Ringo Starr facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sir Ringo Starr MBE
Starr in 2019
Born	Richard Starkey (1940-07-07) 7 July 1940 (age 85) Liverpool, England
Occupation	Musician singer songwriter actor
Years active	1957–present
Works	Discography songs filmography
Spouse(s)	Maureen Cox ​ ​ (m. 1965; div. 1975)​ Barbara Bach ​ (m. 1981)​
Children	3, including Zak
Relatives	Francesca Gregorini (stepdaughter)
Musical career
Genres	Rock pop country
Instruments	Drums vocals
Labels	Parlophone United Artists Capitol Apple Swan Vee-Jay Tollie Atlantic RCA Mercury Koch Private Music Boardwalk Rykodisc Hip-O
Signature

Sir Richard Starkey (born 7 July 1940), known as Ringo Starr, is a famous English musician, singer, songwriter, and actor. He became world-famous as the drummer for the legendary band, the Beatles. Ringo sometimes sang lead vocals for the group. He often sang one song on each album. These included "Yellow Submarine" and "With a Little Help from My Friends". He also wrote and sang two Beatles songs: "Don't Pass Me By" and "Octopus's Garden". He helped write three other Beatles songs.

Ringo faced serious illnesses when he was a child. This meant he spent long periods in the hospital. As a teenager, Ringo became very interested in skiffle music. He loved this style of music. In 1957, he started his first band, the Eddie Clayton Skiffle Group. They played many local shows. However, the skiffle trend soon changed to American rock and roll music.

When the Beatles formed in 1960, Ringo was the drummer for another Liverpool band. This band was called Rory Storm and the Hurricanes. They had some success in the UK and Germany. Ringo left the Hurricanes in August 1962. He was asked to join the Beatles, replacing their drummer Pete Best.

After the Beatles broke up, Ringo released many popular songs. These included the US top-ten hit "It Don't Come Easy". He also had number one hits like "Photograph" and "You're Sixteen". His most successful UK song was "Back Off Boogaloo", which reached number two. His 1973 album Ringo was very popular. It was a top-ten album in both the UK and the US. Besides the Beatles' movies, Ringo has acted in many other films. He has also appeared in documentaries and hosted TV shows. He narrated the first two seasons of Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends. He also played "Mr. Conductor" in the American show Shining Time Station. Since 1989, he has toured with his band, Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band.

Ringo's drumming style focused on feeling rather than just technical skill. This influenced many drummers. He also helped popularize modern drumming techniques. These include the matched grip and tuning drums lower. He believed his best drumming was on the Beatles' song "Rain". In 1999, he joined the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame. In 2011, Rolling Stone readers voted him the fifth-greatest drummer ever. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice. First, as a Beatle in 1988, and then as a solo artist in 2015. He was made a Knight Bachelor in 2018 for his contributions to music.

Ringo Starr: A Drummer's Journey

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Richard Starkey was born on 7 July 1940. His birthplace was 9 Madryn Street in Dingle, Liverpool. This is an inner-city area of Liverpool, England. He was the only child of Richard Starkey and Elsie Gleave. His parents enjoyed singing and dancing. They often went to local ballrooms. Elsie became very protective of her son. His father, "Big Ritchie," spent a lot of time away from home.

Starr's birthplace in Madryn Street, Dingle, Liverpool, in May 2013

In 1944, his family moved to 10 Admiral Grove. Soon after, his parents separated and divorced. Ringo later said he had "no real memories" of his father. His father visited him only a few times. Elsie worked hard to support her son. She cleaned houses and then became a barmaid for twelve years.

Starr's childhood residence at 10 Admiral Grove, Dingle, Liverpool, in 2010

Childhood Challenges

At age six, Ringo had appendicitis. After surgery, he got a serious infection called peritonitis. This caused him to be in a coma for several days. He spent a year recovering in a children's hospital. When he returned home, he missed a lot of school. At eight years old, he struggled with reading and math. He often missed school and played in Sefton Park.

In 1953, he got tuberculosis and stayed in a hospital for two years. To help with boredom, the staff encouraged patients to join a hospital band. This was Ringo's first experience with percussion. He used a cotton bobbin to hit cabinets. He soon became very interested in drumming. He received a song called "Bedtime for Drums" as a gift. Ringo said, "That's where I really started playing. I never wanted anything else from there on."

