Hang On Sloopy

Wes Farrell and Bert Berns wrote the track in 1964 under the title "My Girl Sloopy." The R&B group The Vibrations recorded it first for Atlantic Records, releasing the single in September of that year. Their version climbed to number 26 on the Billboard Hot 100 but lacked the explosive energy that would later define the song's legacy.

The definitive recording arrived from The McCoys, a band based in Union City, Indiana, who had recently changed their name from Rick and the Raiders. Produced by the trio known as The Strangeloves, Bob Feldman, Jerry Goldstein, and Richard Gottehrer, the track was cut at Bell Sound Studios in New York City. Released through Bang Records in July 1965, the single reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 on October 2, 1965. Lead vocalist Rick Zehringer, soon to be known as Rick Derringer, delivered the driving guitar riff and vocals that propelled the record to gold certification by the RIAA.

Cultural resonance extended far beyond the charts when the Ohio State University Marching Band adopted the song for their football games in 1965. Fans began chanting "O-H-I-O" during the chorus, creating an enduring tradition that persists today. In 1985, Ohio officially designated the track as its state rock song, making it the only official rock anthem in the United States. Recent legislative efforts in May 2026 sought to further codify this status, while the passing of Rick Derringer in May 2025 marked the end of an era for the original performer. [edit]