Feature Photo:Eva Rinaldi from Sydney Australia, CC BY-SA 2.0
Ringo Starr, born Richard Starkey in Liverpool, England, overcame significant childhood health challenges before becoming one of the most recognizable drummers in rock history. He suffered from peritonitis and tuberculosis as a child, spending years in and out of hospitals, which delayed his education but fostered his love for music. He joined his first serious band, Rory Storm and the Hurricanes, in the late 1950s, performing across the UK and eventually in Hamburg, Germany. While playing in Hamburg, Starr met the Beatles and filled in occasionally for their drummer Pete Best. In 1962, he officially joined the Beatles, completing the classic lineup and contributing to the seismic shift the band would bring to popular music.
With the Beatles, Ringo Starr became known for his steady, song-serving drumming style, his distinctive personality, and his baritone vocals on tracks like “Yellow Submarine” and “With a Little Help from My Friends.” Though not the band’s primary songwriter, Starr co-wrote and sang several Beatles songs and brought a distinctive wit and rhythmic sensibility that played a vital role in shaping their sound. His inventive drum patterns and unique feel influenced countless drummers and contributed to the Beatles’ success during their recording innovations from Rubber Soul through Abbey Road.
Following the breakup of the Beatles in 1970, Starr launched a solo career that quickly found commercial success. His 1973 album Ringo featured all three of his former bandmates contributing in various capacities and produced two Top 10 hits: “Photograph,” co-written with George Harrison, which reached No. 1 in the U.S., and “You’re Sixteen,” which also hit No. 1. His follow-up album, Goodnight Vienna (1974), included the hit “No No Song” and solidified his standing as a solo artist capable of producing commercially viable, good-natured pop and rock music.
Over the decades, Starr has released 20 studio albums, including Beaucoups of Blues (1970), Time Takes Time (1992), Choose Love (2005), and What’s My Name (2019). His musical output has remained consistent, always centered around themes of peace, love, and positivity. Although not every album met the commercial highs of the early 1970s, Starr has continued to evolve as a recording artist while staying true to the musical identity that endeared him to generations of fans.
In 1989, Starr formed the All-Starr Band, a rotating supergroup featuring notable musicians from various rock and pop acts. The concept became a touring staple, with each band member taking turns performing their hits alongside Starr’s solo and Beatles material. The All-Starr Band has featured musicians such as Joe Walsh, Todd Rundgren, Peter Frampton, and Steve Lukather. This project not only kept Starr active as a performer but also underscored his collaborative spirit and lasting respect among peers in the industry.
Starr has earned numerous accolades throughout his career. In 2015, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist, having already been inducted as a member of the Beatles in 1988. He received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award with the Beatles and has been part of the band’s multiple Grammy wins and nominations. In 2018, he was knighted by Prince William at Buckingham Palace, becoming Sir Richard Starkey for his services to music.
Outside of music, Starr has had a varied acting career, appearing in films such as Caveman (1981), The Magic Christian (1969), and narrating the first two seasons of Thomas & Friends. His charm and humor have made him a favorite in family entertainment as well as rock documentaries and retrospectives. Starr has also authored several books, including photo collections and children’s stories, expanding his creative footprint beyond the stage and studio.
A longtime advocate for peace and humanitarian causes, Starr launched the Peace and Love initiative in 2008, encouraging fans to think, say, or post “peace and love” at noon on his birthday, July 7, each year. The campaign has gained international attention, becoming a hallmark of his public appearances and fan interactions. He has supported numerous charities and environmental causes over the years, underscoring his lifelong message of optimism and unity.
Starr’s personal life has often reflected the stability not typically associated with rock stars of his generation. He has been married to actress Barbara Bach since 1981, and the two have been active in philanthropic endeavors, including work on addiction recovery and animal welfare. After overcoming alcoholism in the late 1980s, Starr has remained sober and regularly speaks about the importance of recovery and spiritual well-being.
Despite being underestimated at times during the Beatles’ heyday, Starr’s contributions to modern drumming and music culture have been widely re-evaluated. His technical skill, especially his ability to innovate within the context of pop songs, is now celebrated by musicians and scholars alike. His influence is felt in genres ranging from indie rock to jazz-fusion, and he remains a touchstone for musical simplicity done right.