Discovering Drums

Ringo went to St Silas primary school. His classmates nicknamed him "Lazarus". He later attended Dingle Vale Secondary modern school. He was good at art, drama, and mechanics. Because of his long hospital stays, he fell behind in school. He did not take the exam needed for grammar school. After recovering from tuberculosis, he stayed home. He listened to music and played along by hitting biscuit tins with sticks.

On 17 April 1954, Ringo's mother married Harry Graves. Harry loved big band music. He introduced Ringo to singers like Dinah Shore and Sarah Vaughan. Ringo said Harry was "great" and taught him "gentleness." Ringo's early music heroes included Lightnin' Hopkins and Hank Williams. He was inspired to play drums after seeing Gene Krupa in a movie.

Ringo's childhood neighborhood was very poor. Houses were small and crowded. Crime was a constant worry. Ringo said, "You kept your head down, your eyes open, and you didn't get in anybody's way."

After leaving the hospital in 1955, Ringo started working. He had a short job as a railway worker. He then worked as a waiter on a boat. In 1956, his stepfather helped him get a job. He became an apprentice machinist at a school equipment factory. There, he met Roy Trafford. They bonded over their love for music. Trafford introduced Ringo to skiffle music, which Ringo quickly loved.

First Bands and Stage Name

The Eddie Clayton Band

Ringo and Trafford started practicing songs in the factory cellar. Trafford played guitar, and Ringo made rhythms on a box. Sometimes, he hit a biscuit tin with keys. They were joined by guitarist Eddie Miles. They formed the Eddie Miles Band. Later, they changed their name to Eddie Clayton and the Clayton Squares. The band played popular skiffle songs. Ringo used a thimble on a washboard for rhythm.

On Christmas Day 1957, Harry Graves gave Ringo a second-hand drum kit. It had a snare drum, bass drum, and a cymbal made from a rubbish bin lid. This basic kit helped Ringo become a better musician. It also made the Eddie Clayton band more popular. However, the skiffle craze ended in early 1958. American rock and roll became the new popular music.

Joining Rory Storm and the Hurricanes

In November 1959, Ringo joined Al Caldwell's Texans. This skiffle group needed a drummer with a proper kit. They wanted to become a rock and roll band. They played as the Raging Texans, then Jet Storm and the Raging Texans. Finally, they became Rory Storm and the Hurricanes. Around this time, he started using the stage name Ringo Starr. This name came from the rings he wore. It also hinted at a country and western style. His drum solos were called Starr Time.

By early 1960, the Hurricanes were a top Liverpool band. They got a three-month job at a holiday camp in Wales. Ringo was hesitant to leave his apprenticeship. However, he eventually agreed. This job led to other opportunities. They had an interesting tour of US Air Force bases in France. The Hurricanes became so successful that they initially turned down a job in Hamburg, Germany. They had promised to play at Butlins.

They eventually accepted the Hamburg offer. They joined the Beatles at the Kaiserkeller on 1 October 1960. This is where Ringo first met the Beatles. The Hurricanes were more famous than the Beatles at that time. Ringo played with the Beatles a few times in Hamburg. On 15 October 1960, he recorded with John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison for the first time. They backed Hurricanes singer Lu Walters on "Summertime".

Becoming a Beatle

Joining the World's Biggest Band

Ringo left Rory Storm and the Hurricanes in January 1962. He briefly joined Tony Sheridan's band in Hamburg. Then he returned to the Hurricanes for another season at Butlins. On 14 August, Ringo accepted John Lennon's invitation to join the Beatles. Two days later, Beatles manager Brian Epstein let their drummer, Pete Best, go. Best recalled, "He said 'I've got some bad news for you. The boys want you out and Ringo in.'"

Ringo first performed with the Beatles on 18 August 1962. This was at a dance in Port Sunlight. After his next show, some fans were upset about Pete Best's firing. They protested outside Best's house and the club. Harrison even got a black eye from an angry fan. Epstein hired a bodyguard for a short time.

Early Days with The Beatles

Ringo's first recording session with the Beatles was on 4 September 1962. He said producer George Martin thought he "was crazy and couldn't play." This was because Ringo tried to play percussion and drums at the same time. For their next session, Martin used a different drummer, Andy White. This was for their first single, "Love Me Do". Ringo played tambourine on "Love Me Do" and maracas on "P.S. I Love You". Ringo worried he might be replaced. Martin later explained he just wanted to be careful.

