"The McCoys" had enjoyed four years of successful touring, when Rick merged his talents with Johnny Winter in 1969 forming "Johnny Winter And" ("And" referring to "The McCoys").
Rick was the only producer of all 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's White Trash full-time and produced the gold LP, "Roadwork". Derringer's solo album, "All American Boy" was released in '73 with the now already popular "Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo", this time as a 'hit' single.
Rick was writer/producer of Johnny Winter's "Still Alive and Well" album and was player/producer of the Edgar Winter Group's hit album, "They Only Come Out At Night". The latter featured the No. 1, Grammy nominated monster hit, "Frankenstein" and "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 and Steely Dan. The list also includes Cyndi Lauper, Barbra Streisand, Kiss, Mason Ruffner and Madam X.
In the mid-80's, Derringer discovered Weird Al Yancovic, producing music for Grammy-winning albums and videos. Derringer's productions of the Michael Jackson parodies, the No. 1 hit "Eat It", and "Who's Fat", have been Yancovic's most successful recordings.
It was also in the 90's that Rick was selected to be producer/writer/performer of the World Wrestling Federation LP's. Hulk Hogan's theme song, "I Am A Real American" was written and performed by Rick in the 80's as a part of these projects.
Derringer was once again sought after by Edgar Winter and in 1990, 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 and is eagerly expected by his loyal fans here in the US.
The year 2001 was another busy one for Rick. His venture back into Rock & Roll with Vanilla Fudge superstars Carmine Appice and Tim Bogert produced a recording of intense synergy - "Doin' Business As..." (for Derringer, Bogert & Appice) with vocals, writing and instrumentals shared by all three. 2004 promises a reprise for Derringer and Appice, with the release of "D-N-A".
After "D B A", the next project was truly a work from the heart and soul of Rick and his wife Brenda. Entitled "Aiming 4 Heaven", it brought forth their devotion to God and put it into song with help from their children, Lory & Martin. That project opened the doors for a worldwide release on Reborn Records, as Rick and Brenda are currently putting the finishing touches on the brand new "Still Alive And Well", their second all Christian CD. With a scheduled release date of May, 2004, their fans are already expressing impatience.
We can't forget the Winter of 2002, where Rick ventured into a whole new musical world - Smooth Jazz. Interest in "Rick Derringer Free Ride" grew quickly at radio, 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. His wife Brenda is featured as co-writer on three new songs, and arranger/singer on the title cut.
2006 saw the release of 'Live At Cheney Hall' an energetic outing with Rick Derringer, Bruce Waibel (Firehouse and Greg Allman Band) and Tom Curiale. Rick is known for his live performances and this one is a must for any fan!
It seems like almost too much story to take in at one sitting, but the most surprising part is, he's just getting started.
Description provided by www.rickderringer.com
Rock N' Roll Hoochie Koo
Rick Derringer Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It was a warm spring night at the old town hall
There was a group called The Jokers, they were layin' it down
Don't cha know I'm never gonna lose that funky sound
Rock and roll, Hoochie Koo
Lawdy mama light my fuse
Rock and roll, Hoochie Koo
The skeeters start buzzing 'bout this time o' year
I'm goin' round back, she said she'd meet me there
We were rollin' in the grass that grows behind the barn
When my ears started ringin' like a fire alarm
Rock and roll, Hoochie Koo
Lawdy mama light my fuse
Rock and roll, Hoochie Koo
Truck on out and spread the news
Hope ya'll know what I'm talkin' about
The way they wiggle that thing, it really knocks me out
I'm gettin' high all the time, hope ya'll are too
Come on a little closer, gonna do it to you
Rock and roll, Hoochie Koo
Lawdy mama light my fuse
Rock and roll, Hoochie Koo
Truck on out and spread the news
Rock and roll, Hoochie Koo
Lawdy mama light my fuse
Rock and roll, Hoochie Koo
Truck on out and spread the news
That I'm tired of payin' dues
Done said goodbye to all my blues
Lawdy mama light my fuse
The lyrics to Rick Derringer's song Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo are about the electrifying and seductive energy of rock and roll music. The song starts with the singer reminiscing about a night at the old town hall where a band called The Jokers were playing. The music took hold of the singer and he couldn't stop moving to the funky sound. The chorus of the song, "Rock and roll, Hoochie Koo/Lawdy mama light my fuse/Truck on out and spread the news," expresses the infectious and explosive nature of rock and roll, with the phrase "Hoochie Koo" serving as a euphemism for sexual energy.
