Before The Beatles, Ringo was part of Rory Storm and The Hurricanesone of the most popular bands of the Liverpool scene, where he won his nickname “Ringo” for the numerous rings he used to use and “Starr” for his battery solos, known as “Star Time”.
Ringo and his arrival in The Beatles
The story of how Ringo joined The Beatles is already a legend. In August 1962, the band, which at that time was consolidating in the music scene, dismissed its original drummer, Pete Best. John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison They already knew Ringo for his work with Rory Storm and The Hurricanes And they admired their battery style, their professionalism and their quiet personality. Despite the dismay of Best’s fans, the decision to incorporate Ringo turned out to be fundamental for the global success of The Beatles.
His battery style, characterized by metronomic precision and subtle creativity, fit perfectly with the band’s musical direction. Ringo was not an ostentatious drummer, but a “Groove” teacher, always at the service of the song. Its ability to maintain rhythm impeccably and add distinctive touches without overloading the compositions was crucial for the innovative sound of The Beatles.
Songs like “Ticket to Ride” either “Come Together” They are perfect examples of their ability to enrich musical texture with complex but discreet rhythmic patterns.
Beyond the battery: his voice in The Beatles
Although mainly known for its drums, Ringo also left his vocal mark on several iconic songs by The Beatles. His distinctive voice, often comic and always endearing, contributed an additional dimension to the band.
Topics like “Yellow Submarine”which became a child and pacifist anthem, or “With a Little Help from My Friends”an ode to camaraderie, are clear examples of their vocal contribution. Less known, but equally lovely, are your interpretations in songs like “Don’t Pass Me by” and “Octopus’s Garden”both composed of himself, showing his talent for composition, often eclipsed by the genius of Lennon and McCartney.
These songs reveal their ability to create catchy melodies and simple but emotional lyrics, which resonated with the audience.
SOLIST CAREER AND LEGENDARY COLLABORATIONS
After the dissolution of The Beatles in 1970, Ringo Starr undertook a successful solo career, launching a series of albums that had the collaboration of their former bandmates.
His 1973 homonymous album, “Ringo”it is a testimony of the last friendship and mutual respect between the Fab Four, since it was attended by Lennon, McCartney and Harrison in different topics. Songs like “Photography” (co-written with George Harrison) and “You’re Sixteen” They became world successes, consolidating their status as a solo artist. Throughout the decades, Ringo continued to launch albums, exploring various musical genres and always maintaining his distinctive style.
His solo discography is a trip through different musical eras, showing his versatility and his love for experimentation.
The connection with his former companions never broke completely. Ringo collaborated on numerous occasions with each of them over the years. Touched the battery in George Harrison albums as “All Things Must Pass” and “Cloud Nine”and in John Lennon songs like “Mind Games” and “Walls and Bridges”.
With Paul McCartneyhe collaborated in several of his solo projects, such as the album “Pipes of Peace” where they recorded together the emotional song “Take it away”.
These collaborations not only demonstrated the enduring friendship between the former Beatles, but also allowed Ringo to remain part of the musical history in constant evolution of their classmates.
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The All Starr Band: A Constellation of Stars
In 1989, Ringo Starr formed the Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Bandan innovative concept that has been a pillar of his career since then. This band, which changes its training each tour, has renowned musicians who have been leaders or prominent members of other famous bands.
The premise is simple but brilliant: Each musician touches his own successes, along with some songs by The Beatles and the solo career of Ringo.
This initiative has allowed Ringo to continue turning around the world, offering fans a unique and collaborative musical experience. Musicians like Joe Walsh (Eagles), Todd Rundgren, Steve Lukather (TOTO), Colin there are (Men at work) and Sheila E. They are just some of the many talents that have been part of this “dream band”, consolidating Ringo’s legacy as a leader who encourages collaboration and musical enjoyment.
The “returns” of the Beatles: Historical Unions
One of the most anticipated moments by The Beatles fans was the meeting of the three surviving members for the project “Anthology” In the 1990s. Ringo, Paul and George gathered to record new clues for unpublished songs by John Lennon, as “Free as a bird” and “Real Love”. These themes represented an emotional musical reunion and offered fans an last chance to listen to the remaining three beatles working together.
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More recently, in 2023, Ringo and Paul McCartney again joined To complete “Now and Than”a demo of John Lennon That, thanks to artificial intelligence technology, it could be rescued and finished, including Ringo’s battery parts and Paul’s bass, along with Lennon’s original voice and a guitar track of George Harrison. This song became the “The last theme of The Beatles”a posthumous and moving gift for millions of fans worldwide, demonstrating once again the indissoluble connection between them.
Beyond music: a multifaceted artist
Ringo Starr’s artistic vein is not limited to music. Throughout his life, he has ventured into various disciplines, demonstrating his creativity and his desire to explore new forms of expression.
He has participated in several films, both as an actor in leading roles and memorable cameos. His performances in “Candy” (1968), “The Magic Christian” (1969) and “Caveman” (1981) show their comic talent and their charisma on screen.
In addition, Ringo is a talented photographer, having published several books with his images, capturing intimate moments of his life and the history of The Beatles. His photographs offer A unique and personal perspective of one of the most influential bands of all time. He has also explored the world of visual art, with his paintings and drawings that often present his characteristic playful and vibrant style.
Your most recent album and legacy
In recent years, he has ventured into the fashion design, collaborating in clothing collections with his distinctive style. Regarding music this year he released “Look up” your twenty -first study album. The album is a reflection of its love to country music, it has special appearances of Billy Strings, Molly Tuttle, Lucius and Larkin Poeas well as contributions in writing and production of T Bone Burnett.
At 85, Ringo Starr remains a vibrant and active figure, a true musical and cultural treasure. His legacy goes beyond having been “The Beatles drummer”; It is that of an artist who, with humility and an undeniable talent, has left an indelible brand in the history of music and beyond.
Source: Ambito
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
