Ringo Starr, 85, releases 22nd album chasing country dream
The Beatles drummer just dropped his second country album in a year, proving it's never too late to pursue your passion. Ringo Starr has been waiting over 50 years to fully explore the genre he loved first.
At 85, most people slow down. Ringo Starr just released his 22nd solo album, diving deeper into the country music he's loved since childhood.
The Beatles drummer surprised fans last week with "Long Long Road," his second country record in just over a year. But anyone who's been paying attention knows this has been coming for decades.
"The first two songs I ever did with The Beatles were Carl Perkins songs," Ringo says from his Los Angeles home. Even in the world's biggest rock band, he made sure country got its moment, bringing in Buck Owens covers and writing his first Beatles composition as a country stomper.
When The Beatles split in 1970, each member chased their own sound. Ringo went straight to Nashville.
A chance encounter with country guitar legend Pete Drake led to "Beaucoups of Blues," recorded in just two days on Music Row. "In the morning, five songs were chosen. In the afternoon they were recorded, in the evening they were sung," he remembers.
Then life got in the way for about 50 years.
Last year, producer T Bone Burnett stopped by for a chat. "He talked about songs. I said, 'Well, how many songs have you got?' and he goes, 'Nine,'" Ringo recalls. That casual conversation became "Look Up," featuring stars like Billy Strings and Molly Tuttle.
Critics loved it. "I was a little stunned, actually. Even the BBC loved me!" he laughs.
Why This Inspires
Ringo Starr proves that dreams don't have expiration dates. He waited decades to fully explore country music, and at 85, he's making some of his most authentic work.
His story reminds us that the passions we set aside don't disappear. Sometimes they're just waiting for the right moment to come back around.
The response to both albums shows audiences hungry for genuine, heartfelt music. Working with Burnett brought warmth and natural chemistry that resonates across generations.
Now with two country albums under his belt in 14 months, Ringo's making up for lost time. And he's having the time of his life doing it.
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Based on reporting by ABC Australia
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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