Re: Rick Derringer/Johnny Winter/Hoochie Koo (NZC)

[Zenolithia@xxxxxxx]

In a message dated 6/25/99 11:11:41 PM Central Daylight Time, 
wilcox@xxxxxxxxxxx writes about seeing Rick Derringer at the Zeppelin Oakland 
concert in 1977:

> Rick Derringer was awesome. 
>  I seem to recall the 2 guitarists tossing their guitars back and forth
>  to each other and trading riffs during Rock & Roll Hoochie Coo (tho it's
>  possible by this time I was feeling the effects of the green bud). 

Dear Badgeholders...

I don't think it was the green stuff but I'm sure that helped!  Several 
people have highlighted Rick Derringer's performance in 77.  This is a 
musician that I always felt was underrated. I really enjoyed his first solo 
album back when it came out. I thought of him when all the guys (mainly) on 
FBO were having discussions on the good/greatest-whatever guitarists several 
months back, but I figured I didn't know anything so I kept my mouth shut for 
fear of being publicly attacked and humiliated......:)

Anyway, what ever happened to Rick Derringer?  Is he making records still?  I 
never think to look when I'm in a record store because I am usually looking 
for something specific.  

I tried to look him up in the AMG to Rock book and there is no listing.  Like 
that means anything.  I am not real impressed with that book.  Robert Plant 
has a separate listing but Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones do not.....go 
figure! The Firm is not a separate listing in there either but there are many 
others listed who are way less impressive AND less popular.  I've been 
meaning to write the editors about it.  (Don't laugh.... somebody might care!)

I find it hard to believe that Rick Derringer was the same guy that sang Hang 
on Sloopy (what was the name of that band?).  LOL!  He was, wasn't he?  I 
don't think I have him mixed up with someone else.  Let me know if I do.

I think I am going to go put All American Boy on the turntable right now.  
Oh, I think I thought he was cute too.........now that I get the album out.  
Yes.  That song Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo (this is how it is spelled on the 
back of the album) really does rock, doesn't it?  It says "Rick plays 
guitars, bass, tambourine and sings lead vocal.  Bobby Caldwell plays drums.  
The album says "All songs written by Rick Derringer, except "HOLD" which was 
written by Rick Derringer and Patti Smith," as well.  

Johnny Winter came out with the hit version of R&R Hoochie Koo and I have 
that album as well and it shows Rick Derringer as the songwriter.  Talk about 
good album...."Johnny Winter And"....great album!!  I am not sure how good of 
a guitarist Johnny Winter is but I bet he got some of the credit that was 
really due Rick.  Maybe that is why Derringer left the band.  Looks like he 
also wrote half of the songs on the Winter album.

Anyway, both album versions of this song are great.  Johnny's is a little 
more bluesy than Derringer's.  I think I like his better, actually.  I like 
the slide guitar...that must be Johnny's.

Debbie
PS.  My little tribute to Rick Derringer...

Here are the words to Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo:

"I couldn't stop moving when it first took hold
It was a warm spring night in the ol' town hall
There was a group called The Jokers,
	they were layin' it down
Doncha know I'm never gonna lose that funky sound.
Chorus:
Rock and Roll Hoochie koo
Lawdy mama, light my fuse
Rock and Roll Hoochie koo
Truck on out and spread the news.

The "squitas" started buzzing 'bout that time a' year.
I'm goin' round back, she said she'd meet me there
We were rollin' in the grass that grows 
	behind the barn.
When my ears started ringing like a fire alarm.
(Chorus)
Hope ya'll know what I'm talkin' about
The way they wiggle that thing, 
	it really knocks me out
I'm gettin' high all the time, 
	hope ya'll are too.
Wel come-on a little closer, gonna do it to you
(Chorus)
That I'm tired of payin' dues
Done said goodbye to all my blues
Lawdy Mama light my fuse."