31 Facts About Ringo Starr

During his time with The Beatles, Ringo Starr contributed vocals to several songs, including “With a Little Help from My Friends,” which became one of his signature songs. He also occasionally played other instruments, such as piano and percussion, and provided backing vocals.

Ringo Starr Facts

1. Ringo Starr’s birth name is Richard Starkey.
2. He was born on July 7, 1940, in Liverpool, England.
3. Starr grew up in a working-class family in the Dingle area of Liverpool.
4. He had a difficult childhood, often being hospitalized due to health issues, including a bout of tuberculosis.
5. Ringo Starr’s first step into music was playing skiffle with a band called The Eddie Clayton Skiffle Group.
6. Before joining The Beatles, he was a member of various bands, including Rory Storm and the Hurricanes.
7. Starr joined The Beatles in August 1962, replacing Pete Best as their drummer.
8. His first official recording with The Beatles was the single “Love Me Do.”
9. Ringo Starr’s drumming style was characterized by simplicity, solid timekeeping, and innovative fills.
10. He wrote and sang lead vocals on several Beatles songs, including “Yellow Submarine,” “Octopus’s Garden,” and “Don’t Pass Me By.”
11. Ringo Starr was the oldest member of The Beatles, being just over a year older than John Lennon.
12. His playful personality and sense of humor earned him the nickname “Ritchie the funny Beatle.”
13. Starr’s signature hairstyle, known as the “Ringo cut,” became a popular trend during the Beatlemania era.
14. He married his first wife, Maureen Cox, in 1965, and they had three children together: Zak, Jason, and Lee.
15. Starr temporarily left The Beatles during the recording of the “White Album” but returned before its completion.
16. He acted in several Beatles films, including “A Hard Day’s Night” and “Help!”
17. In 1968, Ringo Starr released his first solo single, “Don’t Pass Me By,” which he had written several years earlier.
18. Starr released his debut solo album, “Sentimental Journey,” in 1970, featuring cover versions of pop standards.
19. His second solo album, “Beaucoups of Blues” (1970), showcased his love for country music.
20. Ringo Starr’s most successful solo album was “Ringo” (1973), featuring hits like “Photograph” and “You’re Sixteen.”
21. He formed his own band, Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band, in 1989, featuring a rotating lineup of musicians.
22. Starr played with The Beatles during their famous rooftop concert in January 1969, which turned out to be their last live performance.
23. He is the only Beatle to have been nominated for an Academy Award, receiving a nomination for the song “The No-No Song” in 1975.
24. Ringo Starr is an avid collector of vintage cars, with a particular interest in classic British vehicles.
25. He is also an accomplished painter and has exhibited his artwork in galleries around the world.
26. Starr has collaborated with numerous artists throughout his career, including musicians like George Harrison, Eric Clapton, and Elton John.
27. In 1988, The Beatles were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and each member was individually inducted in 2015.
28. He has released multiple books, including autobiographies, children’s books, and photography collections.
29. Ringo Starr has been actively involved in charitable work, including supporting organizations like the David Lynch Foundation and the Lotus Foundation.
30. He was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2014 Grammy Awards.
31. Starr has been married to his second wife, actress Barbara Bach, since 1981.

15 Statistical Facts about The Beatles