Ringo Starr: The Enduring Beat of Rock & Roll

Ringo Starr is the legendary English drummer and vocalist who achieved global superstardom as a member of The Beatles. Born Richard Starkey in Liverpool in 1940, his most monumental achievement is being part of the best-selling band in music history, with certified sales of over 183 million units in the US alone.

Early career

Before joining The Beatles, Ringo Starr was a seasoned musician in the Liverpool and Hamburg club circuits. He gained significant local popularity as the drummer for Rory Storm and the Hurricanes, a leading Merseybeat group, where he adopted his enduring stage name.

Breakthrough

Ringo Starr's breakthrough came in 1962 when he replaced Pete Best as the drummer for The Beatles, solidifying the band's final and most famous lineup. The group's subsequent explosion onto the world stage, beginning with the 1963 album Please Please Me and the single "She Loves You," made him one of the most recognizable musicians on the planet.

Key tracks

With a Little Help from My Friends — This 1967 Beatles song, sung by Ringo, became his signature vocal performance and a timeless anthem of camaraderie.

It Don't Come Easy — His 1971 solo single, co-written with George Harrison, was a major hit, reaching No. 4 in the US and proving his post-Beatles commercial viability.

Photograph — Co-written with George Harrison, this 1973 single from the Ringo album became his first solo No. 1 hit in the US.

Back Off Boogaloo — Another successful 1972 single, this track showcased his distinctive vocal style and knack for catchy, boogie-inspired rock.

You're Sixteen — This cover from the Ringo album gave Starr his second US No. 1 single in 1974, demonstrating his broad pop appeal.

His 1973 album Ringo was a critical and commercial high point, certified platinum and featuring contributions from all three of his former Beatles bandmates. Throughout the 70s and 80s, he released a string of solo albums and formed his touring band, Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band, in 1989, a rotating supergroup that continues to tour globally.

In the 21st century, Starr has remained a prolific recording artist, releasing albums like 2010's Y Not and 2017's Give More Love. He was knighted in 2018 for his services to music, adding Sir Ringo Starr to his legacy. His influence on rock drumming, with his distinctive, economical style and feel, remains immeasurable.

Fans of Ringo Starr's classic rock sound and melodic pop sensibility may also enjoy the music of Paul McCartney. His former bandmate's solo work explores similar timeless songcraft. George Harrison shares the spiritual and melodic qualities found in Starr's later work. The straightforward rock and roll of Joe Walsh, a frequent All-Starr Band member, offers a similar energetic guitar-driven vibe. Listeners might also appreciate the pop-rock craftsmanship of Jeff Lynne, another key collaborator in Starr's later career.

Ringo Starr's vast catalog, from The Beatles' classics to his solo hits, maintains a constant presence on classic rock FM stations and album-oriented rock radio formats. His upbeat anthems are staples on stations celebrating the foundations of rock music, ensuring his beat goes on for new generations of listeners.

You can hear the music of Ringo Starr featured across multiple radio stations available on onairium.com, from dedicated classic rock channels to stations playing iconic pop hits, offering a perfect way to discover or revisit his legendary career.