I about fell out of my chair when Rick said about ... "If you can't say anything good about someone, don't say anything at all". lol Absolute fact . lolol And they still hold him up on a pedestal . Right on Rick ! :)
Rick is SO right about not speaking poorly about anyone. If you can be diligent with that, your life will have quality. Love Rick, his fantastic guitar and his great voice
I'm almost 70 and i saw Rick Derringer and Johnny Winter at Newcastle City Hall in 1971 ! Yes 50 years ago ! Mean Town Blues and Rock and Roll Hoochie Coo 2 absolute classics. The Guy's a Legend.
It’s a 3 part interview. I made it in segments because at the time, I was told you couldn’t post anything over 15 minutes. Such a shame. It would’ve been so much easier just to let the tape roll!
You aint kiddn.....I remember how amazed I was when drummer Jeff Porcaro told me that it was Rick who played the solo on Steely Dans "Bad Sneakers And The Pina Colada" from their recording: "Katy Lied"...Now THAT is an elegant solo, melodic lyricism in its most economical format...and with so much feeling...Rick a "Man for all seasons"
No disrespect... Rick was Johnny (and Edgar) Winter's "protege". I saw Johnny at the State Theater not long before his passing... still laying it down and super talented (well beyond Rick's capabilities in my opinion). Also saw Buddy Guy at the same venue... probably a decade ago now. Missed Buddy's recent farewell tour and have no doubt that he was on fire.
Hi! Rick , I was about 15 yrs old and you played at a HS somewhere in up state Ny , an a friends band opened first! I was allowed to stand , on right, beside the stage! The McCoys came on, and someone pushed me on the stage and I got to dance with your song Hang on Sloopy! It was a great memory ! I also be came a good friend of George Cameron drummer from the Left Bank! He past a few yrs ago!
I first heard Rick Derringer singing rock ‘n’ roll Hoochie coo. I was 14 years old and totally blown away. Years later I found out he sang hang on Sloopy. Awesome guitarist! I would love the chance to meet him.
I’m 70, and nothing brings back that teenaged angst, anxiety and excitement like Hang On Sloopy. 12 year old poor kid, in Junior High, the run down little burger joint we all mobbed for lunch always had it banging on the jute box, over and over and over… …I was that Sloopy Girl from the poor part of town and yes…I did hang on. I did hang on. Life turned out very well for me. Thanks for the encouragement heart❤
I saw Rick play in a small bar near Georgia Tech sometime in the late 90s and there might have been 50 people in the place including the waitresses and bartenders and Rick played like there were 50,000 people in there. He's always been one of my favorite guitarists every since I had "All American Boy" as a teenager.
I like Rick Derringer, both his music and as a person - I've discovered his work through TH-cam and his career has been very impressive. From the McCoys, to Johnny Winter AND, to Edgar Winter Group and his solo career - as well as his extensive works as a Producer, Songwriter and Session Guitarist, Rick is a True Professional!
No better combination Johnny Winter/Rick Derringer back in the day! I saw them numerous times unbelievable straight up rock! Those were the best of days!
I saw Rick Derringer in 1978 opening for Aerosmith and him and his band blew them off the stage....the guy can sing and rip it up on guitar like nobodies business!
I saw Rick that year in the spring as well, also opening for Aerosmith at the Montreal Forum, and Rick's set blew Aerosmiths out of the water....I think one of the encores he played was Helter Skelter by the Beatles......great concert!
IIRC, '77, I saw Derringer open for Boston, and "Rock n' Roll Hootchie Koo" went for 37 minutes as a finale'. Boston came on, the audience was spent after going nuts over Rick, and Bostons entire set wasn't much longer than Ricks finale'. Saw him at a local amusement park as well (Lake Compounce), and will never forget him climbing the stack of speakers and bumping his head on the ceiling, kind of fell/jumped to the stage....and freaking ROCKED. Local guy from CT. I believe, and played the club scene quite a bit.
Rick was a major inspiration to me when I was learning how to play in the early seventies. Even with all his accolades, I still think he's underrated. Rick shouldn't be intimidated by any guitar player.
Rick is amazing and I love what he brought to Johnny's band. I was able to see Rick once, thus far, live at a Tommy Bolin memorial outdoor concert near the Big Sioux River on a warm summer night near Sioux City, IA. Rick was playing a PRS that night. An amazing guitarist and friendly person. 👍👍
Damn, I live in Sioux City and have been to a few of the Tommy Bolin memorial shows. Did not know Rick Played at one of these. Would have loved to see him play.
During the 80's my friend's band opened for Rick and found him to be incredibly friendly and gracious. They were allowed full access to Rick and were very well taken care of by Mr. Derringer, his band and crew and everyone associated with him. My friend's band opened for many big named acts and Rick was the one he remembered most fondly!!!
I am not surprised to hear that. When people ask me about him or should I say them…Rick and his wife Jenda…they are kind to everyone…everywhere we go. Whether they know who he is or not.
Rick, thanks for the "Sloopy" clarifications. Here is a comment I left for Lisa Reynolds Dalton, the "Sloopy" girl in your video: But, the best part of the "Sloopy" girl story is that Rick Derringer gave life to her in the song with this video. And, Lisa was perfect for the part, and still is.
I was never a Rick Derringer fan & I’m old enough to remember the song on the radio. Never thought much of the Sloopy song either until stumbling on the YT video recently, WITH THAT GIRL DANCING. The story of her involvement & distant memory of the shoot, assuming it was lost on the cutting room floor, is THE story of Sloopy for me.
Sadly when Jimi Hendrix found fame and had finally established some control over his music, he was pulled in too many conflicting directions by people that didn't have his best interests at heart. After surviving a pretty bleak childhood and relative poverty it's tragic that he then died so young without a chance to fulfill his musical hopes and dreams. Thanks for music Rick, and for the kind remembrance of Jimi Hendrix.
