Hang On Sloopy

"Hang On Sloopy" began as "My Girl Sloopy," written by Wes Farrell and Bert Berns (credited as Bert Russell) in 1964. The R&B vocal group the Vibrations first recorded it, releasing it on Atlantic Records in September 1964, where it reached No. 26 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song's catchy hook soon attracted cover versions, including an early recording by the Yardbirds with guitarist Jeff Beck. But the definitive rendition came from the McCoys, a garage rock band from Union City, Indiana, fronted by guitarist and vocalist Rick Zehringer, later known as Rick Derringer.

The McCoys' version was produced by Bob Feldman, Jerry Goldstein, and Richard Gottehrer (the Strangeloves) and recorded at Bell Sound Studios in New York City. Released in July 1965 on Bang Records, the single shot to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on October 2, 1965, and also reached No. 5 on the UK Singles Chart. The RIAA certified it Gold. The song's raw, energetic sound, driven by Derringer's vocal and lead guitar, made it a classic of 1960s garage rock, though the McCoys are often remembered as a one-hit wonder.

The song's cultural impact far exceeded its chart run. In 1965, the Ohio State University Marching Band began playing it at football games, and in 1985 it was officially designated the state rock song of Ohio. It remains a staple at Cleveland Guardians, Browns, and Cavaliers games, where fans chant "O-H-I-O" during the chorus. The title character is widely believed to be inspired by Dorothy Sloop, a jazz singer from Steubenville, Ohio, though other stories suggest a truck-stop waitress. Numerous covers have been recorded, including versions in Spanish and Portuguese, and the song appears on the McCoys' 1965 album of the same name. [edit]