As a Beatle, Starr was a foundational part of a revolution. As a solo artist, he carved out a long and resilient career grounded in collaboration and good-natured energy. His life has been defined not by drama or controversy but by friendship, creativity, and an enduring passion for performance. He has stayed active well into his eighties, touring and recording new music, bringing joy to longtime fans and younger generations alike.
Today, Ringo Starr is not only remembered as the drummer for the Beatles but also as a respected elder statesman of rock and roll. His commitment to peace, his infectious enthusiasm, and his constant creative activity make him a continuing force in popular music and a beloved figure across the globe. His legacy is not only preserved in Beatles history but also in the joy he continues to bring to audiences around the world.
Complete List Of Ringo Starr Songs From A to Z
- $15 Draw – Beaucoups of Blues – 1970
- Act Naturally (with Buck Owens) – Non-album single – 1989
- Act Naturally – Help! – 1965 (lead vocal)
- Adeline – Crooked Boy (EP) – 2024
- After All These Years – Time Takes Time – 1992
- Alibi – Old Wave – 1983
- All by Myself – Goodnight Vienna – 1974
- All in the Name of Love – Time Takes Time – 1992
- Anthem – Ringo 2012 – 2012
- As Far as We Can Go – Old Wave – 1983
- Attention – Stop and Smell the Roses – 1981
- Back Off Boogaloo – Non-album single – 1972
- Bad Boy – Bad Boy – 1978
- Bamboula – Postcards from Paradise – 2015
- Be My Baby – Old Wave – 1983
- Beaucoups of Blues – Beaucoups of Blues – 1970
- Better Days – What’s My Name – 2019
- Blindman – B-side to “Back Off Boogaloo” – 1972
- Blink – Ringo Rama (Deluxe edition) – 2003
- Blue Christmas – I Wanna Be Santa Claus – 1999
- Blue, Turning Grey Over You – Sentimental Journey – 1970
- Boat Ride – Scouse the Mouse – 1977
- Boys – Please Please Me – 1963 (lead vocal)
- Brandy – Stop and Smell the Roses (1994 reissue) – 1994
- Breathless (featuring Billy Strings) – Look Up – 2025
- Bridges – Postcards from Paradise – 2015
- Bye Bye Blackbird – Sentimental Journey – 1970
- Call Me – Goodnight Vienna – 1974
- Can She Do It Like She Dances – Ringo the 4th – 1977
- Can You Hear Me Call (featuring Molly Tuttle) – Look Up – 2025
- Can’t Do It Wrong – Y Not – 2010
- The Christmas Dance – I Wanna Be Santa Claus – 1999
- Christmas Eve – I Wanna Be Santa Claus – 1999
- Christmas Time (Is Here Again) – I Wanna Be Santa Claus – 1999
- Choose Love – Choose Love – 2005
- Come Back (featuring Lucius) – Look Up – 2025
- Come On Christmas, Christmas Come On – I Wanna Be Santa Claus – 1999
- Coming Undone (featuring Trombone Shorty) – Change the World (EP) – 2021
- Confirmation – Postcards from Paradise – 2015
- Cookin’ (In the Kitchen of Love) – Ringo’s Rotogravure – 1976
- Coochy Coochy – B-side to “Beaucoups of Blues” – 1970
- Crooked Boy – Crooked Boy (EP) – 2024
- Cryin’ – Ringo’s Rotogravure – 1976
- Dead Giveaway – Stop and Smell the Roses – 1981
- Dear Santa – I Wanna Be Santa Claus – 1999
- Devil Woman – Ringo – 1973
- Do You Like Me? (with Cilla Black) – Cilla (Television programme) – 1968
- Don’t Be Cruel – Time Takes Time (Japanese edition) – 1992
