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Ringo Starr

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Ringo Starr, born Richard Starkey in 1940 in Liverpool, is an English drummer, singer and actor. As a child he suffered serious illnesses and long stays in hospital. As a teenager he became fascinated by skiffle. In 1957 he formed his first group, and later he played with Rory Storm and the Hurricanes, a Liverpool band that also performed in Hamburg. In August 1962 he joined the Beatles, replacing Pete Best.

Music and breakthrough

With the Beatles he usually sang one song per album, such as Yellow Submarine and With a Little Help from My Friends. He also wrote and sang Don't Pass Me By and Octopus's Garden. After the group broke up he had solo hits such as It Don't Come Easy, Photograph and You're Sixteen, and in 1973 the successful album Ringo was released. He also acted in films and presented television programmes. Since 1989 he has toured with Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band.

Influence

His drumming style is about feel, not technique. As a result many drummers have come to look at their playing differently: as part of the song. He tuned his drums lower and used damping, which became common much later. In School of Rock, his arrival in 1962 is the moment at which the Beatles' line-up was complete.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Rain by the Beatles and focus on the drums. Can you hear how Ringo lets the rhythm flow and adds small variations without distracting attention from the vocals?

Discography

Studio albums

In School of Rock

The chapters, maps and magazine stories of School of Rock are currently available in Dutch only.

See also

Categories: Artists