@@richardchorley1593 I have never thought of myself as sexy. I consider myself to be very smart, super athletic and cute. Sexy is way better! Especially since I have on no makeup. Thank you Richard.
Wow, that must have been a long time ago. I, or should I say, my buddy won 2 tickets from the radio station back in 1980 or so. We were working on the stereo in my 1969 chevelle when he ran in my parents house to call, no cell phones yet, and won two tickets to his show at Post college in westbury, Long Island, NY
I met Rick at a guitar show in Orlando some years back when he was representing Warrior guitars. What a great man! He took time to talk to me as if I was important to him. He and I are both Christians and he really exudes the love of Jesus in his life. Later saw him play with his good friend Edgar Winter and still kills it on guitar!!!
Met Rick at a guitar expo in Orlando Florida many years ago. He was a Warrior Guitars signature artist representing Warrior at the show. What a wonderful man, and not only great guitar player but man of God! We talked about our faith and just was so disarming as a legend. He graciously signed some CDs and I felt as though he’s definitely a cut above with his appreciation and interests above and beyond guitars👊🏼💯🎯
In 1965 I went to see the Rolling Stones at the Manning Bowl for 3 dollars in Boston MA. There were about 5 groups on the show before the stones came on.......One of them was not very well known at the time........During their short set this little kid steps forward and plays a mind blowing guitar solo...it was the outstanding momrnt of the show......Rick Derringer then about 16 years old was just awesome ........Rick if you are reading this I would guess that you remember that! Congrats on having a great career!
That’s a really neat story. I’ll be sure to share it with him. He’s getting inducted into the California music Hall of Fame this weekend. I’m really proud of him and so glad to see him get this award in his lifetime.
I just read by googling it that Dorothy Sloop may be who Sloopy was. She was a jazz pianist in New Orleans on Bourbon street who performed with a singer named Dixie and she/they got heckled and a couple of young guys said, "Hang on, Sloopy" to encourage her. That story makes the most sense to me.
I can never hit the stage again. I am teaching myself piano. I sing. Very very nervous and jittery as I watch this. Oh, God. Thank you, Rick Derringer.
I watch the people on AGT that thought that they could never do it again. You don’t need an audience to have a stage. Use your living room, your yard, your bedroom and make it your new stage! And if ends up on TH-cam, then you have done it again. I have faith that you can do it again!
Thanks so much Rick. I never realized just how engaging you are as a speaker! DERRINGER is still my favorite although I'll never let you forget the great live shows you did with Johnny and Edgar over the years. May peace be with you.... Godsend! Billy
Rick was playing at the Agora Bowl Room in Atlanta Georgia, in about 1980, I came up to the front of the stage and shook his hand after he finished playing a song, that was nice of him to do!
The McCoy's was the first concert I seen as a teenager In Fort Worth Texas they were other bands there also ! Then seen him with Jonny Winters in Dallas Great concert !
We need to know more!...Hendrix flew by this world so fast...Rick must have many stories about hanging with Hendrix...I like how he says that he was not intimidated by Hendrix....Jimi was known to be very considerate to his fellow jammers and would hold back a little, at least until the final blow session!...Seriously, people who interacted with Hendrix are dying off..we need them to speak up more about the mysterious, super talent that was Jimi Hendrix!
Saw the Rick Derringer band open for Aerosmith at a club outside of Boston in the late 70s. Great night, Rick’s band weren’t as wasted as Aerosmith but it was still an epic show.
This was great!!! I'm always very interested in hearing more about the back stories about songs and music in general from the past. I guess it's due to the fact that it is my past. Rock&Roll is basically the story of my life. I started watching American Band Stand at the age of 5 or 6 so, that was 1955/56. It's really great to hear Rick talking about "Hang on Sloopy". That song was a major hit when I was 14/15. Everybody in my neighborhood loved it. Thanks for posting this. You have a new subscriber!
Saw them live at the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago during that period. The two of them together was beyond the beyond. A real high energy show. It’s too bad that they didn’t do more stuff together. The live Johnny Winter And record is good but doesn’t come close to what I saw that night.
When we were teens , we hitchhiked to a cousins house in the country in the middle of nowhere, the ONLY RECORD HE OWNED and PLAYED DRUMS TO (OVER AND OVER and over of course ,we did that back then) was a copy of “Hang on Sloopy” , since it came out new and this was 1970 ! TRUE STORY !
I bought the McCoys record sometime in the late '70s at a used record store, (Salzer's in Ventura, Ca) and fell in love. All the songs on it are earnestly done--I first heard them do "Sorrow" before David Bowie did it. And of course, who doesn't like his 15 year old kid on a Gibson 335 doing the "Sloopy" solo?
Great interview. Saw him in the 80s in St. Pete , Florida. He's one of the greats of that era. Incredible dexterity and variety when playing. Never a wrong note. Well, none that stood out.
I remember the Gibson 355 and the Fender Super Reverb on the back of the Hang On Sloopy album. That was the top notch rig in my area when I grew up also!!!! Still sounds Great!!!
I walked into a small bar in Jacksonville Beach and. Rick was setting up his rig. Getting ready to play with Leon Russell, who was also there setting up. I didn't realize until I was there. For about 20 minutes I got both their autographs.
What a great interview! Man, jammin' with Jimi... I jammed many times with Phil Degracia - the next closest thing. Man, we're just people, right? We all picked up stuff from you. My friend Paul Bova wanted to name our band in 1971 "Ruff-N-Ready" - inspired by Rick Derringer. Thanks, Rick.
