Dennis Kelly in Ohio in 1962, with Rick acting as the lead singer and guitarist.

The group went on to achieve success with a cover of the song Hang On Sloopy, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in upon its release in 1965. It featured on their debut album of the same name, released that same year.

Rick is also known for his songwriting and wrote the song Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo, which featured on the soundtrack of ' fourth season. Bang Showbiz adds that he also composed 's Real American wrestling theme.

Rick released music as a solo artist over the course of his career, with his debut album All-American Boy having launched in 1973. He also collaborated with a host of other artists in the music industry on projects over the years.

He's credited as having worked on music for the likes of Kiss, , Cyndi Lauper and . In recent years, he's said to have toured worldwide with former member and his All Starr Band.

Tributes have been paid to Rick following the news of his death this week. One fan wrote on X tonight: "Rick Derringer's passing leaves a void in the music world, but his legacy as a rock and roll legend will live on. May he rest in peace."

Another fan said on the platform: "Damn! I enjoyed his music. RIP Rick Derringer." Someone else wrote in a post following the news this week: "Another legend gone. Rick Derringer leaves behind a legacy that shaped rock. The music world feels the loss, but the echoes remain."

Former drummer Vinny Appice, who has described Rick as a mentor and friend, wrote in his tribute: "Rick was a great guitarist and even more a teacher to me [...] We recorded three albums together and played many tours, opening for Aerosmith, Boston, Foghat and more."

John Corabi, who fronted , described Rick as a "brilliant guitarist/producer and songwriter". Fellow musician Joe Bonamassa wrote in his tribute post this week: "It was an honour to know you, work with you and call you a friend."

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