Music

Dr. Hook Singer-Guitarist Dennis Locorriere Dies at 76

Dennis Locorriere, a founding member of the New Jersey country rock band Dr. Hook, has passed away at 76. He was the lead vocalist on hit singles like "Sylvia's Mother," "When You’re in Love with a Beautiful Woman," and "Sexy Eyes."

Rolling Stone·May 17, 2026·via Rolling Stone

Dr. Hook Singer-Guitarist Dennis Locorriere Dies at 76

Obituary

Dennis Locorriere, Dr. Hook Singer and Guitarist, Dead at 76

Founding member of New Jersey country rock band sang lead on hit singles "Sylvia's Mother," "When You’re in Love with a Beautiful Woman" and "Sexy Eyes"

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May 17, 2026

Dennis Locorriere, founding member of the Seventies country rock band Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show, has died at the age of 76.

Locorriere died Saturday following a “long and courageous battle with kidney disease,” the “Cover of the Rolling Stone” band said in a statement Sunday. Locorriere previously announced in November 2025 that he would retire from touring.

“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,” the statement read. “We would like to thank everyone who supported Dennis during his journey and ask for privacy for his loved ones as they grieve this profound loss.”

The New Jersey-born Locorriere co-founded Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show in 1969, serving first as the band’s bassist and lead singer. After signing with Columbia, the country rock group linked up with children’s book author Shel Silverstein, who wrote all but one song on the group’s first two albums, 1972’s Doctor Hook and 1973’s Sloppy Seconds .

Those LPs featured the Locorriere-sung singles “Sylvia’s Mother” and “Carry Me, Carrie,” as well as the band’s biggest hit “The Cover of ‘Rolling Stone,'” sung by the band’s Ray Sawyer, who died in 2018 .

After shortening their band name to simply Dr. Hook in the mid-Seventies, Locorriere and the band scored hits with covers of “A Little Bit More” and “Sharing the Night Together,” as well as their own “When You’re in Love with a Beautiful Woman,” “Sexy Eyes,” and “Better Love Next Time,” the latter three appearing on the band’s 1979 album Sometimes You Win .