- Don’t Go Where the Road Don’t Go – Time Takes Time – 1992
- Don’t Hang Up (featuring Chrissie Hynde) – Choose Love – 2005
- Don’t Know a Thing About Love – Time Takes Time – 1992
- Don’t Pass Me By – Give More Love – 2017
- Don’t Pass Me By – The Beatles (White Album) – 1968 (written and lead vocal)
- A Dose of Rock ‘n’ Roll – Ringo’s Rotogravure – 1976
- Down and Out – B-side to “Photograph” – 1973
- Dream – Sentimental Journey – 1970
- Drift Away – Vertical Man – 1998
- Drowning in the Sea of Love – Ringo the 4th – 1977
- Drumming Is My Madness – Stop and Smell the Roses – 1981
- Early 1970 – B-side to “It Don’t Come Easy” – 1971
- Easy for Me – Goodnight Vienna – 1974
- Electricity – Give More Love – 2017
- Elizabeth Reigns – Ringo Rama – 2003
- English Garden – Ringo Rama – 2003
- Everybody’s in a Hurry But Me – Old Wave – 1983
- Everyday – Vertical Man (Japanese edition) – 1998
- Everyone and Everything – EP3 (EP) – 2022
- Everyone Wins – Y Not – 2010
- Eye to Eye – Ringo Rama – 2003
- Fading In Fading Out – Choose Love – 2005
- Fastest Growing Heartache in the West – Beaucoups of Blues – 1970
- February Sky – Crooked Boy (EP) – 2024
- Feeling the Sunlight – Rewind Forward (EP) – 2023
- Fill in the Blanks – Y Not – 2010
- For Love – Liverpool 8 – 2008
- Free Drinks – Choose Love – 2005
- Free Your Soul (featuring Dave Koz and José Antonio Rodríguez) – EP3 (EP) – 2022
- Gave It All Up – Ringo the 4th – 1977
- Give It a Try – Liverpool 8 – 2008
- Give Me Back the Beat – Choose Love – 2005
- Give More Love – Give More Love – 2017
- Going Down – Old Wave – 1983
- Golden Blunders – Time Takes Time – 1992
- Gone Are the Days – Liverpool 8 – 2008
- Gonna Need Someone – Crooked Boy (EP) – 2024
- Good Night – The Beatles (White Album) – 1968 (lead vocal)
- Goodnight Vienna (Reprise) – Goodnight Vienna – 1974
- Gotta Get Up to Get Down – What’s My Name – 2019
- Grow Old with Me – What’s My Name – 2019
- Gypsies in Flight – Ringo the 4th – 1977
- Hard Times – Bad Boy – 1978
- Hard to Be True – Choose Love – 2005
- Harry’s Song – Liverpool 8 – 2008
- Have I Told You Lately That I Love You? – Sentimental Journey – 1970
- Have You Seen My Baby – Ringo – 1973
- Heart on My Sleeve – Bad Boy – 1978
- Here’s to the Nights – Zoom In (EP) – 2020
- Hey! Baby – Ringo’s Rotogravure – 1976
- Honey Don’t – Beatles For Sale – 1964 (lead vocal)
- Hopeless – Old Wave – 1983
- Husbands and Wives – Goodnight Vienna – 1974
- I Call Your Name – Non-album single – 1990
- I Don’t Believe You – Time Takes Time – 1992
- I Keep Forgettin’ – Old Wave – 1983
- I Live For Your Love (featuring Molly Tuttle) – Look Up – 2025
- I Really Love Her – Ringo Rama – 2003
- I Think Therefore I Rock and Roll – Ringo Rama – 2003
- I Wanna Be Santa Claus – I Wanna Be Santa Claus – 1999
- I Wanna Be Your Man – With The Beatles – 1963 (lead vocal)
- I Was Walkin’ – Vertical Man – 1998
- I Wouldn’t Have You Any Other Way – Beaucoups of Blues – 1970
- If It’s Love That You Want – Liverpool 8 – 2008
- Imagine Me There – Ringo Rama – 2003
- In a Heartbeat – Time Takes Time – 1992
- In Liverpool – Ringo 2012 – 2012
- In My Car – Old Wave – 1983
- Instant Amnesia – Ringo Rama – 2003
- Island in the Sun – Postcards from Paradise – 2015
