Rick Derringer, whose six-decade career spanned teen stardom as lead singer of the ‘60s smash “Hang on Sloopy,” a ‘70s solo hit with “Rock and Roll Hootchie Koo,” session work with artists from Steely Dan to Barbra Streisand, and extensive work as a writer and producer of wrestling themes, including Hulk Hogan’s seemingly ageless “Real American,” has died, according to an announcement from his caretaker, Tony Wilson, and Guitar Player magazine. Wilson’s post states that Derringer died Monday evening in Ormond Beach, Fl. No cause of death was announced although Derringer had been in ill health in recent months; he was 77.

A remarkably versatile guitarist, a strong singer and a high-profile presence on New York’s rock scene of the ‘70s and ‘80s, Derringer also produced the Edgar Winter Group’s 1972 smash single “Frankenstein” and served as the band’s guitarist for several years; worked closely with Winter’s brother Johnny as a guitarist and producer; produced “Weird” Al Yankovic’s first album; and even gave Patti Smith her first major credit, on the song “Jump” from Derringer’s 1973 debut solo album, “All-American Boy.”