A Look Into the Life and Legacy of Ringo Starr: The Drummer of The Beatles

Many music enthusiasts know about the iconic band, The Beatles. The music, the lyrics, and the personalities of the four members have influenced the music scene for generations. Ringo Starr, the drummer of the band, has remained an enigma to many of these fans. However, Starr's contribution to the band's music and his solo career deserves attention. This post is a musical biography of Ringo Starr, his beginnings, most famous albums, songs, and his style.

Blog Body: Born Richard Starkey on July 7th, 1940, in Liverpool, England, Ringo Starr had a difficult childhood. He suffered from illnesses such as chronic appendicitis and pneumonia at a young age, which caused hospitalisations and missed school years. Starr's interest in drumming started during his recovery from one of these illnesses, and he managed to purchase a cheap drum kit at the age of 17. As a budding musician, he played with various local bands and drummed on multiple sessions before joining The Beatles in 1962.

Starr's debut album, Sentimental Journey, released in 1970 after The Beatles disbanded, remains one of his most significant albums. The album's mix of pop standards and big-band music demonstrated Starr's musical diversity. Afterward, Starr formed his own band, Ringo Starr, and His All-Starr Band. The band's formation allowed Starr to collaborate with other musicians and make seven successful albums. From 1990 to 2010, Starr also released eight of his solo albums, with the latest being What's My Name released in 2019.

As the drummer of The Beatles, Starr's rhythms, and fills provided the foundation for some of the greatest songs in pop-music history. He had a unique way of adding subtle rhythmic details that added to the overall sound of the band. Some of the most amazing songs that Ringo Starr co-wrote with The Beatles included With A Little Help From My Friends, Octopus's Garden, and Yellow Submarine. His solo hit, Photograph, released in 1973, remains one of his most loved songs.

The musical style and influences of Ringo Starr's music are an exciting blend of rock and roll, blues, jazz, and big-band music. One of Starr's significant influences in drumming was the jazz drummer, Buddy Rich. Starr incorporated some of Rich's complex, jazz-influenced drumming patterns into his music, which further developed The Beatles' sound. Moreover, Starr's work as a drummer influenced many younger drummers in their work too.

Conclusion: Ringo Starr's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and a passion for music. From a difficult childhood to playing with one of the greatest bands in history, Starr's journey is an inspiration. As a band member and a solo artist, he has crafted a distinctive sound that continues to resonate with music listeners. His musical journey and influences have made him a legendary musician, songwriter, and drummer. By unpacking Starr's life and music, we can appreciate the brilliance and uniqueness of his contribution to music.