The McCoy’s Were Rick & the Raiders were the Rick Z Combo back in Dayton, Ohio and the House band at the Golden Lion a club in the back of Forest Park Shopping Center. North Dayton on route 48-in the mid 60’s. They were from Union City, Indiana and we heard them play Hang on Sloopy every Friday and Saturday night…damn what a fun time to be alive!!!
I styled a lot of my early guitar playing on Rick's unique style and tone. I always loved the overdubbed octave guitar solo on the 45 version of Free Ride as well as his solo on Back in the USA (White Trash Roadwork). Check out the final riff closing the tune. Amazing tone.
Interesting. Glad I found this. I saw Rick Derringer live back in the late 1970s. He opened for Bad Company or Foghat. I don't really remember which one because the weed was really, really good and I was 17. I do remember I really enjoyed his set and he sounded awesome.
Only saw Rick once in Toronto around 77. The show was slated to have a new band Boston open for Rick but the Boston album was such a success they flipped the show to Rick opening for Boston.
I guess you can’t blame them for that. Rick didn’t hold a grudge. He did a show with Barry Goudreau in 2019. They were hanging out and chatting backstage.
Karen ...Big Ups to you. I really enjoyed this interview....soooo much new information...Love It. Btw...You have the best Calves in Rock and Roll....Tina Turner doesn't come close! You Rock.
Okay, the REAL source for Sloopy: Sloopy is a cat, created by 1960's poet Rod McKuen, and is included in his book "Listen to the Warm," published by Random House in 1963. The name of the poem is "A Cat Named Sloopy." Does anyone remember the popular poster back then, featuring a cat hanging onto a branch, and underneath the photo it says, "Hang In There!"? The writer of the song was basing it on all of the above. The actual originator of the song is still a mystery however.
Rick has had an awesome career. He's earned every bit of any accolades. Even then, I consider him very underrated. He just didn't hype himself up. When he was playing on stage, it was like he was just loving playing with the band. He knew his stuff so well, it looked like it was all effortless and it was all just fun. Rick was Eddie, before Eddie. And without the hype.
What a nice guy.....apparently his success came in part because he had a good head on his shoulder...good to see a class act like him and yes...I was 14 when I first heard him with Johnny Winter!
Did I hear Rick mention that Bridget Harris had visited him in New Mexico? I would love to hear where he lives now. I relocated to New Mexico five years ago. I left Los Angeles. That is where I met Rick. I lived in Pasadena at the time, and there was a little club near my house, that was a very popular hangout with me and my friends. A lot of my pals are musicians. Some good, some great, some undiscovered, and that's fine with them. I graduated with Eddie Van Halen, and some of my older friends were in Alex's class. We were all friends, along with Dave. One night, my friend Steve Brown, comes up to me, and asks me if I want to meet Rick Derringer. I say sure. We go over to a table against the wall near the entrance. We were introduced, and exchanged pleasantries. Then I just blurted out that one of my favorite songs is "Hang On Sloopy", by The McCoys. Rick had a surprised look on his face, then asked me "Really? You know I was in the McCoys?" "Oh sure. I was raised with music. My mom had a party band with her two sisters, in Santa Fe. I was ten in 1965, and loved the bands I heard on my transistor radio after school. So, I really liked The Beatles, but other groups too. Like The Kinks." Then, I told him I liked Rock and Roll Hootchicoo" too. All while I was standing next to the fully occupied table. I knew everyone seated there. I felt kind of excluded, so I told him it was nice meeting him, and returned to my table. I know my friends were excited to have Rick there, and didn't want to give up their place at the table to me, and I get it. But in hindsight, I wish I had gone in the back, and brought out a chair! Rick was nice, and it was nice meeting him.
That was a wonderful and intriguing interview or more like a conversation. Do you remember Mike Douglas?? He use to do the same. Allowed the artist to fully answer the question, and just try to snap back with one liners.
I don’t think that you can pay me a bigger compliment than that. This is the only interview that I have ever done in my life. And yes, I have seen Mike Douglas. He was truly great!
I saw Rick and the McCoys in Huntsville, Ontario at a ski resort called Hidden Valley. It was 1967 or 68. They played like there was no tomorrow. They did numerous sets and Rick played incredible and interesting solos. The Yardbirds played there a few months later. Jimmy Page was the guitarist and while he was great, Rick Derringer was in the same league. Two of the best guitar players I’ve ever heard. He’s a fabulous singer as well.
