Dennis Locorriere, the lead vocalist of the band Dr Hook, has died at the age of 76 after suffering from kidney disease. He was best known for singing many of the group's most popular songs, including their breakthrough hit Sylvia's Mother in 1972, which reached number 5 in the US and number 2 in the UK, topping charts in several other countries.
Early Life and Formation of Dr Hook
Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, Locorriere was the son of teenage parents of Italian descent. He was primarily raised by his maternal grandparents in Union City, New Jersey. He learned guitar and began performing in local bars. In 1968, he met Ray Sawyer and guitarist George Cummings, and together with keyboardist Billy Francis and drummer Joseph Olivier, they formed the original line-up of Dr Hook & the Medicine Show, later shortened to Dr Hook. Locorriere initially played bass and served as the primary vocalist.
Rise to Fame
Dr Hook's rise began in 1970 when their demo tapes were heard by Ron Haffkine, music director for the film Who Is Harry Kellerman and Why Is He Saying Those Terrible Things About Me? The band appeared in the film, gaining exposure that led to a deal with CBS records in 1971. Their debut album, Doctor Hook, released in 1972, reached number 45 on the US album chart and produced the hit single Sylvia's Mother, written by Shel Silverstein.
The follow-up album, Sloppy Seconds, also featured songs by Silverstein, including The Cover of "Rolling Stone", a satirical ode to pop stardom sung by Sawyer that became a US Top 10 hit. The band indeed appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone in March 1973.
Continued Success and Later Years
Dr Hook enjoyed sustained success into the early 1980s, with Locorriere singing lead on hits like When You're in Love With a Beautiful Woman (1979), which topped the UK charts and reached number 6 in the US. Other hits included Only Sixteen, A Little Bit More, Better Love Next Time, and Sexy Eyes. Locorriere and Sawyer also sang together on Sharing the Night Together (1978). Locorriere performed The Ballad of Lucy Jordan, later a hit for Marianne Faithfull.
After Dr Hook disbanded in 1985, Locorriere released three solo albums: Out of the Dark (2000), One of the Lucky Ones (2005), and Post Cool (2010). He continued collaborating with Silverstein, performing in his play The Devil and Billy Markham and narrating the audiobook of Runny Babbit. His song A Couple More Years was covered by Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan.
Personal Life and Legacy
Locorriere's first two marriages ended in divorce. He lived in Worthing, West Sussex, with his third wife, Claire Anne, who survives him, along with his son, Jessejames, and daughter, Lily.