By November 1962, Beatles fans accepted Ringo. They even started asking him to sing. He began receiving as much fan mail as the other Beatles. Ringo felt lucky to be on the same "wavelength" as the others. He said, "I had to be, or I wouldn't have lasted." He received a small share of the band's publishing company. His main income came from his share of Beatles Ltd. He described his life after becoming famous: "I lived in nightclubs for three years. It used to be a non-stop party." Ringo became known for his dancing skills.

The Beatles' Global Success

Beatlemania and Film Roles

In 1963, the Beatles became very popular in Britain. Their second single, "Please Please Me", was a hit. A successful TV appearance boosted their sales. By the end of the year, "Beatlemania" had spread across the country. In February 1964, the Beatles became internationally famous. They performed on The Ed Sullivan Show in New York City. A record 73 million viewers watched them. Ringo said, "In the States I know I went over well. It knocked me out to see and hear the kids waving for me."

In 1964, "I love Ringo" pins were the best-selling Beatles merchandise. The Ludwig logo on his drum kit became very famous. This made Ludwig the top drum maker in North America for 20 years. During live shows, the "Starr Time" routine continued. John Lennon would put a microphone in front of Ringo's drums. Audiences would scream with excitement.

When the Beatles made their first film, A Hard Day's Night, Ringo received praise. Critics liked his funny one-liners and silent scenes. Director Richard Lester arranged longer silent scenes for Ringo. This was because Ringo had not slept much the night before. Epstein said Ringo's charm was due to his "quaintness." After their second film, Help! (1965), Ringo won a Melody Maker poll. He was voted best for his role as the main character.

In June 1964, the Beatles were set to start a world tour. Before the tour, Ringo became very ill. He had a high fever and throat infection. He stayed in the hospital briefly. He was replaced for five concerts by drummer Jimmie Nicol. Ringo rejoined the band in Melbourne on 15 June. He later said he worried he might be replaced permanently.

Studio Years and Songwriting

On 11 February 1965, Ringo married Maureen Cox. He had met her in 1962. By this time, the pressure of Beatlemania was very high. Ringo faced intense pressure and even threats. The constant pressure affected the Beatles' performances. Ringo said, "We were turning into such bad musicians." He also felt left out of the band's musical activities. The other members were exploring new musical styles. These often did not need his drumming. During recording, he sometimes played cards with road managers.

In an interview in May 2024, Ringo said he didn't practice much. He found practicing "boring." He learned everything by playing with other musicians. He also hinted at tensions within the band. He said, "we didn't get along, we were four guys, we had rows." However, their shared music goals kept them united.

In August 1966, the Beatles released Revolver. This album included "Yellow Submarine". It was their only British number-one song with Ringo as the lead singer. Later that month, the Beatles stopped touring. They played their last concert at San Francisco's Candlestick Park. Ringo said, "We gave up touring at the right time. Four years of Beatlemania were enough for anyone." By December, he moved to a large estate in Weybridge, Surrey. He filled his house with many fun items. However, he did not have a drum kit. He explained, "When we don't record, I don't play."

For the Beatles' famous 1967 album, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Ringo sang "With a Little Help from My Friends". This song was written by Lennon and McCartney. While Sgt. Pepper was a huge success, the long recording hours made Ringo feel more distant from the band. He said it felt "a bit like being a session musician." He felt his input was limited. Ringo spent his free time learning guitar. He said, "Most of the stuff I write is twelve-bar."

The death of manager Brian Epstein in August 1967 affected the band. Ringo said it was "a strange time for us." Soon after, the band started a film project, Magical Mystery Tour. Ringo's interest in photography led him to be the movie's Director of Photography. He helped edit the film more than anyone except McCartney. In February 1968, Ringo was the first Beatle to sing on another artist's show alone. He sang "Act Naturally" and a duet with Cilla Black.

In November 1968, Apple Records released The Beatles, also known as the "White Album". The band wrote most of the album in India. They were visiting the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Ringo finished his first recorded Beatles song there, "Don't Pass Me By". However, he left after 10 days. He compared his time there to a holiday camp. His childhood health issues caused him allergies to the local food. He brought his own food with him.