I had a cassette of you and Jimi Jamming together. Beautiful session 👌 I could swear I heard my own voice singing after Jim Morrison. Sounds like me but I was really drunk or high in the spirit..but I was barely born at that time..I wish I remembered some of the cuts from those days will you and Jimi..thanks 😊 🙏 😊
The successful businessman that claimed to have written “Hang On Sloopy” in the article mentioned by Rick was Charles J. Givens. For those that don’t remember, he was the get-rich guru of the 80’s - a multi-millionaire and best-selling author that sold financial advice in infomercials in the early days of cable . For years in the 80’s he claimed to have written “Hang On Sloopy” and sold it for next to nothing. It was part of his bio and included in his publicity materials as well as the many articles written about him that were printed all across the country. Unfortunately, it was a complete fabrication. It’s too bad that Rick gives that article so much credibility in this interview because Givens’ claim was disproved in the late 80’s when he was confronted by a lawyer representing Wes Farrell (one half of the songwriting duo that actually wrote “My Girl Sloopy”). In an article published in the Los Angeles Times in 1989, Givens blamed the media for improperly crediting him as the songs author and said that he had actually written a different but similar song called “Sloopy Can Penguin.” Givens didn’t write this song either. Givens was from Decatur, Illinois (not St. Louis). While in his early 20’s (not in high school) he ran a recording studio in Nashville for a few years. One of the singles he produced was by Dave Scherer and the Castels who were also from Decatur, Illinois. Givens took a writing credit on most of the songs he produced including the b-side cut “Sloopy Can Penguin” which was released by Scherer and the Castels in early 1965. This song clearly borrows from “My Girl Sloopy” which was released a full year earlier but was apparently different enough that they didn’t need to credit Farrell & Berns. Six months after “Sloopy Can Penguin,” the McCoys released “Hang on Sloopy.” In a newspaper article printed in Decatur, Illinois in early 1966, someone representing Scherer's band (likely Givens) began to float the idea that "Hang On Sloopy" was based on Scherer's song even suggesting that Scherer and the Castels were receiving a royalty of a penny per sale from the McCoys. This along with several other things printed about the band at the time seem to have been pure fantasy. Even the idea that GIvens wrote “Sloopy Can Penguin” was refuted by Dave Scherer who in a 1993 interview said "God love him, Chuck's my friend, but Chuck sometimes claims for himself things that other people have done." Scherer added, "Of course, he promoted my group and produced the record, but he didn't write the song.” For more on Scherer, Givens and “Sloopy” see: www.downstatesounds.com/2019/12/dave-scherer-castels-charles-j-givens.html
The Cavern? I’m not a jewelry guy, but I do live in Sarasota. I’ll have to check it out. Great song! When Ohio State won the National Championship in 2002/3….. I sung Hang On Sloopy at my favorite bar which happened to have karaoke that night! Such great memories growing up in Columbus, Ohio going to Buckeye pep rallies. OH!
Bobby Peterson who played piano with The McCoys used to hang out by my apartment in Gainesville FL in 1989-93. Amazing piano player fell on hard times and had a tragic death. Unbelievable talent. Sad story.
1972 young Rick Derringer playing with Edgar Winter White Trash opening for Johnny Winter at The Rock Pile in Island Park NY. Rick Derringer was just amazing it was obvious he was a star.
I about fell out of my chair when Rick said about ... "If you can't say anything good about someone, don't say anything at all". lol
Absolute fact . lolol And they still hold him up on a pedestal . Right on Rick ! :)
Rick is SO right about not speaking poorly about anyone.
If you can be diligent with that, your life will have quality.
Love Rick, his fantastic guitar and his great voice
I'm almost 70 and i saw Rick Derringer and Johnny Winter at Newcastle City Hall in 1971 ! Yes 50 years ago ! Mean Town Blues and Rock and Roll Hoochie Coo 2 absolute classics. The Guy's a Legend.
I love the Live album with Rick,wore it out.
Whey Aye bonny lad 😁 that must have been incredible
Damn Rick was a hamdsome specimen in that video. Hell i guess we all were good lookin at that age.Well,most of us anyways. lol
This is one heck of a great interview.
It’s a 3 part interview. I made it in segments because at the time, I was told you couldn’t post anything over 15 minutes. Such a shame. It would’ve been so much easier just to let the tape roll!
One of the most under-rated guitarist of all time.
You aint kiddn.....I remember how amazed I was when drummer Jeff Porcaro told me that it was Rick who played the solo on Steely Dans "Bad Sneakers And The Pina Colada" from their recording: "Katy Lied"...Now THAT is an elegant solo, melodic lyricism in its most economical format...and with so much feeling...Rick a "Man for all seasons"
@@kevinmurphy4595 Thanks, I didn't know that. I'll check it out.
Rick is an extremely accomplished guitarist, to say he is underrated is defamatory.
You do worse things with your time LOL
No disrespect... Rick was Johnny (and Edgar) Winter's "protege".
I saw Johnny at the State Theater not long before his passing... still laying it down and super talented (well beyond Rick's capabilities in my opinion). Also saw Buddy Guy at the same venue... probably a decade ago now. Missed Buddy's recent farewell tour and have no doubt that he was on fire.
Thanks RICK for all of the great stories GOD BLESS YOU AND ALL OF YOURS.
Hi! Rick , I was about 15 yrs old and you played at a HS somewhere in up state Ny , an a friends band opened first! I was allowed to stand , on right, beside the stage! The McCoys came on, and someone pushed me on the stage and I got to dance with your song Hang on Sloopy! It was a great memory ! I also be came a good friend of George Cameron drummer from the Left Bank! He past a few yrs ago!
I saw Rick at a 2 story bar in Ann Ardor. Mich ...he rocked the house was in early 70s always a fan.. Stay well. Sir !!
Rick Derringer still a gentlemen always honest about life an excellent showman these are what guitar heroes are about..thankyou for your talent
This man is my first rock and roll hero. Thanks Rick Derringer!
I first heard Rick Derringer singing rock ‘n’ roll Hoochie coo. I was 14 years old and totally blown away. Years later I found out he sang hang on Sloopy. Awesome guitarist!
I would love the chance to meet him.
I’m 70, and nothing brings back that teenaged angst, anxiety and excitement like Hang On Sloopy. 12 year old poor kid, in Junior High, the run down little burger joint we all mobbed for lunch always had it banging on the jute box, over and over and over…
…I was that Sloopy Girl from the poor part of town and yes…I did hang on.
I did hang on.
Life turned out very well for me. Thanks for the encouragement heart❤
I saw Rick play in a small bar near Georgia Tech sometime in the late 90s and there might have been 50 people in the place including the waitresses and bartenders and Rick played like there were 50,000 people in there. He's always been one of my favorite guitarists every since I had "All American Boy" as a teenager.
Always will love Hang on Sloopy by the McCoys. Wish him and his family all the best for 2024. God bless ❤🙏🎸🎼🌟💎
I like Rick Derringer, both his music and as a person - I've discovered his work through TH-cam and his career has been very impressive. From the McCoys, to Johnny Winter AND, to Edgar Winter Group and his solo career - as well as his extensive works as a Producer, Songwriter and Session Guitarist, Rick is a True Professional!
