MISQUAMICUT FALL FESTIVAL at Misquamicut State Beach

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Young guitar, great vocalist and entertainer Rick Derringer was just 17 when his band The McCoys TM recorded the No.1 hit "Hang On Sloopy" in the summer of 1965, knocking "Yesterday" by The Beatles out of the top spot. The McCoys had enjoyed four years of successful touring, when Rick merged his talents with Johnny Winter in 1969 forming Johnny Winter And (the 'And' referring to The McCoys).

Rick was the producer of all of the gold and platinum Winter Brothers recordings. In '71 Rick was featured on three records, "Johnny Winter And", "Johnny Winter And-Live" and "Edgar Winter's White Trash". "And" featured the first version of Derringer's "Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo" which was also released as a single, then selected again for "And - Live". Eventually, the busy Derringer joined Edgar Winter's White Trash full-time and produced the gold LP, "Roadwork". Derringer's solo album, "All American Boy" was released in '73 with the already popular "Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo", this time as a 'hit' single. Rick was the writer/producer of Johnny Winter's "Still Alive and Well" album and both produced and played on the hit album "They Only Come Out At Night." The latter featured the No. 1 Grammy nominated smash hit "Frankenstein" and the hit single "Free Ride."

In 1976 Rick created the Derringer Band. He released four albums and in '83 returned to his solo career with the LP, Good Dirty Fun. Throughout the 70's and 80's the popular Derringer appeared on numerous albums with artists Alice Cooper, Richie Havens, Todd Rundgren, Steely Dan and Cyndi Lauper. In the mid-80's, Derringer discovered Weird Al Yankovic, producing music for Al's Grammy-winning albums and videos. Derringer's productions of the Michael Jackson parodies, the No. 1 hits "Eat It", and "Who's Fat", have been Yankovic's most successful recordings.

In 1999, Derringer was once again sought after by Edgar Winter and performed for the LP, "Edgar Winter and Rick Derringer Live in Japan." Then in 1999 Rick and Edgar were back together again for their collaboration on his "Winter Blues" CD. Derringer also recorded four blues CD's starting in '93 with "Back To the Blues" followed by "Electra Blues," "Blues Deluxe" and his 2000 release "Jackhammer Blues." At about that same period Derringer, who seems to be constantly in motion, released his destined-to-be-classic Tend the Fire in Europe to rave reviews.

In the mid 2000's Rick ventured into a whole new musical world - Smooth Jazz. Interest in the album "Rick Derringer - Free Ride" grew quickly and the second single "Hot And Cool" (in the 'Radio and Records' top 20 for 5 months, and number 42 for the year) showed Derringer right at home in the format. It might come as a surprise, but as he explains, it's the kind of music he's been waiting to do his whole life.

Rick was selected to fill the role of lead guitar play for Ringo Starr's All-Star Band tour in both 2010 and 2011. During both tours he amazed both critics and audiences with his electric performance and has been hailed by many as one of the highlights of the evening.

Currently Rick is touring with his 3 three piece band and is also available as a package with Edgar Winter.