Relationships within the Beatles became difficult during the White Album recording. Sometimes, only one or two members recorded a track. Ringo grew tired of McCartney's demanding style. He also disliked Lennon's behavior and Yoko Ono's constant presence. After a difficult session, Ringo briefly left the Beatles. He went on holiday to Sardinia. He stayed on a boat loaned by actor Peter Sellers. During lunch, the chef served octopus. Ringo refused to eat it. A conversation with the captain about the animal inspired Ringo's song "Octopus's Garden". This song appeared on the Beatles' album Abbey Road. Two weeks later, he returned to the studio. Harrison had covered his drum kit in flowers to welcome him back.

The production of the Beatles' film Let It Be and its album further strained band relationships. On 20 August 1969, the Beatles met for the last time at Abbey Road Studios. They worked on mixing "I Want You". One month later, Lennon told the others he was leaving the band. However, the band's breakup was not made public until McCartney's announcement on 10 April 1970.

Ringo's Solo Career

First Solo Albums and Collaborations

Before McCartney announced his departure, he and Ringo had a disagreement. McCartney refused to delay his solo album, McCartney. This would have allowed Ringo's first album, Sentimental Journey, to be released first. Ringo's album featured classic songs. It included music by Quincy Jones and George Martin. It reached number seven in the UK and number 22 in the US. Ringo then released the country-inspired Beaucoups of Blues. This album received good reviews but did not sell well. Ringo then started acting in films.

Ringo played drums on Lennon's John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band (1970). He also played on Harrison's albums All Things Must Pass (1970) and Living in the Material World (1973). In 1971, Ringo performed at the Concert for Bangladesh. He co-wrote the hit song "It Don't Come Easy" with Harrison. It reached number four in both the US and the UK. The next year, he released his most successful UK hit, "Back Off Boogaloo". This song reached number two in the UK and number nine in the US. Ringo also directed the 1972 T. Rex documentary Born to Boogie.

Hit Songs and Film Work

In 1973 and 1974, Ringo had two number one hits in the US. These were "Photograph" (co-written with Harrison) and "You're Sixteen". "You're Sixteen" was also a UK number four hit. Both songs were on Ringo's rock album, Ringo. This album featured contributions from Harrison, Lennon, and McCartney. It was a big success, reaching number seven in the UK and number two in the US.

His next album, Goodnight Vienna (1974), was also popular. It reached number eight in the US. It included songs by Lennon, Elton John, and Harry Nilsson. The album featured a cover of "Only You (And You Alone)". This song reached number six in the US. "No No Song" was a US number three hit. This was Ringo's seventh top-ten hit in a row.

Ringo started his own record label, Ring O' Records, in 1975. The company released music by several artists. However, Ringo's own music became less popular during this time. He later said he wasn't "taking enough interest" in music. From the late 1960s to the mid-1980s, Ringo also ran a furniture and design company called ROR.

In November 1976, Ringo performed at the Band's farewell concert. This was shown in the 1978 documentary The Last Waltz. Ringo released Ringo's Rotogravure in 1976. This album featured songs by Lennon, McCartney, and Harrison. It did not chart in the UK but had moderate sales in the US. His next albums, Ringo the 4th (1977) and Bad Boy (1978), were less successful.

In April 1979, Ringo became very ill again. He needed an operation. He recovered and played with McCartney and Harrison at Eric Clapton's wedding. In November, a fire destroyed his Hollywood home. He lost many Beatles items.

The All-Starr Band Tours

In May 1980, Ringo and Barbara Bach survived a car crash. After John Lennon's death in December 1980, Harrison changed a song he wrote for Ringo. It became "All Those Years Ago", a tribute to Lennon. Ringo played drums on this song. It reached number two in the US. In 1981, Ringo released Stop and Smell the Roses. This album featured songs produced by Nilsson, McCartney, Harrison, and others. The song "Wrack My Brain" reached number 38 in the US.

Ringo's next album, Old Wave (1982), struggled to find a record company. He also narrated the first two seasons of Thomas & Friends. For one season in 1989, Ringo played Mr. Conductor in Shining Time Station.

In 1985, Ringo performed with his son Zak on the protest song "Sun City". He also appeared with Harrison and Eric Clapton on a TV special. In 1987, he played drums on Harrison's song "When We Was Fab". He also appeared in its music video. The same year, Ringo joined Harrison, Clapton, and Elton John for a charity concert. In January 1988, he accepted the Beatles' induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

In late 1988, Ringo and Barbara Bach sought treatment for a health issue. Ringo later commented on his past struggles. He then focused on restarting his career. On 23 July 1989, Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band played their first show in Dallas, Texas. This band featured Ringo and other famous musicians. The concerts included Ringo's songs and hits from the other artists.

