Dennis Locorriere, the frontman of the 1970s soft rock band Dr.Hook, has died at the age of 76 after a long and courageous battle with kidney disease.He passed away peacefully on 16th May 2026, surrounded by his loved ones.His management confirmed the news in a statement highlighting his strength, dignity, and the warmth he brought to those around him.Locorriere rose to fame with Dr.Hook & The Medicine Show, sharing lead vocal duties with Ray Sawyer.

The New Jersey band blended country rock, blue-eyed soul, and pop, achieving major success with hits such as ‘Sylvia’s Mother’, ‘The Cover Of Rolling Stone’, ‘Sharing The Night Together’, and ‘When You’re In Love With A Beautiful Woman’.

Formed in 1969, the group initially worked with songwriter Shel Silverstein and later streamlined into a more pop-oriented act with further successes like ‘A Little Bit More’.Locorriere began as a bass player before taking on prominent vocal roles.

Beyond the band, he was a respected songwriter whose compositions were recorded by artists including Bob Dylan, Olivia Newton-John, and Jerry Lee Lewis.After Dr.Hook split in 1985, he continued touring under the band name, having retained the rights.He also released solo albums and performed with Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings.Locorriere was married three times and had been living in Sussex with his third wife.Ray Sawyer, his former bandmate, passed away in 2019.

The news marks the end of an era for one of the most commercially successful soft rock acts of the 1970s, whose music continues to resonate with fans worldwide.