Even decades after The Beatles transformed the music world, Ringo Starr remains as passionate about music as ever. While he is often remembered as the steady, smiling drummer of the Fab Four, Starr’s love for music extends far beyond rhythm and percussion — it’s about the song as a whole.
“I didn’t buy a record for the drums,” Starr explained on Apple’s Celebrity Playlist Podcast. “I bought a record for the record, and if the drums were good, that was great.”
This philosophy has shaped his eclectic musical taste, which blends early rock ’n’ roll influences, heartfelt tributes to friends, reggae grooves, and even contemporary experimental sounds. His latest revealed playlist is a fascinating journey through the songs and artists that shaped him — and continue to inspire him today.
Early Influences: The Birth of a Beatle’s Musical Passion
Growing up in Liverpool, Ringo was captivated by the wave of American rock and soul crossing the Atlantic. One of his earliest musical memories is Little Richard’s The Girl Can’t Help It, which left a lifelong mark on him.
“When I was 17, there was a show called the Alan Freed Show,” Starr recalled. “When Little Richard came on, it was one of those moments where you just stopped in your tracks — ‘my god! listen to this!’”
Another favourite from his formative years is Al Green’s I’m A Ram, chosen specifically for its hi-hat work — a subtle nod to his drummer’s ear. He also praises Sam Cooke’s Shake for its irresistible energy.
Tributes to Friends and Lost Legends
Ringo’s playlist is also deeply personal, featuring songs from friends and bandmates. His choice of John Lennon’s Scared comes with emotional weight. “John was just great,” Starr said. “He gave you everything he had that day, and this track does that for me.”
He also honours Marc Bolan of T. Rex with Get It On, recalling the glam rock era with affection. Other nods to musical peers include James Brown’s Try Me and Michael Jackson’s Black or White.
The Influence of Bob Dylan
Like all The Beatles, Starr was heavily influenced by Bob Dylan. Though he could have chosen many, he settled on When The Deal Goes Down for its emotional depth. “I think it’s so emotional; deep down, I’m an emotional person,” he said. “Only Bob would say it that way.”
Beyond the Beatles Era – An Eclectic Ear
Ringo’s playlist proves he’s not stuck in the past. He celebrates country-blues storyteller Ray Wylie Hubbard with Snake Farm, champions experimental folk group The Books with Cello Song, and enjoys the rock-soul fusion of Delaney and Bonnie’s When The Battle Is Over.
He also embraces global sounds, highlighting the Moroccan band Tinariwen’s Assouf and calling reggae icon Burning Spear’s The Sun “one of the best reggae records.” His reggae love also includes Peter Tosh’s take on Johnny B. Goode.
Still Listening, Still Learning
Even now, Ringo actively seeks out new music. His inclusion of The Pretenders’ Love’s A Mystery and modern acts like Big Sandy and His Fly-Rite Boys shows he’s open to fresh sounds. “All the time, I’m trying to listen to new music and see what’s happening,” Starr said.
Ringo Starr’s Full Favourite Songs Playlist
- Burning Spear – The Sun
- John Lennon – Scared
- T. Rex – Get It On
- Bob Dylan – When The Deal Goes Down
- Little Richard – The Girl Can’t Help It
- Sam Cooke – Shake
- Ray Wylie Hubbard – Snake Farm
- Delaney and Bonnie – When The Battle Is Over
- The Books – Cello Song
- Al Green – I’m A Ram
- Peter Tosh – Johnny B. Goode
- Tinariwen – Assouf
- Michael Jackson – Black Or White
- The Four Aces – Love Is A Many Splendored Thing
- The Pretenders – Love’s A Mystery
- James Brown – Try Me
Why It Matters
Ringo Starr’s playlist is more than just a collection of songs — it’s a map of his musical journey. It reflects his early rock ’n’ roll awakening, his lifelong friendships, his appreciation for global music, and his ongoing curiosity about what’s new.
For fans, it’s a reminder that even legends like Starr are still music lovers at heart — constantly listening, learning, and sharing the songs that move them.