Recent Music and Collaborations

The first All-Starr tour led to the album Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band (1990). In 1990, Ringo recorded "I Call Your Name" for a TV special. This honored John Lennon's life. The song featured a group of famous musicians.

Starr during an interview in 1992

In 1991, Ringo appeared on The Simpsons. He also contributed a song to the film Curly Sue. In 1992, he released Time Takes Time. This was his first studio album in nine years. It featured guest artists like Brian Wilson. The album was not a big commercial success. However, the single "Weight of the World" reached number 74 in the UK.

In 1994, Ringo worked with the other surviving Beatles. This was for Beatles Anthology project. They recorded two new Beatles songs. These songs used John Lennon's old vocal and piano recordings. "Free as a Bird" was released in December 1995. It was the first new Beatles single since 1970. In March 1996, they released "Real Love". The reunion ended when Harrison did not want to finish a third song. Ringo then played drums on McCartney's 1997 album Flaming Pie.

Starr (left) on stage in New York City in 2005

In 1998, Ringo released Vertical Man. This album began a long partnership with producer Mark Hudson. Many famous guests appeared on the album. These included McCartney and Harrison. Ringo also released VH1 Storytellers, a live album. His 1999 Christmas album, I Wanna Be Santa Claus, was not a commercial success.

Ringo was inducted into the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame in 2002. On 29 November 2002, he performed at the Concert for George. This concert honored George Harrison. In 2003, Ringo released Ringo Rama. It included a tribute song to Harrison, "Never Without You".

Starr as an Honorary Santa Tracker in 2004

In 2003 and 2004, Ringo was an honorary Santa Tracker. He provided voice-overs for the NORAD tracks Santa program. His 2005 album Choose Love did not chart well. That same year, Liverpool's City Council planned to demolish Ringo's birthplace. They later decided to preserve the building.

Ringo released Liverpool 8 in January 2008. He performed the title track at an opening ceremony. However, he faced criticism for comments about his hometown. Later that year, he was criticized for a video. In it, he told fans not to send him items to sign.

In April 2009, Ringo reunited with McCartney. They performed at a benefit concert in New York. Ringo also appeared with Yoko Ono, McCartney, and Olivia Harrison. This was to promote The Beatles: Rock Band video game.

Starr performing in 2013

In 2010, Ringo released his fifteenth studio album, Y Not. It included a song with McCartney. He also appeared on Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief. On 7 July 2010, he celebrated his 70th birthday. He had an All-Starr Band concert. Friends and family, including McCartney, joined him on stage.

Ringo recorded a cover of "Think It Over" for a 2011 tribute album. In January 2012, he released Ringo 2012. Later that year, he announced a tour of the Pacific Rim. This included his first performances in New Zealand and Australia.

In January 2014, Ringo joined McCartney at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards. They performed "Queenie Eye". That summer, he toured Canada and the US. In July, Ringo supported "#peacerocks", an anti-violence campaign. In September 2014, he won a GQ Men of the Year Award for his charity work.

Starr performing in 2017

In January 2015, Ringo announced his new album, Postcards from Paradise. It was released on 31 March 2015. This was just before his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In July 2017, Ringo released "Give More Love" as a single. His nineteenth studio album, Give More Love, followed two months later. It featured appearances by McCartney and other collaborators.

In June 2018, Ringo toured Europe and North America with his All-Starr Band. He performed in Tel Aviv, Israel, for the first time. He shared a message of "peace and love" with his fans. On 13 September 2019, Ringo announced his 20th album, What's My Name. It was released on 25 October 2019. He recorded it in his home studio in Los Angeles.

In July 2020, Ringo celebrated his 80th birthday. He organized a live-streamed concert. Many friends and collaborators appeared. This replaced his usual public birthday celebration. On 16 December 2020, Ringo released "Here's to the Nights". This song of peace and friendship featured McCartney and other artists. It was the lead single from his EP Zoom In, released on 19 March 2021.

In March 2021, Ringo said he would likely release EPs instead of full albums. On 24 September that year, he released the EP Change the World.