- It Don’t Come Easy – Non-album single – 1971
- (It’s All Down to) Goodnight Vienna – Goodnight Vienna – 1974
- It’s Love – Non-album single – 2008
- It’s No Secret – Ringo the 4th – 1977
- It’s Not Love That You Want – What’s My Name – 2019
- I’d Be Talking All the Time – Beaucoups of Blues – 1970
- I’ll Be Fine Anywhere – Vertical Man – 1998
- I’ll Still Love You – Ringo’s Rotogravure – 1976
- I’m a Fool to Care – Sentimental Journey – 1970
- I’m Home – Ringo Rama (Deluxe edition) – 2003
- I’m the Greatest – Ringo – 1973
- I’m Yours – Vertical Man – 1998
- Just a Dream – B-side to “Wings” and “Drowning in the Sea of Love” – 1977
- Just That Way – Change the World (EP) – 2021
- King of Broken Hearts – Vertical Man – 1998
- King of the Kingdom – Give More Love – 2017
- La De Da – Vertical Man – 1998
- Las Brisas – Ringo’s Rotogravure – 1976
- Lady Gaye – Ringo’s Rotogravure – 1976
- Laughable – Give More Love – 2017
- Lay Down Your Arms (with Stevie Nicks) – For the Love of Harry: Everybody Sings Nilsson – 1995
- Let Love Lead – Postcards from Paradise – 2015
- Let the Rest of the World Go By – Sentimental Journey – 1970
- Let’s Be Friends – EP3 (EP) – 2022
- Let’s Change the World – Change the World (EP) – 2021
- Life Is Good – What’s My Name – 2019
- Lipstick Traces (On a Cigarette) – Bad Boy – 1978
- The Little Drummer Boy – I Wanna Be Santa Claus – 1999
- Liverpool 8 – Liverpool 8 – 2008
- Living in a Pet Shop – Scouse the Mouse – 1977
- Look Up (featuring Molly Tuttle) – Look Up – 2025
- Loser’s Lounge – Beaucoups of Blues – 1970
- Love Don’t Last Long – Beaucoups of Blues – 1970
- Love First, Ask Questions Later – Ringo Rama – 2003
- Love Is – Liverpool 8 – 2008
- Love Is a Many Splendoured Thing – Sentimental Journey – 1970
- Love Me Do – Vertical Man – 1998
- Magic – What’s My Name – 2019
- A Man Like Me – Bad Boy – 1978
- Matchbox – Long Tall Sally EP – 1964 (lead vocal)
- Me and You – Choose Love – 2005
- Memphis in Your Mind – Ringo Rama – 2003
- Mindfield – Vertical Man – 1998
- Missouri Loves Company – Ringo Rama – 2003
- Miss Jean – Rewind Forward (EP) – 2023
- Money – What’s My Name – 2019
- Monkey See – Monkey Do – Bad Boy – 1978
- A Mouse Like Me – Scouse the Mouse – 1977
- Mr. Double-It-Up – Vertical Man (Japanese edition) – 1998
- Mystery of the Night – Y Not – 2010
- Nashville Jam – Beaucoups of Blues (1995 reissue) – 1995
- Never Let Me Go (featuring Billy Strings) – Look Up – 2025
- Never Without You – Ringo Rama – 2003
- Night and Day – Sentimental Journey – 1970
- No No Song – Goodnight Vienna – 1974
- Nonsense – Alice in Wonderland (1985 film) – 1985
- Not Enough Love in This World – Zoom In (EP) – 2021
- Not Looking Back – Postcards from Paradise – 2015
- Now That She’s Gone Away – Liverpool 8 – 2008
- Occapella – Goodnight Vienna – 1974
- Octopus’s Garden – Abbey Road – 1969 (written and lead vocal)
- Oh My Lord – Choose Love – 2005
- Oh My My – Ringo – 1973
- OK Ray – Ringo Rama (Deluxe edition) – 2003
- Old Time Relovin’ – Bad Boy – 1978
- One – Vertical Man – 1998
- Only You (And You Alone) – Goodnight Vienna – 1974
- Oo-Wee – Goodnight Vienna – 1974
- The Other Side of Liverpool – Y Not – 2010
- Out on the Streets – Ringo the 4th – 1977
