Ringo Starr

Ringo Starr
Name	Ringo Starr
Caption	Starr in 2019
Birth name	Richard Starkey
Birth date	7 July 1940
Birth place	Dingle, Liverpool, England
Occupation	Musician, singer, songwriter, actor
Years active	1957–present
Spouse	Maureen Cox (m. 1965; div. 1975), Barbara Bach (m. 1981)
Children	3, including Zak Starkey

Ringo Starr. Born Richard Starkey, he is an English musician, singer, songwriter, and actor who achieved worldwide fame as the drummer for the Beatles. His distinctive, steady drumming style and occasional lead vocals on songs like "With a Little Help from My Friends" were integral to the band's sound. Following the group's dissolution, he launched a successful solo career, formed his Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band, and became known for his peace-and-love mantra.

Early life

Richard Starkey was born at 9 Madryn Street in the Dingle area of Liverpool. His childhood was marked by severe illness, including a ruptured appendix and subsequent peritonitis that led to a prolonged coma and a lengthy convalescence at Myrtle Street Children's Hospital. These health issues caused significant gaps in his formal education at St. Silas Church of England Primary School. He developed an early interest in music, particularly skiffle, and after a series of manual jobs, his stepfather gifted him a second-hand drum kit, setting him on a musical path. He joined his first band, the Eddie Clayton Skiffle Group, before becoming a prominent member of the popular Liverpool group Rory Storm and the Hurricanes, where he adopted the stage name Ringo Starr.

The Beatles

In 1962, Starr was invited by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison to replace their original drummer, Pete Best, permanently joining the Beatles. His solid, inventive backbeat provided the foundation for countless recordings at Abbey Road Studios, from early pop hits to the complex arrangements on albums like *Revolver* and *Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band*. He sang lead on several tracks, including "Yellow Submarine" and "Octopus's Garden", which he also wrote. His affable personality helped define the group's public image, notably in their films *A Hard Day's Night* and *Help!*, and his drumming was crucial during their final live performance on the roof of Apple Corps headquarters.

Solo career

After the Beatles disbanded in 1970, Starr immediately found solo success with the singles "It Don't Come Easy" and "Back Off Boogaloo", and the album *Ringo*, which featured contributions from all three of his former bandmates. He explored various musical styles, from country on *Beaucoups of Blues* to pop standards on *Sentimental Journey*. He achieved several top-ten hits throughout the 1970s, including "Photograph" and "You're Sixteen". Since 1989, he has regularly toured and recorded with his revolving Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band, featuring musicians like Joe Walsh, Nils Lofgren, and Edgar Winter. His later studio albums, such as *Choose Love* and *Give More Love*, continue his trademark upbeat style.

Personal life

Starr was married to hairdresser Maureen Cox from 1965 to 1975; they had three children: Zak, Jason, and Lee. He has maintained a long-lasting friendship with his former Beatles bandmates and was notably present during the final days of both George Harrison and John Lennon. In 1981, he married actress Barbara Bach, whom he met on the set of the film *Caveman*. He has been open about past struggles with alcoholism but has maintained sobriety for decades. A longtime resident of Los Angeles and Monte Carlo, he is also a dedicated philanthropist, supporting charities like the Lotus Foundation and David Lynch Foundation.

Artwork and other ventures

Beyond music, Starr is an accomplished visual artist, creating digital artwork and paintings, often featuring abstract designs and peace symbols, which have been exhibited internationally. He authored several books, including the photographic memoir *Postcards from the Boys*. His voice acting work includes the character of Mr. Conductor on the children's television series Shining Time Station. He has also directed a documentary, *Born to Boogie*, about Marc Bolan and T. Rex.

Awards and recognition

As a member of the Beatles, Starr was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 and received an Academy Award for the documentary *Let It Be*. He was appointed a MBE in 1965 as part of the group. In 2018, he was knighted by Prince William for his services to music. He has received multiple Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award, and holds several Guinness World Records. In 2015, he was named a Commandeur of France's Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.

Category:English drummers Category:English male singers Category:English songwriters Category:The Beatles members Category:1940 births Category:Living people