No better combination Johnny Winter/Rick Derringer back in the day! I saw them numerous times unbelievable straight up rock! Those were the best of days!
Thanks Rick for all the years of great music
I saw Rick Derringer in 1978 opening for Aerosmith and him and his band blew them off the stage....the guy can sing and rip it up on guitar like nobodies business!
Rick was a total animal back then. Beyond the Universe alone would've been enough to blow Aerosmith out of the water.
I saw Rick that year in the spring as well, also opening for Aerosmith at the Montreal Forum, and Rick's set blew Aerosmiths out of the water....I think one of the encores he played was Helter Skelter by the Beatles......great concert!
DERRINGER WAS KICK ASS! The albums ,
Derringer and Sweet evil are awesome albums. Totally underrated band!!!
Yes Derringer rocked. I saw Aerosmith / Derringer at the old White Sox Park. Middle of July the roof caught on fire
IIRC, '77, I saw Derringer open for Boston, and "Rock n' Roll Hootchie Koo" went for 37 minutes as a finale'. Boston came on, the audience was spent after going nuts over Rick, and Bostons entire set wasn't much longer than Ricks finale'.
Saw him at a local amusement park as well (Lake Compounce), and will never forget him climbing the stack of speakers and bumping his head on the ceiling, kind of fell/jumped to the stage....and freaking ROCKED. Local guy from CT. I believe, and played the club scene quite a bit.
Rick was a major inspiration to me when I was learning how to play in the early seventies. Even with all his accolades, I still think he's underrated. Rick shouldn't be intimidated by any guitar player.
He played next to Johnny Winter. Anybody who can do that is a serious player.
Wore out the Derringer live album 💿
Love Him..
Love the Song..
Been a fan of RIcks for years wow finally getting to see the man. such confidence and poise and the consumate professional
Rick is amazing and I love what he brought to Johnny's band.
I was able to see Rick once, thus far, live at a Tommy Bolin memorial outdoor concert near the Big Sioux River on a warm summer night near Sioux City, IA.
Rick was playing a PRS that night.
An amazing guitarist and friendly person.
👍👍
Damn, I live in Sioux City and have been to a few of the Tommy Bolin memorial shows. Did not know Rick Played at one of these. Would have loved to see him play.
During the 80's my friend's band opened for Rick and found him to be incredibly friendly and gracious. They were allowed full access to Rick and were very well taken care of by Mr. Derringer, his band and crew and everyone associated with him. My friend's band opened for many big named acts and Rick was the one he remembered most fondly!!!
I am not surprised to hear that. When people ask me about him or should I say them…Rick and his wife Jenda…they are kind to everyone…everywhere we go. Whether they know who he is or not.
Rick, thanks for the "Sloopy" clarifications. Here is a comment I left for Lisa Reynolds Dalton, the "Sloopy" girl in your video: But, the best part of the "Sloopy" girl story is that Rick Derringer gave life to her in the song with this video. And, Lisa was perfect for the part, and still is.
I was never a Rick Derringer fan & I’m old enough to remember the song on the radio. Never thought much of the Sloopy song either until stumbling on the YT video recently, WITH THAT GIRL DANCING. The story of her involvement & distant memory of the shoot, assuming it was lost on the cutting room floor, is THE story of Sloopy for me.
@@Bitterrootbackroads What happened to innocent fun like that?
Sadly when Jimi Hendrix found fame and had finally established some control over his music, he was pulled in too many conflicting directions by people that didn't have his best interests at heart.
After surviving a pretty bleak childhood and relative poverty it's tragic that he then died so young without a chance to fulfill his musical hopes and dreams. Thanks for music Rick, and for the kind remembrance of Jimi Hendrix.
He died right before electric Lady studios would have changed the world - damned hospital switched his charts, killed him.
Couldn't take my eyes off Karen. She's beautiful.
She really is...despite those ugly glasses...nice legs!
She's better than beautiful - she's sexy
Thank you Frederick. That’s very kind and much appreciated.
@@richardchorley1593 I have never thought of myself as sexy. I consider myself to be very smart, super athletic and cute. Sexy is way better! Especially since I have on no makeup. Thank you Richard.
I saw Rick with the McCoys open for Jimi Hendrix at the Boston Garden. They both sounded great!
Wow, that must have been a long time ago. I, or should I say, my buddy won 2 tickets from the radio station back in 1980 or so. We were working on the stereo in my 1969 chevelle when he ran in my parents house to call, no cell phones yet, and won two tickets to his show at Post college in westbury, Long Island, NY
Marty Horne you are lucky to have experienced that 😊
That McCoys/Hendrix Boston Garden show was the first rock concert I went to. What a trip !
Wow, that's an awesome memory
I met Rick at a guitar show in Orlando some years back when he was representing Warrior guitars. What a great man! He took time to talk to me as if I was important to him. He and I are both Christians and he really exudes the love of Jesus in his life. Later saw him play with his good friend Edgar Winter and still kills it on guitar!!!
Met Rick at a guitar expo in Orlando Florida many years ago. He was a Warrior Guitars signature artist representing Warrior at the show. What a wonderful man, and not only great guitar player but man of God! We talked about our faith and just was so disarming as a legend. He graciously signed some CDs and I felt as though he’s definitely a cut above with his appreciation and interests above and beyond guitars👊🏼💯🎯
In 1965 I went to see the Rolling Stones at the Manning Bowl for 3 dollars in Boston MA. There were about 5 groups on the show before the stones came on.......One of them was not very well known at the time........During their short set this little kid steps forward and plays a mind blowing guitar solo...it was the outstanding momrnt of the show......Rick Derringer then about 16 years old was just awesome ........Rick if you are reading this I would guess that you remember that! Congrats on having a great career!