- Pasodobles – Liverpool 8 – 2008
- Pax Um Biscum (Peace Be with You) – I Wanna Be Santa Claus – 1999
- Peace Dream – Y Not – 2010
- Picture Show Life – Old Wave – 1983
- Photograph – Ringo – 1973
- Postcards from Paradise – Postcards from Paradise – 2015
- Private Property – Stop and Smell the Roses – 1981
- Puppet – Vertical Man – 1998
- Pure Gold – Ringo’s Rotogravure – 1976
- Really Love You (Paul McCartney) – Flaming Pie (Paul McCartney album) – 1997
- Red and Black Blues – Stop and Smell the Roses (1994 reissue) – 1994
- Rewind Forward – Rewind Forward (EP) – 2023
- Right Side of the Road – Postcards from Paradise – 2015
- Rock Around the Clock – Change the World (EP) – 2021
- Rock Island Line – Ringo 2012 – 2012
- Rory and the Hurricanes – Postcards from Paradise – 2015
- Rosetta (featuring Billy Strings & Larkin Poe) – Look Up – 2025
- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer – I Wanna Be Santa Claus – 1999
- Runaways – Time Takes Time – 1992
- Running Free – Scouse the Mouse – 1977
- R U Ready? – Liverpool 8 – 2008
- Samba – Ringo 2012 – 2012
- Satisfied – Choose Love – 2005
- Scouse’s Dream – Scouse the Mouse – 1977
- Scouse the Mouse – Scouse the Mouse – 1977
- See You Later, Alligator – Songs from Quarantine Vol. 2 – 2021
- Send Love Spread Peace – What’s My Name – 2019
- Sentimental Journey – Sentimental Journey – 1970
- Shadows on the Wall – Rewind Forward (EP) – 2023
- Silent Homecoming – Beaucoups of Blues – 1970
- Simple Love Song – Ringo the 4th – 1977
- Six O’Clock – Ringo – 1973
- Shake It Up – Give More Love – 2017
- She’s About a Mover – Old Wave – 1983
- Show Me the Way – Give More Love – 2017
- Slow Down – Ringo 2012 – 2012
- Sneaking Sally Through the Alley – Ringo the 4th – 1977
- Snookeroo – Goodnight Vienna – 1974
- So Wrong for So Long – Give More Love – 2017
- Some People – Choose Love – 2005
- S.O.S. – Scouse the Mouse – 1977
- Speed of Sound – Give More Love – 2017
- Spooky Weirdness – Ringo’s Rotogravure – 1976
- Standing Still – Give More Love – 2017
- Stardust – Sentimental Journey – 1970
- Step Lightly – Ringo – 1973
- Stop and Take the Time to Smell the Roses – Stop and Smell the Roses – 1981
- String Theory (featuring Molly Tuttle & Larkin Poe) – Look Up – 2025
- Sun City (Artists United Against Apartheid) – Non-album single – 1985
- Sunshine Life for Me (Sail Away Raymond) – Ringo – 1973
- Sure to Fall – Stop and Smell the Roses – 1981
- Tango All Night – Ringo the 4th – 1977
- Teach Me to Tango – Zoom In (EP) – 2021
- Time – Y Not – 2010
- Time On My Hands – Look Up – 2024
- Thank God for Music – What’s My Name – 2019
- Thankful (featuring Alison Krauss) – Look Up – 2025
- Think About You – Liverpool 8 – 2008
- Think It Over – Ringo 2012 – 2012
- This Be Called a Song – Ringo’s Rotogravure – 1976
- Tonight – Bad Boy – 1978
- Touch and Go – Postcards from Paradise – 2015
- Trippin’ on My Own Tears – Ringo Rama – 2003
- Tuff Love – Liverpool 8 – 2008
- The Turnaround – Choose Love – 2005
- Vertical Man – Vertical Man – 1998
- Waiting – Beaucoups of Blues – 1970
- Waiting for the Tide to Turn – Zoom In (EP) – 2021
- Wake Up – Stop and Smell the Roses (1994 reissue) – 1994
