Dennis Locorriere, the voice behind some of Dr Hook’s biggest hits, has died aged 76 after a long and courageous battle with kidney disease. His management said he passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on May 16, 2026.
Locorriere sang vocals for the 1970s band alongside Ray Sawyer, helping drive a run of songs that included When You’re In Love With A Beautiful Woman, Sharing The Night Together and Sylvia’s Mother. He was born in Union City, New Jersey, later lived in the UK for 24 years, and founded the group with Sawyer, Billy Francis and George Cummings, with the band debuting in 1971.
The group was known as Dr Hook & The Medicine Show until 1975, when the shorter Dr Hook name took hold. Sawyer died in 2019, leaving Locorriere as one of the most recognisable figures linked to the band’s catalogue. In 2014, Dr Hook reached number 11 on the top 40 chart with Timeless, a 40-track collection built from chart hits, love songs and lesser-known gems from across the group’s repertoire.
Locorriere’s management said he faced his illness with remarkable strength, dignity and resilience, and that he remained deeply cherished by those who knew him. They added that he would be remembered for his warmth, love and the lasting impact he had on people around him, while asking for privacy for his loved ones as they grieve the loss.
His death closes the story of a career that stretched across nearly six decades and included more than 18 albums, after he later forged a solo career beyond the band that first made him famous. The singer is now remembered not only as a founder of Dr Hook, but as one of the distinctive voices of its biggest years. Dennis Locorriere, Dr Hook singer and founder, dies aged 76.