In the second verse, the singer describes a romantic encounter in the grass behind the barn where the buzzing of the skeeters (mosquitoes) sets the tone for a wild and passionate encounter. The ringing in his ears is likened to a fire alarm, further emphasizing the explosive nature of the experience. The chorus repeats this theme of being overwhelmed by the thrilling and irresistible nature of rock and roll.
The final verse expresses the singer's love for the rock and roll lifestyle, getting high and connecting with others through the music. The final lines, "Done said goodbye to all my blues/Lawdy mama light my fuse," suggest that rock and roll is a way of escaping from the troubles and stresses of everyday life and finding release.
Line by Line Meaning
I couldn't stop movin' when it first took hold
I couldn't resist the magnetic pull of rock and roll music when I first heard it
It was a warm spring night at the old town hall
The memorable moment occurred on an unforgettable spring night at a local hall
There was a group called The Jokers, they were layin' it down
A band called The Jokers were playing some killer rock and roll music
Don't cha know I'm never gonna lose that funky sound
I will always cherish and keep close to heart the sound of rock and roll that moved me deeply
The skeeters start buzzing 'bout this time o' year
Around this time of year, mosquitoes begin buzzing around
I'm goin' round back, she said she'd meet me there
I am heading to the back where she is planning to meet me
We were rollin' in the grass that grows behind the barn
We were enjoying each other's company on the grass behind the barn
When my ears started ringin' like a fire alarm
Suddenly, I became overwhelmed by the high volume of the rock and roll music, which felt like a fire alarm going off in my ears
Hope ya'll know what I'm talkin' about
I hope you can relate to what I am saying
The way they wiggle that thing, it really knocks me out
The band's performance is so captivating, that it is mesmerizing to the point of knocking me off my feet
I'm gettin' high all the time, hope ya'll are too
Rock and roll music is so thrilling for me that I feel high all the time and hope you are experiencing the same feeling
Come on a little closer, gonna do it to you
Come closer, and I'll introduce you to the greatness of rock and roll music
That I'm tired of payin' dues
I'm tired of struggling and putting in endless effort, especially in my career as a musician
Done said goodbye to all my blues
I have successfully let go of my sorrows and negative feelings
Lawdy mama light my fuse
The passion and excitement of rock and roll music ignites my soul
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Rick Derringer
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@drbluzer
Someone should write a song about THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME and all of their snubs to deserving artists !
ESPECIALLY RICK DERRINGER !
@bruno581
I will dust off this lp and play it full blast on my turntable.
@jkitto2008
I remember this the day it came out, I was there. One of the best songs out that year as I recall. The 70s was the decade of some of the best rock music ever made.
@bravo3279
Was a teenager in the 70s too.Long hair bell bottoms hell yes.
@jkitto2008
@BRAVO. The best times ✨✌🏼✨
@jkitto2008
@BRAVO , and the girls wore those hip hugger jeans, with shag haircuts. Memories come flooding back.
@brendonsehorn8692
Is this the official music video?
@DebbieTomkoSUNSHINE
Thank you...:-) I wrote the music...:-)
@dwest92ube
I would like to say that being a black man and growing up is the late 60's early 70's, I love good music when I hear it!
@ernestlindsey1305
Brother... sometimes People FREAK out because I Listen to ALL Music (as Long as it's Got a Good Beat).... Great taste in Music is Color blind !!! (Picture a 13 Year old Lilly White. Long Haired, Pot Smoking Boy, with a boom box strapped to my bike, cutting thru the 'Hood' on my way to the pool, Blasting Parlament "We Want the Funk" !!!! ) Some of the looks (& Grins) I got !! Keep Rocking !! BTW, I was born in '64....