Starr and Paul McCartney performing together in London, 2024

In February 2022, Ringo announced a new tour with his band. It was his first tour since 2019. Some concerts were postponed due to band members getting sick. In October, Ringo himself tested positive for an illness. This led to more concert cancellations.

On 16 September 2022, Ringo released the EP EP3. In January 2023, he announced more US tour dates. Another EP, Rewind Forward, was released on 13 October. His EP Crooked Boy was released in 2024. A country and roots album, Look Up, was released on 10 January 2025.

A second country album, Long Long Road, was released on 24 April 2026. This was Ringo's second album with producer T Bone Burnett. It featured artists like Billy Strings and Sheryl Crow. In April 2026, Ringo announced plans for a new EP. Ringo also sang with Paul McCartney on McCartney's single "Home to Us", released on 8 May 2026.

Ringo's Unique Musical Style

Drumming Influence

When he was young, Ringo loved skiffle and blues music. By 1958, he preferred rock and roll. He was also influenced by country artists like Hank Williams. Jazz artists like Chico Hamilton inspired his energetic drum fills. Ringo said he "was never really into drummers." However, he bought Cozy Cole's 1958 song "Topsy Part Two".

Ringo's first music hero was Gene Autry. He said he got "shivers" when Autry sang. By the early 1960s, he was a big fan of Lee Dorsey. In 1964, Ringo said, "Our music is second-hand versions of negro music ... Ninety per cent of the music I like is coloured."

Starr with his All-Starr Band in Paris, 26 June 2011

Ringo described his drumming: "I'm no good on the technical things ... I'm your basic offbeat drummer with funny fills." He explained this was because he is left-handed but plays a right-handed kit. Beatles producer George Martin said Ringo "hit good and hard." He added, "He's got tremendous feel. He always helped us to hit the right tempo." Ringo believed his role was not to "interpret the song." He compared his drumming to painting. He said, "I am the foundation, and then I put a bit of glow here and there."

In 2011, Rolling Stone readers voted Ringo the fifth-greatest drummer ever. Drummer Steve Smith said Ringo changed how people saw drummers. He said Ringo "composed unique, stylistic drum parts for the Beatles' songs." Ringo's favorite drummer is Jim Keltner. They played together many times. Ringo is known for sitting higher behind his drum kit. This helps him reach the tom-toms and cymbals better.

Genesis drummer Phil Collins said Ringo is "vastly underrated." He called Ringo's drum fills on "A Day in the Life" "very, very complex." Collins said his drumming on the 1983 Genesis song "That's All" was inspired by Ringo.

A famous joke says John Lennon once quipped that Ringo "wasn't even the best drummer in the Beatles." This line actually came from a 1981 radio comedy show. It became more famous when a comedian used it in 1983. In 1980, Lennon told Rolling Stone that Ringo's talent would have shone even without the Beatles.

Tjinder Singh of the band Cornershop called Ringo a pioneering drummer. He said Ringo is "totally unique." Ringo influenced modern drumming techniques. These include the matched grip and tuning drums lower. Authors Ken Micallef and Donnie Marshall said, "Ringo's fat tom sounds and delicate cymbal work were imitated by thousands of drummers." In 2021, Ringo announced a MasterClass course on drumming.

Singing and Songwriting

Ringo sang lead vocals on one song for most Beatles albums. This helped each band member have a vocal personality. Lennon or McCartney often wrote songs especially for him. Examples are "Yellow Submarine" and "With a Little Help from My Friends." These songs fit Ringo's singing voice. Ringo rarely sang backing vocals with the Beatles. However, he can be heard on songs like "Maxwell's Silver Hammer". He is also the lead singer on his own songs, "Don't Pass Me By" and "Octopus's Garden."

Ringo's unique phrases, called "Ringoisms," became song titles. Examples are "a hard day's night" and "tomorrow never knows". McCartney said Ringo's sayings were "always wonderful, very lyrical ... they were sort of magic." Ringo also added lyrics to unfinished Lennon–McCartney songs.

Ringo is credited as the only writer for two Beatles songs. These are "Don't Pass Me By" and "Octopus's Garden". Harrison helped him with "Octopus's Garden." Harrison said Ringo's lyrics for "Octopus's Garden" were a deep message about finding inner peace. Ringo is also credited as a co-writer for "What Goes On", "Flying", and "Dig It".

