Dr Hook singer Dennis Locorriere dies at 76 on May 16 2026

Dennis Locorriere recorded over 18 albums during his 60-year career. This is a major loss for fans of the band Dr Hook and the Medicine Show.

Dennis Locorriere, the distinctive voice behind Dr Hook's enduring hits, has died at the age of 76. His management confirmed the news on May 16, citing a "long and courageous battle" with kidney disease.

Dr Hook co-frontman Dennis Locorriere dies aged 76 - 1

Locorriere, a founding member of the New Jersey-based band, was the lead singer on their biggest success, "When You're in Love With a Beautiful Woman." This 1979 disco-pop track, known for its wry take on romantic paranoia, spent 17 weeks on the UK charts, reaching No. 1 for three of those weeks, and was a global hit.

Dr Hook co-frontman Dennis Locorriere dies aged 76 - 2

He shared lead vocal duties with Ray Sawyer, who passed away in 2019. Locorriere remained with Dr Hook, then known as Dr Hook & the Medicine Show, throughout its run from 1969 to 1985. Other well-known songs featuring his vocals include "Sharing the Night Together" and "Sylvia's Mother."

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Dr Hook co-frontman Dennis Locorriere dies aged 76 - 3

The guitarist and singer recorded more than 18 albums over a career that spanned nearly six decades. He continued to perform into his 60s and released three solo records: "Out of the Dark," "One of the Lucky," and "Post Cool."

Dr Hook co-frontman Dennis Locorriere dies aged 76 - 4

Locorriere was married three times, eventually settling in Sussex, UK, with his third wife. His career began with the band securing a recording contract after early songs were featured in the film Who Is Harry Kellerman and Why Is He Saying Those Terrible Things About Me?. Poet Shel Silverstein was instrumental in the band's early development, writing their first two albums and encouraging them to write their own material.

Management described Locorriere as someone who "will be remembered for his warmth, love, and the lasting impact he had on those around him."

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When did Dr Hook singer Dennis Locorriere pass away?
Dennis Locorriere passed away on May 16, 2026, at the age of 76. His management confirmed he died following a long battle with kidney disease.
Q: What were the most famous songs by Dennis Locorriere and Dr Hook?
Dennis Locorriere was the lead voice on major hits including 'When You're in Love With a Beautiful Woman,' 'Sharing the Night Together,' and 'Sylvia's Mother.' He performed with the band from 1969 to 1985.
Q: How long was the music career of Dennis Locorriere?
His career spanned nearly six decades, during which he recorded more than 18 albums. He continued to perform into his 60s and released three solo records after his time with Dr Hook.
Q: Where was Dennis Locorriere living when he died?
Dennis Locorriere had settled in Sussex, UK, with his third wife. He remained a respected figure in the music industry until his death this May.