Rick Derringer Quotes

Powerful Rick Derringer for Daily Growth

About Rick Derringer

Rick Derringer, born Richard Zehringer on July 5, 1947, in Farmingdale, New York, is an American guitarist, singer-songwriter, and record producer known for his versatile music career spanning over five decades. Influenced by early rock 'n' roll artists like Chuck Berry and Elvis Presley, Derringer began his musical journey at the age of 10 when he learned to play guitar. At 14, he joined his first band, The Prowlers. After dropping out of high school, he joined The McCoys in 1965, who were best known for their hit single "Hang on Sloopy." In 1973, Derringer embarked on a successful solo career with the release of his self-titled debut album. The album produced two top 40 singles: "Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo" and "Still Alive and Well," which reached #5 and #26 on the Billboard Hot 100, respectively. Throughout the 70s and 80s, Derringer continued to release albums and collaborate with artists such as Alice Cooper, Jon Paris, and Johnny Winter. He also produced records for various bands, including KISS and Cheap Trick. In the 90s, Derringer focused on session work, contributing to albums by artists like Cyndi Lauper and Pat Benatar. In 2003, he reunited with The McCoys for a tour and released the album "Rock 'n' Roll Outlaws" in 2005. Today, Rick Derringer continues to perform live, showcasing his unique blend of rock, blues, and pop that has made him a beloved figure in the music industry. His enduring influence can be heard in the guitar work of contemporary artists, cementing his place as a pioneer in rock 'n' roll history.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The more you have, the more you need."

This quote by Rick Derringer encapsulates the human tendency towards insatiable desire, suggesting that as one acquires more possessions or status, their needs and wants expand proportionately. It serves as a reminder that true contentment and fulfillment may not be found in accumulating wealth or material goods, but rather in recognizing and appreciating what we already have.


"Rock and roll's not dead; it just smells funny."

This quote suggests that the spirit of rock and roll music is still alive, but its current state may be characterized by a departure from traditional norms or an incorporation of different, perhaps less mainstream, influences. The "smell funny" part could metaphorically imply a sense of unfamiliarity or change in the genre's sound or aesthetic, which some might find off-putting at first but is actually just evolution. In essence, Derringer's quote acknowledges that rock and roll may be changing, but it remains vital and vibrant.


"Music is a universal language that speaks to all of us."

This quote by Rick Derringer emphasizes the universality of music as a form of communication, transcending geographical, cultural, and linguistic boundaries. Just like a universal language, music can be understood and appreciated by anyone, regardless of their background or nationality. It serves as a powerful tool for connection, expression, and emotional understanding among people all around the world.


"I don't know where I'm going from here, but I promise it won't be boring."

The quote by Rick Derringer suggests a sense of adventure, curiosity, and openness to new experiences. It indicates that while the future may hold unknown destinations, he embraces this uncertainty with enthusiasm, promising it will not be mundane or routine. Instead, it's an invitation to embark on exciting journeys, explore the world, and engage in life-enriching activities that offer fresh perspectives and growth opportunities.


"Being in a band with your brothers, you can get into each other's heads and create something really special."

The quote implies that when siblings form a band, their unique familial bond allows them to deeply understand each other, both emotionally and musically. This shared understanding, often beyond what is possible with non-family members, can lead to the creation of something exceptional - in this case, music that is special and distinct due to its roots in their personal connection.


If my musical tastes are continuing to grow up, and I am not really too interested in the music that my kids listen to, then I assume that the audience is doing the same.

- Rick Derringer

Grow, Doing, Audience, Tastes

It's a great relationship when you can work with the person who you consider to be your soul mate.

- Rick Derringer

Work, Soul, Soul Mate, Great Relationship

We played all of the songs on the first Johnny Winter AND every day before we recorded them, so that when we got in the studio, it was totally easy, as we knew exactly what we wanted to do.

- Rick Derringer

Every Day, Studio, Before, Johnny

There was nobody at the time who was playing slide guitar like Johnny, and nobody, or no white guys at least, that was playing country blues like that on the acoustic guitar. And it was at that point that I realized what Johnny had to offer.

- Rick Derringer

Country, Acoustic Guitar, Johnny

The first time I heard Johnny play at the Fillmore East, I wasn't really impressed. He had come on the scene with everybody telling me how great he was, and I didn't hear it.

- Rick Derringer

Play, Everybody, Telling, Johnny

Johnny was great in the studio; he was there to make the music that he wanted to make. We lived right beside each other and had a rehearsal studio that was just ours, with nobody else using it, it was part of Johnny's house, so we could rehearse every day.

- Rick Derringer

Every Day, Other, Studio, Johnny

I've always been a guy who's pretty supportive, its just my nature, so I came in to the situation with the attitude that I wanted to support Johnny and make it work.

- Rick Derringer

Always, Supportive, Been, Johnny

I took the rhythm place, which a lot of people didn't know how to do the way I could, and this was really the first time that Johnny had a rhythm guitar player.

- Rick Derringer

Could, Which, Took, Johnny

In the nineties I was doing those Blues Bureau records, but over the past two years, I have really gone back to my Christian roots and have been born again.

- Rick Derringer

Doing, Over, Been, Nineties

For me, I go in and play a few Christian songs for an audience, and now I have people come up and not tell me I'm great, but tell me that my music is helping save their lives, helping them in the Lord, and helping them end their vices.

- Rick Derringer

Play, Tell, Helping, Vices

My family is involved and my wife Brenda is a great, great writer. She helps me with the writing of everything and also sings with me. I owe a lot to Brenda.

- Rick Derringer

Wife, Sings, Also, Great Writer

I know some people will be surprised to hear it, but I've found that my music, whether its blues or rock, or whatever you want to call it, can be channeled into a positive direction that actually helps people.

- Rick Derringer

Rock, Blues, Some, Surprised

Brenda did some little vocal arrangements for us and she got to sing as well. So, we're happy to be able to work together and that's another reason why we look forward to doing more of these.

- Rick Derringer

Doing, Reason, Some, Work Together

So, after awhile, you can only get so much happiness from a guy who's drunk come up and tell you you're great.

- Rick Derringer

Tell, Guy, Come, Awhile

And what makes me happy now has changed as well... Its one thing to play in a bar or at a biker festival, and hear a guy who's been drinking beer all day come up and tell you how good you are. For a long time in your life that will make you happy.

- Rick Derringer

Happy, Play, Been, Bar

I wanted to play some more grown-up music - jazz.

- Rick Derringer

Music, Play, Some, Grown-Up

I just really longed to do music that reflected me as an adult and music that I thought was for other adults.

- Rick Derringer

Music, Thought, Other, Reflected

I was almost kind of trapped by my own success into only doing rock.

- Rick Derringer

Rock, Doing, Almost, Trapped

I started The McCoys in 1962, so I'm approaching my 40th year in the entertainment business.

- Rick Derringer

Business, Year, Approaching

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