In a 2003 interview, Ringo talked about Harrison's help with his songwriting. He said, "I was great at writing two verses and a chorus ... Finishing songs is not my forte." Harrison helped Ringo finish "It Don't Come Easy" and "Back Off Boogaloo". He also received credit for "Photograph", which they wrote together. Starting with the Ringo album in 1973, Ringo often wrote songs with Vini Poncia.

Life Outside Music

Family and Interests

In 1962, Ringo met 16-year-old hairdresser Maureen Cox. They married on 11 February 1965. His stepfather and fellow Beatles were witnesses. They had three children: Zak (born 1965), Jason (born 1967), and Lee (born 1970). In 1971, Ringo bought John Lennon's home, Tittenhurst Park. He moved his family there. The couple divorced in 1975. Maureen Cox passed away in December 1994 at age 48.

In 1985, Ringo became a grandfather. His son Zak's daughter, Tatia Jayne Starkey, was born. Zak is also a drummer. He has performed with his father's All-Starr Band. Ringo has eight grandchildren. In 2016, he became a great-grandfather.

Barbara Bach in 1978

Ringo met actress Barbara Bach in 1980. They were on the set of the film Caveman. They married on 27 April 1981. Ringo and Bach live in Cranleigh in Surrey, Los Angeles, and Monte Carlo. In 2012, he was estimated to be the wealthiest drummer in the world. In 2014, Ringo sold his Surrey estate. However, he still owns a property in Chelsea.

In December 2015, Ringo and Bach auctioned some of their personal items. The collection included Ringo's first drum kit. It also had instruments given to him by Harrison, Lennon, and Marc Bolan. The auction raised over $9 million. A part of this went to the Lotus Foundation, their charity.

In 2016, Ringo supported the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union. He said, "to be in control of your country is a good move." Ringo is a vegetarian. He is allergic to garlic and onions. He meditates every day. His motto for life is "peace and love."

Awards and Recognition

Starr performing in Paris, June 2011

Ringo and the other Beatles were made Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1965. Queen Elizabeth II gave them their awards. They were nominated for a BAFTA Award for Best Newcomer for A Hard Day's Night. In 1971, the Beatles won an Academy Award. This was for Best Original Song Score for Let It Be. The minor planet 4150 Starr was named after Ringo in 1984. Ringo was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award in 1989. This was for his role as Mr. Conductor.

In 2015, Ringo was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist. He was the last Beatle to receive this honor. He was inducted in the "Musical Excellence" category. At the 50th Grammy Awards, Ringo accepted an award for Love. On 9 November 2008, Ringo accepted a Diamond Award for the Beatles. On 8 February 2010, he received the 2,401st star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It is in front of the Capitol Records building.

Ringo was appointed a Knight Bachelor in 2018 for his services to music. Prince William, Duke of Cambridge knighted him on 20 March 2018. In 2022, Ringo received an honorary Doctor of Music degree. This was from the Berklee College of Music. It recognized his huge impact on music and culture.

Ringo's Film Roles

Ringo has received praise for his acting. Director Walter Shenson called him "a superb actor, an absolute natural." Besides the Beatles' films, Ringo acted in many others. These include Candy (1968), The Magic Christian (1969), and Caveman (1981). In 1971, he starred in 200 Motels and The Point!. He also appeared in That'll Be the Day (1973). He was in The Last Waltz, a documentary about the Band.

Ringo played the Pope in Ken Russell's Lisztomania (1975). He played a fictional version of himself in McCartney's Give My Regards to Broad Street (1984). Ringo also appeared in Ringo (1978). This was a TV comedy film based on The Prince and the Pauper. For the 1979 documentary The Kids Are Alright, Ringo was interviewed with fellow drummer Keith Moon.

Ringo Starr Quotes

• "Drumming is my middle name."
• "I didn't play drums to make money. I played drums because I loved them."
• "I used to wish that I could write songs, like the others—and I've tried, but I just can't. I can get the words all right, but whenever I think of a tune the others always say it sounds like such-a-thing, and when they point it out, I see what they mean."
• "First and foremost I am a drummer. After that, I'm other things."

Discography

Since the breakup of the Beatles, Ringo Starr has released 22 solo studio albums and five solo studio EPs:

See also

In Spanish: Ringo Starr para niños

• Outline of the Beatles
• The Beatles timeline