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 Dan to Barbra Streisand,

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 Beach, Fla. after being taken off life support following a medical emergency involving his heart. He reportedly underwent triple bypass surgery two months ago.

Over a six-decade career, Derringer worked with an astonishing array of stars that went well beyond the rock 'n' roll genre.