Dennis Locorriere Dies: Dr. Hook Frontman Was 76

Dennis Locorriere, the lead singer of the rock group Dr. Hook, is dead at 76.

On Saturday, May 16, the country-rocker died after a lengthy health battle, his management announced in a statement, per Page Six.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dennis Locorriere, who, after a long and courageous battle with kidney disease, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones,” the message read. “Dennis faced his illness with remarkable strength, dignity, and resilience throughout, and remained deeply cherished by all who knew him.”

In conclusion, they shared, “He will be remembered for his warmth, love, and the lasting impact he had on those around him.”

In 1969, Locorriere founded Dr. Hook — originally called Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show — with George Cummings, Ray Sawyer, and Billy Francis, per Rolling Stone. He was the bass player and lead singer of the country-rock band. After Dr. Hook signed with Columbia in 1971, they connected with the children’s book author, Shel Silverstein, who wrote nearly every song on their first two albums.

Dr. Hook Legend Dennis Locorriere performing ‘Sylvia’s Mother’ Rest In Peace pic.twitter.com/myNi67mzpA

— Roger (@sir_roger1) May 17, 2026

Related

Dave Mason, Traffic Co-Founder, Dies at 79: Tributes Pour In

Dr. Hook went on to release 11 studio albums, which included hit songs like “The Cover of ‘Rolling Stone,'” “Sylvia’s Mother,” “Sharing the Night Together,” “When You’re in Love With a Beautiful Woman,” “Sexy Eyes,” “A Little Bit More,” “Only Sixteen,” and more. Additionally, Locorriere released three studio albums under his name.

More from this section

The Gordon Ramsay effect: How celebrity chef endorsements actually change what we buy

Although Locorriere was born in Union City, New Jersey, he lived in the U.K. for 24 years before his death. He only recently announced in November 2025 plans to stop touring.

In the wake of Locorriere’s death, fans reacted on social media and posted tributes. One X user lamented, “The last member of the original Dr. Hook lineup. I’m absolutely gutted. .”

Another fan declared via X, “Great singer and a great band. Another person in [an] era of great music, gone.”

“My heart is broken . Love Dr Hook.”

A different X user wondered, “RIP, I wonder if we ever got his picture on the cover of Rolling Stone?” (They did, on March 29, 1973.)

Meanwhile, yet another X user wrote, “RIP, Dennis Locorriere. Another voice from a golden era gone… Dr. Hook’s legacy is timeless.”

More Headlines:

• Dennis Locorriere Dies: Dr. Hook Frontman Was 76
• CNN, MS NOW & Fox News Ratings Show Dramatic Swings
• Bob Odenkirk Shares Health Update 5 Years After Near-Fatal Heart Attack
• ’60 Minutes’: Anderson Cooper Gets Emotional as He Says Farewell to Show
• ‘Euphoria’ Star Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje Breaks Down Alamo’s Twisted Origin Story in Episode 6