5 Things That Make Ringo Starr Great

                              

When someone says, “Name a famous drummer,” as many are wont to do in everyday conversation, I bet the first drummer that pops into your head is Ringo Starr. Since the 60s, drummers worldwide - including Max Weinberg, Phil Rudd and Dave Grohl - have cited him as an influence. It has been more than forty years since The Beatles broke-up and Ringo is still enjoying a successful solo career. Last month, he released "Ringo 2012," his 17th studio album.

So, without further ado, here are 5 things that make Ringo Starr great:

1. He's a Beatle

Seriously, he was the drummer for the greatest rock band in music history. He gave us the song titles, “A Hard Days Night” and “Tomorrow Never Knows." He wrote “Don’t Pass Me By” and “Octopus's Garden," and was lead vocalist on “Yellow Submarine,” “With a Little Help From My Friends," "I Wanna be Your Man" and “Act Naturally."

2. A Drumming Style All His Own

He’s a left-handed drummer playing a right-handed drum kit. He can’t even do a drum roll. But because of this, Ringo Starr has had to improvise, creating a unique sound all his own. Just listen to the drum fills on “A Day in the Life” or the drum solo on Abbey Road’s “The End," which was the only drum solo he ever played as a member of The Beatles.

3. An Enduring Solo Career

When The Beatles split Ringo got to work, releasing two albums before the end of 1970, and at 71 years old he shows no signs of slowing down. He’s had several hits including classic rock staples like “It Don’t Come Easy” and “Photograph.”

4. An Impressive Acting Career

Ringo has starred in several movies - The Magic Christian, Born to Boogie (which he also directed) & Caveman (to name a few) - but he's probably most well known for his stint as Mr. Conductor for the PBS kids' show Shining Time Station and his appearance on The Simpsons.

5. The All-Starr Band

Since 1990, Ringo Starr has occasionally toured with his ever-evolving super group Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band. Previous line-ups have included Levon Helm, Rick Danko, Billy Preston, Dr. John, Joe Walsh, Clarence Clemons and Todd Rundgren.  

*Check back tomorrow for an interview with Ringo's personal photographer, Rob Shanahan.

(Elford Alley has written plays, sketch comedy, and short stories. He currently lives in Dallas with his wife and daughter. Follow Elford on Twitter.)

Comments

[Randy Stern]

Great to see Ringo getting his props. I agree whole heartedly. One of my favorite drummers. Of course there's always been this other camp. You've heard it before. Ever have a coversation with someone who expresses the sentiment that somehow Ringo was a "lesser" Beatle or even a "lesser" drummer? They cite cats like Keith Moon and John Bonham and their legacy of work (and of course, they were incredible drummers too), and then compare them to Ringo? But I disagree. It's just a different kind of drumming. Ringo was solid, unique, and groundbreaking. Not to mention the hits. Some of my favorite solo Beatles songs are by Mr. Starr. I love Ringo! And thanks for the education. I didn't know he was a lefty.

[richie]

Ringo's brilliance is in what he doesn't play. He always plays for the song. His fills are tasteful and appropriate. He played with one of the greatest bass players of all-time. He created drumbeats: "Ticket to Ride" and "Tomorrow Never Knows." He gave songs titles: "A Hard Day's Night," and "Tomorrow Never Knows." He wrote lyrics: "Darning his socks in the night when there's nobody there." Listen to "Rain" and tell me that this guy can't solo.

Thanks for stopping by Randy. It's always great to hear from you.

[skought]

Who do you suppose did the drum roll at the start of All You Need Is Love?