Ringo Starr, 85, Releases Second Country Album This Year

At 85 years old, Ringo Starr is dancing, drumming, and defying every expectation about aging in the music industry.

The Beatles legend just announced his new country album "Long Long Road," his second Nashville record in less than a year. He's working with producer T Bone Burnett and a crew of cutting-edge musicians including Molly Tuttle, Billy Strings, Sheryl Crow, and St. Vincent.

Ringo surprised fans last year with "Look Up," his first country album since 1970's "Beaucoups of Blues." Instead of resting on those laurels, he immediately started recording again because the songs kept flowing and the collaboration felt too good to stop.

"What a great welcoming I had when I went to Nashville," Ringo says. "It was just a great experience, so we just got on and made another one."

The title track "Choose Love" drops today, a twanged-up remake from his 2005 album. For Ringo, the long road represents his entire journey from Liverpool to London to New York to Los Angeles, a life spent constantly moving forward.

That restless energy shows onstage too. When he could easily sit in an armchair given his legendary status, Ringo stays upright, dancing between drum sets. When asked if he's still the best dancer in rock and roll, he doesn't hesitate: "Yes, I agree. I'm just sort of a mover."

Why This Inspires

Ringo's Nashville renaissance proves that creativity doesn't retire. While many artists slow down in their eighties, he's collaborating with musicians young enough to be his grandchildren and exploring new musical territory.

Producer T Bone Burnett says writing for Ringo feels effortless because "he's one of the most recognizable voices in the world, so his voice is in your head with every word you write." The partnership has unlocked something special in both artists.

Last year, Ringo made his Grand Ole Opry debut at Emmylou Harris' invitation, performing "Act Naturally." He also filmed "Ringo & Friends at the Ryman" with everyone from Brenda Lee to Jack White, earning praise from Paul McCartney, who noted that Ringo "was the first guy in the Beatles to really turn us on to country music."

His energy comes from simple wisdom: "I just get up in the morning, do my stuff, and do my stuff." And when his 4-year-old granddaughter tells her device "Siri, play Ringo," he knows he's doing something right.

Sixty years after singing "Yellow Submarine," Ringo Starr is still making music that matters.