From “My Girl Sloopy” to #1: The McCoys’ Breakthrough Hit

“Hang On Sloopy,” recorded by The McCoys and released in July 1965, is a high-energy garage-rock anthem that captured hearts across America. Originally titled “My Girl Sloopy” and written by Wes Farrell and Bert Berns, the song soared to No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in October 1965, becoming the band’s signature hit . Backed by producers Bob Feldman, Jerry Goldstein, and Richard Gottehrer, The McCoys’ version injected a vibrant beat and spirited vocals that resonated with audiences
. The song also spearheaded The McCoys’ debut album Hang On Sloopy, which peaked at #44 on Billboard’s LP chart

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐜𝐂𝐨𝐲𝐬 – 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐧 𝐒𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐲

From demo to hit: The song started as “My Girl Sloopy” by The Vibrations in 1964, reaching #26 on Billboard. The McCoys’ upbeat rendition was fully re-titled and arranged to maximize its rock appeal

Ohio State tradition: The Ohio State University Marching Band first played it on October 9, 1965. It quickly became a fan favorite, and in 1985, the Ohio General Assembly declared it the official rock song of the state

Band origin: The McCoys began life in 1962 as Rick and the Raiders, later adopting the name from a B‑side title. Their lineup included Rick Derringer (born Richard Zehringer), his brother Randy, and others from Indiana and Ohio

Sales milestone: The single sold over one million copies in the U.S., a testament to its mass appeal

Rick Derringer’s legacy: Derringer, just 17 when he recorded this track, later found fame as a solo artist, contributing to hits like “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo” and working with major acts like Steely Dan, the Winters, and producing “Eat It” for “Weird Al.” He passed away in May 2025 at age 77

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