That’s a really neat story. I’ll be sure to share it with him. He’s getting inducted into the California music Hall of Fame this weekend. I’m really proud of him and so glad to see him get this award in his lifetime.
I seen him back in the late 80s,Man what a show...
Still Rocking in my Lifetime! Thanks Rick!
This was fantastic, thanks Karen.
Did you see all 3 segments?
Rock n' Roll Hootchie Coo baby!!!
What a tune for the ages! Still fresh
His release of 'Rock N Roll Hoochie Koo' has greatest guitar solo in Rock N Roll history. Short Powerful, just total Kick Ass.
And the only guitar solo you can play, which is why you decided it's "the best"
Karl why do you have to be an ass?
Exactly furyiiiplate!
Hearing all of the inside history and secrets is so fascinating! Great interview - you allowed Rick to shine and had great questions.
One of my favorite rockers. And one great guitarist.
I just read by googling it that Dorothy Sloop may be who Sloopy was. She was a jazz pianist in New Orleans on Bourbon street who performed with a singer named Dixie and she/they got heckled and a couple of young guys said, "Hang on, Sloopy" to encourage her. That story makes the most sense to me.
Kudos to Rick for telling it like it is and was about the Black Panthers.
I can never hit the stage again. I am teaching myself piano. I sing. Very very nervous and jittery as I watch this. Oh, God. Thank you, Rick Derringer.
I watch the people on AGT that thought that they could never do it again. You don’t need an audience to have a stage. Use your living room, your yard, your bedroom and make it your new stage! And if ends up on TH-cam, then you have done it again. I have faith that you can do it again!
Thank you for giving a shout out to the Vibrations. Their redition was called "My Girl Sloopy".
I'm glad he explained that Rickenbacker looking guitar. I was wondering. And I love that woman's dress.
growing up i learned so many guitarlicks from this guy saw him more times than i can count.
Very cool interview!
Thank you. We are planning on doing another one soon!
Thanks so much Rick. I never realized just how engaging you are as
a speaker! DERRINGER is still my favorite although I'll never let
you forget the great live shows you did with Johnny and Edgar over
the years. May peace be with you.... Godsend! Billy
I started learning guitar cause of Rock n Roll Hoochiecoo...Rick is a great musician and love his stories...👍🎼🎶🎵
Saw Rick live in early 70's with Johnny Winter And. Amazing show!!!!
Rick is a true Rock legend…
Which is why he is referred to, especially by his friends as "The Legend"
What a great guy, very modest, knowledgeable Gentleman 🙏🏻👍🏻👍🏻
He has such a great personality, wow!
He is so kind to everyone everywhere we go. Zero ego. He is one very special unbelievably talented human being that I am honored to call my friend!
Rick was playing at the Agora Bowl Room in Atlanta Georgia, in about 1980, I came up to the front of the stage and shook his hand after he finished playing a song, that was nice of him to do!
The McCoy's was the first concert I seen as a teenager In Fort Worth Texas they were other bands there also ! Then seen him with Jonny Winters in Dallas Great concert !
I saw Rick at Soldier Field in Chicago with Peter Frampton, UFO and Bob Seager in August of 1977.
He put on a great show.
always glad to know more about jimi. rick is cool.
We need to know more!...Hendrix flew by this world so fast...Rick must have many stories about hanging with Hendrix...I like how he says that he was not intimidated by Hendrix....Jimi was known to be very considerate to his fellow jammers and would hold back a little, at least until the final blow session!...Seriously, people who interacted with Hendrix are dying off..we need them to speak up more about the mysterious, super talent that was Jimi Hendrix!
I remember seeing The Mcoys opening for Herman's Herman's at Dayton Montgomery Fairgrounds
Herman's Hermits.
Saw the live recording at Pirates World front row. Explosive rock & roll! Lucky to meet Rick and his band a few years later at a small club in Fla.
I have his live album and it's still great. I bought it when I was in high school. I think it was ignored by too many people. Their loss.
This was cool.I'm glad that I happened
to come along and listen in to this
Saw the Rick Derringer band open for Aerosmith at a club outside of Boston in the late 70s. Great night, Rick’s band weren’t as wasted as Aerosmith but it was still an epic show.
Nice interview.I enjoyed hearing Rick tell these stories.
I saw them in 1967 in my hometown Lima Ohio. My first time at Springbrook Gardens. Awesome.
As a kid I sang along... hang on Snoopy!
This was great!!! I'm always very interested in hearing more about the back stories about songs and music in general from the past. I guess it's due to the fact that it is my past. Rock&Roll is basically the story of my life. I started watching American Band Stand at the age of 5 or 6 so, that was 1955/56.
It's really great to hear Rick talking about "Hang on Sloopy". That song was a major hit when I was 14/15. Everybody in my neighborhood loved it. Thanks for posting this. You have a new subscriber!
Thank you Ray. You and Rick are about the same age…he was 15 when they recorded that!
Never forgot Rick's work with Johnny Winter!
He was the lead guitarist for Edgar Winter's White Trash band who did the #1 hit in 1973, "Frankenstein". I don't remember him much with Johnny.
@@brainscott8198 , Wow, you need to hear " Johnny Winter And LIve" , best live guitar duo album ever !
th-cam.com/video/VHrkVY6kWKU/w-d-xo.html
@@green323turbo Ditto about Johnny Winter And Live. Anyone who hasn’t heard it needs to, particularly if you’re a guitarist.
Saw them live at the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago during that period. The two of them together was beyond the beyond. A real high energy show. It’s too bad that they didn’t do more stuff together. The live Johnny Winter And record is good but doesn’t come close to what I saw that night.
