You heard Derringer's music everywhere

For decades, and even today, you hear Rick Derringer everywhere.Of course, you might not realize it.I consider myself a fan of Derringer, but after the Celina native and rock star died earlier this week at 77, it was surprising to see just how much classic music he had a hand in.Ohio State uses the McCoys' "Hang on Sloopy" as its anthem.Derringer was the lead singer for the McCoys. He was just 17 when the song (originally recorded by soul group The Vibrations) rocketed up the charts in 1964.More than 60 years later, you hear the McCoys' version at Ohio State football games, and at high school halftime shows)."Hang on Sloopy" was Derringer's first break.He was just getting started.Derringer became a member of the Edgar Winter Group, producing their hit "Frankenstein" and playing guitar on and producing another smash, "Free Ride."Those songs hit big in 1973. That same year, Derringer released "Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo," which became his only solo track to reach the top 40. "Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo" has since become a staple on classic rock radio.The lyrics to that song are kind of silly, which even Derringer admitted. But when that song starts, I always find myself singing along. It's just a fun, rocking classic.A decade later, Derringer produced five of Weird Al Yankovic's albums, helping the accordion-playing parody master reach stardom. In the mid-80s, Derringer found a niche in pro wrestling.Derringer worked on two of the World Wrestling Federation's (now WWE) albums, and penned and recorded a number of entrance themes for the grapplers themselves.Derringer co-wrote the song "Real American," which played during Hulk Hogan's entrance.Hogan was already a big star when "Real American" became his theme in 1986.But that song, with its crashing opening guitar riff and patriotic lyrics, fit his character and act perfectly.It certainly was a big part of me becoming a fan of Hogan and wrestling as a child.It's hard to imagine Hogan tearing his yellow t-shirt and posing after slamming Andre the Giant with any other tune playing in the background...Since, the song has been used by other figures, including politicians.At the 2011 White House Correspondents' Dinner, President Barack Obama came out to the song, with a video of his birth certificate being shown on the big screen.Of course, when Hogan himself spoke at the Republican Convention last summer, he came out to "Real American."So, Derringer's music crossed party lines.And the fact is, Derringer's impact on the music scene will continue to be felt, whether it be at Ohio Stadium, at arenas or on the radio.His music can be heard just about everywhere.And it will continue to be for a long time. Zach Baker is sports editor for The Courier and Review Times.