- Walk with You (with Paul McCartney) – Y Not – 2010
- We’re on the Road Again – Give More Love – 2017
- Weight of the World – Time Takes Time – 1992
- What Goes Around – Time Takes Time – 1992
- What Goes On – Rubber Soul – 1965 (co-written and lead vocal)
- What in the … World – Vertical Man – 1998
- What Love Wants to Be – Ringo Rama – 2003
- What’s My Name – What’s My Name – 2019
- When You Wish Upon a Star (with Herb Alpert) – Stay Awake: Various Interpretations of Music from Vintage Disney Films – 1988
- Where Did Our Love Go – Bad Boy – 1978
- Whispering Grass (Don’t Tell the Trees) – Sentimental Journey – 1970
- White Christmas – I Wanna Be Santa Claus – 1999
- Who Needs a Heart – Bad Boy – 1978
- Who’s Your Daddy (with Joss Stone) – Y Not – 2010
- Wine, Women and Loud Happy Songs – Beaucoups of Blues – 1970
- Wings – Ringo the 4th – 1977
- Winter Wonderland – I Wanna Be Santa Claus – 1999
- With A Little Help From My Friends – Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band – 1967 (lead vocal)
- Without Her – Beaucoups of Blues – 1970
- Without Understanding – Vertical Man – 1998
- Woman of the Night – Beaucoups of Blues – 1970
- Wonderful – Ringo 2012 – 2012
- World Go Round – EP3 (EP) – 2022
- Wrack My Brain – Stop and Smell the Roses – 1981
- Write One for Me – Ringo Rama – 2003
- Wrong All the Time – Choose Love – 2005
- Y Not – Y Not – 2010
- Yellow Submarine – Revolver – 1966 (lead vocal)
- You and Me (Babe) – Ringo – 1973
- You Always Hurt the One You Love – Sentimental Journey – 1970
- You Belong to Me – Stop and Smell the Roses – 1981
- You Bring the Party Down – Postcards from Paradise – 2015
- You Can’t Fight Lightning – Stop and Smell the Roses (1994 reissue) – 1994
- You Don’t Know Me at All – Ringo’s Rotogravure – 1976
- You Never Know – Curly Sue (soundtrack) – 1991
- You Want Some – Look Up – 2025
- You’re Sixteen – Ringo – 1973
- You’ve Got a Nice Way – Stop and Smell the Roses – 1981
Album Song Count
Cilla (Television programme) (1968): 1 song
Sentimental Journey (1970): 12 songs
Beaucoups of Blues (1970): 14 songs
Ringo (1973): 10 songs
Goodnight Vienna (1974): 10 songs
Ringo’s Rotogravure (1976): 10 songs
Ringo the 4th (1977): 10 songs
Scouse the Mouse (1977): 7 songs
Bad Boy (1978): 10 songs
Stop and Smell the Roses (1981): 10 songs
Old Wave (1983): 10 songs
Alice in Wonderland (1985): 1 song
Sun City (1985): 1 song
Stay Awake (1988): 1 song
Time Takes Time (1992): 12 songs
Stop and Smell the Roses reissue (1994): 3 songs
Beaucoups of Blues reissue (1995): 1 song
For the Love of Harry (1995): 1 song
Flaming Pie (Paul McCartney album) (1997): 1 song
Vertical Man (1998): 12 songs
I Wanna Be Santa Claus (1999): 12 songs
Ringo Rama (2003): 14 songs
Choose Love (2005): 12 songs
Liverpool 8 (2008): 12 songs
Y Not (2010): 10 songs
Ringo 2012 (2012): 7 songs
Postcards from Paradise (2015): 10 songs
Give More Love (2017): 10 songs
What’s My Name (2019): 10 songs
Zoom In (EP) (2020-2021): 4 songs
Change the World (EP) (2021): 4 songs
Songs from Quarantine Vol. 2 (2021): 1 song
EP3 (EP) (2022): 3 songs
Rewind Forward (EP) (2023): 3 songs
Crooked Boy (EP) (2024): 4 songs
Look Up (2025): 9 songs
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