@@soarornor A buddy of mine who saw them on that tour said the same thing.
Great interview. So unpretentious but so revealing.
When we were teens , we hitchhiked to a cousins house in the country in the middle of nowhere, the ONLY RECORD HE OWNED and PLAYED DRUMS TO (OVER AND OVER and over of course ,we did that back then) was a copy of “Hang on Sloopy” , since it came out new and this was 1970 ! TRUE STORY !
I bought the McCoys record sometime in the late '70s at a used record store, (Salzer's in Ventura, Ca) and fell in love. All the songs on it are earnestly done--I first heard them do "Sorrow" before David Bowie did it. And of course, who doesn't like his 15 year old kid on a Gibson 335 doing the "Sloopy" solo?
Lisa Leonard Dalton is Sloopy in the video dancing .
She never saw herself in the video until 2013, some 38 years later, after the video was made.
Always loved the “Johnny and Rick” stuff too!
Great interview. Saw him in the 80s in St. Pete , Florida. He's one of the greats of that era. Incredible dexterity and variety when playing. Never a wrong note. Well, none that stood out.
London Victory Club?
@@Gatorman-db3ie Might have been. I only went there once to see him play. Guess that tells you how much I liked his style.
Thank you. It’s a 3 segment interview. There are 2 other segments.
Vibrations - "My Girl Sloopy" The original version came out a year earlier under the title "My Girl Sloopy". The song "Hang on Sloopy' is a cover.
Rick said that in the video.
At least we know who the Sloopy Girl was now. :)
I love love love Johnny Winter's album "Johnny Winter and ", when he played with Derringer back in 1970..
I remember the Gibson 355 and the Fender Super Reverb on the back of the Hang On Sloopy album. That was the top notch rig in my area when I grew up also!!!! Still sounds Great!!!
I walked into a small bar in Jacksonville Beach and. Rick was setting up his rig. Getting ready to play with Leon Russell, who was also there setting up. I didn't realize until I was there. For about 20 minutes I got both their autographs.
What a great interview! Man, jammin' with Jimi... I jammed many times with Phil Degracia - the next closest thing. Man, we're just people, right? We all picked up stuff from you. My friend Paul Bova wanted to name our band in 1971 "Ruff-N-Ready" - inspired by Rick Derringer. Thanks, Rick.
That’s really cool. Love that band name. Phil is a sweetheart! I am friends with Phil and I know you know that he was friends with Jimi Hendrix’s dad!
The McCoy’s Were Rick & the Raiders were the Rick Z Combo back in Dayton, Ohio and the House band at the Golden Lion a club in the back of Forest Park Shopping Center. North Dayton on route 48-in the mid 60’s. They were from Union City, Indiana and we heard them play Hang on Sloopy every Friday and Saturday night…damn what a fun time to be alive!!!
His playing on back in the usa on the live roadwork album is still some of the best guitar playing ive ever heard.
I styled a lot of my early guitar playing on Rick's unique style and tone. I always loved the overdubbed octave guitar solo on the 45 version of Free Ride as well as his solo on Back in the USA (White Trash Roadwork). Check out the final riff closing the tune. Amazing tone.
That album was one of my favorites in the early seventies. Great stuff there!
Dude - that solo on back in the USA, to me, is top 10 of all time
Love Rick. *Pretty sure* Ronnie Montrose played lead guitar on Free Ride, Dan Hartman (sp, rip) wrote it and played rhythm guitar & bass.
Saw Rick and Edgar in Jacksonville FL circa 1971, also 10 Years After.
Rock n Roll Hoochie Koo! Epic and thanks for the great music Rick!
I saw him Vancouver BC
With Johnny in 71’ Two leads going at it...Amazing
Interesting. Glad I found this. I saw Rick Derringer live back in the late 1970s. He opened for Bad Company or Foghat. I don't really remember which one because the weed was really, really good and I was 17. I do remember I really enjoyed his set and he sounded awesome.
Only saw Rick once in Toronto around 77. The show was slated to have a new band Boston open for Rick but the Boston album was such a success they flipped the show to Rick opening for Boston.
I guess you can’t blame them for that. Rick didn’t hold a grudge. He did a show with Barry Goudreau in 2019. They were hanging out and chatting backstage.
I’m in love w Karen
Karen ...Big Ups to you. I really enjoyed this interview....soooo much new information...Love It. Btw...You have the best Calves in Rock and Roll....Tina Turner doesn't come close! You Rock.
Agreed! Her calves are amazing!
Okay, the REAL source for Sloopy: Sloopy is a cat, created by 1960's poet Rod McKuen, and is included in his book "Listen to the Warm," published by Random House in 1963. The name of the poem is "A Cat Named Sloopy." Does anyone remember the popular poster back then, featuring a cat hanging onto a branch, and underneath the photo it says, "Hang In There!"? The writer of the song was basing it on all of the above. The actual originator of the song is still a mystery however.
Rick has had an awesome career. He's earned every bit of any accolades. Even then, I consider him very underrated. He just didn't hype himself up. When he was playing on stage, it was like he was just loving playing with the band. He knew his stuff so well, it looked like it was all effortless and it was all just fun.
Rick was Eddie, before Eddie. And without the hype.
What a nice guy.....apparently his success came in part because he had a good head on his shoulder...good to see a class act like him and yes...I was 14 when I first heard him with Johnny Winter!
Did I hear Rick mention that Bridget Harris had visited him in New Mexico? I would love to hear where he lives now.
I relocated to New Mexico five years ago. I left Los Angeles.
That is where I met Rick. I lived in Pasadena at the time, and there was a little club near my house, that was a very popular hangout with me and my friends. A lot of my pals are musicians. Some good, some great, some undiscovered, and that's fine with them. I graduated with Eddie Van Halen, and some of my older friends were in Alex's class. We were all friends, along with Dave.
