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Published on 07/28/1997 All articles from this issue

Mr. 'Rock 'n' Roll Hoochie Koo' to play Los Altos Bar & Grill

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Town Crier Staff Report

What venue would a 1970s chart-topping rock guitarist like Rick Derringer choose to play to celebrate his 50th birthday?

Why, the Los Altos Bar & Grill, of course.

Derringer, whose claim to rock 'n' roll fame includes such hits as "Hang On Sloopy" and "Rock 'n' Roll Hoochie Koo," is scheduled to play 8:30-11 p.m. this coming Tuesday, Aug. 5.

He first gained popularity at 16, with his band, the McCoys, and their hit record, "Hang On Sloppy" in the summer of 1965.

Immediately following the demise of the McCoys in 1969, Derringer merged his talents with albino blues rocker, Johnny Winter.

It was the beginning of a long association with both Johnny and Edgar Winter as singer, player, songwriter, and producer (he's produced every Gold or Platinum recording that they've made).

Derringer's first solo album, "All American Boy" was released in 1973 and included the definitive version of his best-known song, "Rock 'n' Roll Hoochie Koo."

In the same year, Derringer was again included as guitarist/writer and producer of Johnny Winter's "Still Alive and Well," and as player/producer of Edgar's biggest hit album, "They Only Come Out At Night," featuring the No. 1, Grammy-nominated hit, "Frankenstein."

Derringer went solo again in 1976 with Derringer Band, a group which included throughout several incarnations, then unknown musicians Neil Geraldo and Myron Grumbacher, who went ahead to become famous with Pat Benatar.

During the 1980s he worked with and wrote for a variety of performers, from Barbra Streisand to Weird Al Yankovic.

Derringer has returned to performing blues in the 1990s. His latest release, "Electra Blues," stays true to the blues tradition and runs the gamut from grinding slow blues to steaming shuffles.

His next CD, called "Tend the Fire," is already out in Europe.

Tickets are $15. The Los Altos Bar & Grill is located at 169 Main St., Los Altos.

For tickets, call 948-4332.