Rick Derringer, the musician best known for the “Real American” theme used by WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan, passed away this week at the age of 77.
Derringer contributed to various wrestling themes and albums over the years. He co-wrote the iconic theme for former WWE Tag Team Champions Demolition and produced The Wrestling Album, released by Epic Records in 1985, as well as Piledriver: The Wrestling Album II.
The iconic “Real American” theme music was initially used by the WWE tag team The U.S. Express, consisting of Barry Windham and Mike Rotunda. However, it later became associated with Hulk Hogan after Windham and Rotunda left WWE. The theme song is now best known as Hogan’s signature music.
Derringer also recorded a dozen studio albums as a solo artist, starting with his debut album, American Boy, in 1973, which peaked at No. 25 on the charts. Some of Derringer’s other notable collaborations include work with Steely Dan, Ringo Starr, Cyndi Lauper, and “Weird Al” Yankovic. He produced some of Weird Al’s most famous tracks, including “Fat” and “Eat It.”
On behalf of PWMania.com, we extend our condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Rick Derringer.
