The McCoys The McCoys were an American garage rock/pop band from Union City, Indiana (later Fort Recovery, Ohio), formed in 1962 and best known for their 1965 No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hit “Hang On Sloopy.” The core members were guitarist/vocalist Rick Derringer (born Richard Zehringer), his brother Randy Zehringer (drums), bassist Randy Jo Hobbs, keyboardist Ronnie Brandon, and saxophonist Sean Michaels (lineup varied early). Originally called The Strangeloves’ backing band for some recordings, they signed to Bang Records and exploded with “Hang On Sloopy” (an adaptation of “My Girl Sloopy”), topping charts for a week and selling millions amid the British Invasion. Follow-ups included “Fever” and “Come On, Let’s Go.” Their raw, energetic sound blended teen pop and proto-punk. Derringer left in 1969 for a solo career and session work (with Johnny Winter, Edgar Winter, Steely Dan), scoring hits like “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo.” Hobbs died in 1993 (drug-related), Randy Zehringer pursued low-profile life. The band reunited sporadically for oldies shows. Rick Derringer, the most prominent, continued touring and recording until health declined; he passed away on May 26, 2025, at age 77 in Ormond Beach, Florida. The McCoys’ brief fame captures mid-1960s garage-rock exuberance, with “Hang On Sloopy” enduring as a sports anthem and classic rock staple.