Dennis Locorriere, Dr. Hook Frontman, Dies at 76

Dennis Locorriere, the lead vocalist and guitarist of the offbeat '70s country rock band Dr. Hook And The Medicine Show, has died at 76. "After a long and courageous battle with kidney disease, [he] passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on May 16th 2024," reads a statement from his band's website. "Dennis faced his illness with remarkable strength, dignity, and resilience throughout, and remained deeply cherished by all who knew him. He will be remembered for his warmth, love, and the lasting impact he had on those around him."

Born in 1949 in Union City, New Jersey, Locorriere was instrumental in forming Dr. Hook. The band's debut album, Doctor Hook, arrived in 1972. Notably, much of the album was penned by author/poet Shel Silverstein, already famous for writing Johnny Cash's hit "A Boy Named Sue."

The album proved commercially successful, spawning Dr. Hook's first hit, "Sylvia's Mother." Their sophomore album, Sloppy Seconds, followed the next year and featured what is now one of their best-known songs, "The Cover Of 'Rolling Stone,'" a satirical take on music industry influence. Ironically, the song helped them land on the cover of Rolling Stone, albeit in caricature form.

Dr. Hook

Until their farewell tour in 1985, Dr. Hook maintained a prolific output, releasing 11 studio albums in as many years. Locorriere continued his musical journey, releasing three studio albums under his own name. He also wrote songs made famous by other artists, including "You Ain't Got The Right" by Olivia Newton-John, and "A Couple More Years," recorded by artists such as Waylon Jennings, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Bob Dylan. Until announcing his retirement last November, he consistently toured, performing Dr. Hook's beloved music.
Dennis Locorriere

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