One night, my friend Steve Brown, comes up to me, and asks me if I want to meet Rick Derringer. I say sure.
We go over to a table against the wall near the entrance. We were introduced, and exchanged pleasantries.
Then I just blurted out that one of my favorite songs is "Hang On Sloopy", by The McCoys.
Rick had a surprised look on his face, then asked me "Really? You know I was in the McCoys?"
"Oh sure. I was raised with music. My mom had a party band with her two sisters, in Santa Fe. I was ten in 1965, and loved the bands I heard on my transistor radio after school. So, I really liked The Beatles, but other groups too. Like The Kinks."
Then, I told him I liked Rock and Roll Hootchicoo" too.
All while I was standing next to the fully occupied table. I knew everyone seated there. I felt kind of excluded, so I told him it was nice meeting him, and returned to my table.
I know my friends were excited to have Rick there, and didn't want to give up their place at the table to me, and I get it. But in hindsight, I wish I had gone in the back, and brought out a chair!
Rick was nice, and it was nice meeting him.
Nice interview. Rick is always articulate and interesting.
Well...articulate considering his life experiences!
My bad tornado the rock and blues band opened up for Rick Derringer at the brickworks in Chico California in 1994 was around September the 11th
That was a wonderful and intriguing interview or more like a conversation. Do you remember Mike Douglas?? He use to do the same. Allowed the artist to fully answer the question, and just try to snap back with one liners.
I don’t think that you can pay me a bigger compliment than that. This is the only interview that I have ever done in my life. And yes, I have seen Mike Douglas. He was truly great!
I saw Rick and the McCoys in Huntsville, Ontario at a ski resort called Hidden Valley. It was 1967 or 68. They played like there was no tomorrow. They did numerous sets and Rick played incredible and interesting solos. The Yardbirds played there a few months later. Jimmy Page was the guitarist and while he was great, Rick Derringer was in the same league. Two of the best guitar players I’ve ever heard. He’s a fabulous singer as well.
I had a cassette of you and Jimi Jamming together. Beautiful session 👌 I could swear I heard my own voice singing after Jim Morrison. Sounds like me but I was really drunk or high in the spirit..but I was barely born at that time..I wish I remembered some of the cuts from those days will you and Jimi..thanks 😊 🙏 😊
Rick Derringer is still shredding, after all these years!
The successful businessman that claimed to have written “Hang On Sloopy” in the article mentioned by Rick was Charles J. Givens. For those that don’t remember, he was the get-rich guru of the 80’s - a multi-millionaire and best-selling author that sold financial advice in infomercials in the early days of cable . For years in the 80’s he claimed to have written “Hang On Sloopy” and sold it for next to nothing. It was part of his bio and included in his publicity materials as well as the many articles written about him that were printed all across the country. Unfortunately, it was a complete fabrication.
It’s too bad that Rick gives that article so much credibility in this interview because Givens’ claim was disproved in the late 80’s when he was confronted by a lawyer representing Wes Farrell (one half of the songwriting duo that actually wrote “My Girl Sloopy”). In an article published in the Los Angeles Times in 1989, Givens blamed the media for improperly crediting him as the songs author and said that he had actually written a different but similar song called “Sloopy Can Penguin.” Givens didn’t write this song either.
Givens was from Decatur, Illinois (not St. Louis). While in his early 20’s (not in high school) he ran a recording studio in Nashville for a few years. One of the singles he produced was by Dave Scherer and the Castels who were also from Decatur, Illinois. Givens took a writing credit on most of the songs he produced including the b-side cut “Sloopy Can Penguin” which was released by Scherer and the Castels in early 1965. This song clearly borrows from “My Girl Sloopy” which was released a full year earlier but was apparently different enough that they didn’t need to credit Farrell & Berns. Six months after “Sloopy Can Penguin,” the McCoys released “Hang on Sloopy.” In a newspaper article printed in Decatur, Illinois in early 1966, someone representing Scherer's band (likely Givens) began to float the idea that "Hang On Sloopy" was based on Scherer's song even suggesting that Scherer and the Castels were receiving a royalty of a penny per sale from the McCoys. This along with several other things printed about the band at the time seem to have been pure fantasy.
Even the idea that GIvens wrote “Sloopy Can Penguin” was refuted by Dave Scherer who in a 1993 interview said "God love him, Chuck's my friend, but Chuck sometimes claims for himself things that other people have done." Scherer added, "Of course, he promoted my group and produced the record, but he didn't write the song.”
For more on Scherer, Givens and “Sloopy” see: www.downstatesounds.com/2019/12/dave-scherer-castels-charles-j-givens.html
Rick wrote it. Get over it
@@54chewbacca Rick gives credit to the young boy from St Louis. You calling him a liar?
@@ginger6370 nothing this guy wrote is backed up with any proof or documentation.
Thank you for this information.
@@ginger6370 show me proof where Rick said that.
The Cavern? I’m not a jewelry guy, but I do live in Sarasota. I’ll have to check it out.
Great song! When Ohio State won the National Championship in 2002/3….. I sung Hang On Sloopy at my favorite bar which happened to have karaoke that night! Such great memories growing up in Columbus, Ohio going to Buckeye pep rallies. OH!
Bobby Peterson who played piano with The McCoys used to hang out by my apartment in Gainesville FL in 1989-93. Amazing piano player fell on hard times and had a tragic death. Unbelievable talent. Sad story.
That is really sad. Thanks for sharing.
Very nice interview!
1972 young Rick Derringer playing with Edgar Winter White Trash opening for Johnny Winter at The Rock Pile in Island Park NY.
Rick Derringer was just amazing it was obvious he was a star.