When you think of The Beatles and Taylor Swift, they might not be names you’d normally place in the same conversation. Yet, music has a way of bridging generations, and even one of the most iconic rock drummers of all time, Ringo Starr, has openly declared himself a Taylor Swift fan.
Ringo Starr: A Legend Beyond The Beatles
Ringo Starr is best remembered as the drummer of The Beatles, but his career did not stop when the band split in 1970. He went on to release 20 solo studio albums, with his most recent album arriving in 2019. In recognition of his contributions to music, Starr was knighted in 2018, cementing his legacy alongside his Beatles bandmate Sir Paul McCartney.
With a career spanning more than six decades, Starr has never been afraid to show admiration for artists outside of his own musical world. While his personal favourites often include rock ’n’ roll pioneers like Bob Dylan and Little Richard, he also embraces contemporary stars—one of whom is Taylor Swift.
Why Ringo Starr Loves Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift’s career trajectory has been remarkable. Starting out as a teenage country prodigy from Pennsylvania, she evolved into one of the world’s biggest pop icons, seamlessly transitioning between genres and reinventing herself with each new album era.
Her songwriting prowess, sharp lyrical skills, and ability to connect with fans on a personal level have earned her not just millions of listeners, but also the respect of veteran musicians. For Ringo Starr, this combination of reinvention and musical authenticity makes her stand out.
When asked about Swift, Ringo didn’t hesitate:
“Taylor Swift. I love Taylor Swift, that’s just how I am. I love her.”
His Favourite Taylor Swift Song
Among Taylor Swift’s many eras—country, pop, indie-folk—Starr’s favourite comes from her Fearless period. Released in 2008, Fearless catapulted Swift into international superstardom, earning multiple Grammy Awards and spawning some of her most iconic singles.
Out of all the tracks, Starr singled out one that has become an anthem for fans across generations:
🎵 “You Belong With Me”
The song, with its catchy chorus and heartfelt lyrics about unrequited love, struck a chord not only with Swift’s teenage fanbase but also with listeners worldwide. For Starr, the track represents the timeless quality of her songwriting—something that echoes the Beatles’ own ability to capture universal emotions in their music.
A Surprising Yet Fitting Choice
For many, it may be surprising to see a Beatle—someone who shaped the very foundation of modern rock—praising a contemporary pop star like Taylor Swift. Yet, it highlights the fact that great music transcends generations.
Just as The Beatles once inspired a wave of young fans to pick up instruments and start bands, Swift has created her own legacy, influencing countless new artists and songwriters. Ringo Starr’s appreciation is not just a nod to Swift’s success, but also recognition of her artistry.
Conclusion
Ringo Starr’s favourite Taylor Swift song, “You Belong With Me”, proves that even one of the greatest rock legends can find inspiration in modern pop. His admiration reflects the universal appeal of Swift’s music and demonstrates how different eras of music history can connect in unexpected ways.
From Liverpool’s Cavern Club to Taylor’s sold-out stadium tours, the story of music is one of evolution—and Ringo’s praise for Swift is a reminder that true artistry always finds its audience, no matter the decade.
