Ringo Starr’s journey from a Liverpool drummer to a global icon with The Beatles is a tale of talent, timing, and tenacity. Before he became the beat behind “Hey Jude” and “Come Together,” Richard Starkey—born July 7, 1940—was pounding the skins for Rory Storm and the Hurricanes, one of Liverpool’s hottest acts in the early ‘60s. How did Ringo go from local gigs to the Fab Four? Let’s trace his rise, from humble beginnings to the world’s biggest stage, and hear his classics on Spotify.
Early Beats: A Drummer’s Roots
Growing up in Liverpool’s Dingle neighborhood, Ringo faced a tough start. Childhood illnesses like peritonitis and pleurisy kept him hospitalized for years, derailing his education. Yet, music became his lifeline. At 15, he got his first drum kit—a makeshift set from his stepfather—and fell hard for the UK’s skiffle craze. By 1957, he co-founded the Eddie Clayton Skiffle Group, gigging locally until rock ‘n’ roll took over. His raw talent shone through, despite being self-taught and left-handed on a right-handed kit. For more on skiffle’s impact, check BBC Music’s history.
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In 1959, at 19, Ringo joined Rory Storm and the Hurricanes, adopting his stage name— “Ringo” for his love of rings, “Starr” for a Western flair and his “Starr Time” solos. The Hurricanes were Liverpool’s top dogs, outshining early Beatles lineups at clubs like the Cavern. With Rory’s flamboyant frontman energy and Ringo’s steady beat, they landed residencies in Hamburg and Butlin’s holiday camps, as detailed at AllMusic.
Hamburg and The Beatles Connection
Hamburg’s club scene in 1960 was a crucible for young bands, and Ringo crossed paths with The Beatles—then featuring Pete Best on drums. The Beatles admired Ringo’s skills, often borrowing him when Best was unavailable. A rare October 1960 recording of “Summertime” with Rory’s bassist Lu Walters marked the first time Ringo played with John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison, though it’s lost to time, per Rolling Stone. The Hurricanes ruled the roost, but The Beatles were rising fast.
By 1962, Ringo’s reputation as a versatile, rock-solid drummer made him a target. George Harrison later said, “Ringo was the missing piece,” a sentiment echoed in Mark Lewisohn’s Tune In biography. The Beatles, frustrated with Best’s limited style, made their move.
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The Big Switch: Joining The Beatles
On August 14, 1962, Ringo accepted John Lennon’s offer to join The Beatles, leaving Rory Storm behind. Manager Brian Epstein fired Pete Best two days later, and Ringo debuted with the band on August 18 at a Port Sunlight dance. Fans rioted—“Pete forever, Ringo never!”—but the switch paid off. At Abbey Road that September, Ringo’s debut on “Love Me Do” (after initial skepticism from producer George Martin) locked in the lineup, propelling The Beatles to new heights. Explore their early sessions at The Beatles Bible.
Ringo brought more than beats—he added a playful charisma, singing hits like “Yellow Submarine” and penning “Octopus’s Garden.” His style, blending swing, R&B, and a signature left-hand flair, became a Beatles hallmark, as dissected by Drummerworld.
Beyond The Beatles: A Star Rises
After The Beatles split in 1970, Ringo’s rise continued. His 1973 album Ringo hit the Top 10 in the UK and U.S., with No. 1 singles “Photograph” and “You’re Sixteen,” featuring contributions from his ex-bandmates. Tracks like “It Don’t Come Easy” showcased his knack for catchy, heartfelt tunes, earning critical nods from Billboard. Today, at 84, he’s still touring with his All-Starr Band and releasing EPs like 2024’s Look Up.
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Ringo’s Rise: A Liverpool Legend
From Rory Storm to The Beatles, Ringo Starr’s rise wasn’t luck—it was skill meeting opportunity. His journey transformed a sickly kid into a drumming legend whose beat defined an era. Want the full Fab Four story? Dive into Peter Jackson’s Get Back doc on Disney+ or revisit Ringo’s pre-Beatles roots with unearthed Rory Storm tracks at Ultimate Classic Rock. How do you rate Ringo’s legacy?