Dennis Locorriere, founding member and longtime frontman of Dr Hook & the Medicine Show, has died aged 76 following what representatives described as a long battle with kidney disease.
The singer died on Saturday 16 May, according to a statement released by his representatives on Sunday.
“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 also asked for privacy for his family and loved ones.
“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.”
Dennis Locorriere helped define Dr Hook’s 1970s success
Born in New Jersey, Locorriere co-founded Dr Hook and the Medicine Show in 1969 alongside singer Ray Sawyer and other members of the group.
The band became one of the defining country rock and soft rock acts of the 1970s, blending humour, storytelling and pop hooks into a string of international hits.
Early successes included Sylvia’s Mother, Carry Me Carrie and The Cover Of Rolling Stone, the latter famously sung by Sawyer.
In the mid-1970s, the group shortened its name to Dr Hook and moved towards a more polished pop-rock sound.
That era produced some of the band’s biggest commercial hits, including When You’re In Love With A Beautiful Woman, Sexy Eyes and Better Love Next Time.
Locorriere continued touring long after Dr Hook split
Following Dr Hook’s farewell tour in 1985, Locorriere retained the rights to the band’s name and continued performing the group’s catalogue live for decades.
He remained a popular touring act across the UK, Europe and Australia, with Dr Hook’s songs continuing to attract audiences long after the band’s commercial peak.
In November 2025, Locorriere announced he would officially retire from touring.
Ray Sawyer, known for his eyepatch and distinctive stage presence, died in 2018.
Dr Hook’s music remains a staple of classic rock and soft rock radio
Dr Hook’s mix of country rock, soft rock and humour-driven songwriting made them one of the most recognisable radio bands of the 1970s and early 1980s.
Songs such as When You’re In Love With A Beautiful Woman and Sharing The Night Together continue to receive heavy airplay on classic hits stations around the world.
Locorriere’s voice became central to the band’s crossover appeal, helping bridge country, pop and adult contemporary audiences during one of the most commercially successful periods in American soft rock.
