The City of Union City is striking a chord of hometown pride by officially proclaiming August 5th as Rick Derringer Day, a yearly celebration honoring the life and legacy of one of its most famous sons: musician, producer, and rock icon Rick Derringer.
Born on August 5, 1947, and a graduate of Union City Community High School, Derringer found early fame as the frontman of The McCoys, whose 1965 hit “Hang On Sloopy” soared to No. 1 on the charts. The song went on to become the official state rock song of Ohio and a beloved anthem of The Ohio State University, cementing its place in music history.
The city’s proclamation, signed by Mayor Chad Spence, celebrates Derringer’s decades-spanning career, which includes hit records, Grammy-winning collaborations, television appearances, and contributions to film soundtracks. More importantly, the day recognizes what Derringer represents to the community: a shining example of what’s possible when talent meets hard work and small-town roots fuel big-time dreams.
“Rick Derringer Day is about more than one man’s success,” said Mayor Spence. “It’s about celebrating the spirit of Union City—creativity, grit, and the belief that no dream is too big for our little town.”
As Union City continues to look toward the future, it does so with pride in its past—and the hometown rock star who helped put it on the map.
