Biographer reveals what he learned about Ringo Starr
“It’s just a happy coincidence.” That’s my oft-repeated mantra when I’m asked if I’m related to Ringo Starr, the subject of my new book, “Ringo: With a Little Help” — the first comprehensive biography of The World’s Most Famous Drummer.
You’d be surprised how often I’m asked that particular question, mostly by people who either don’t know — or just plain forgot — that Ringo Starr was born Richard Starkey in Liverpool, England 75 years ago on July 7, 1940.
But that’s not the only thing about Ringo that people forget — or didn’t know about him in the first place:
The ingrained Dickensian image (particularly among Beatles fans) of Richy Starkey growing up dirt-poor in Liverpool? Not quite. While Richy and his mom, Elsie, lived in the Dingle — a gritty part of town located near the rough-and-tumble Liverpool docks — Elsie worked several jobs (barmaid, cleaning houses) to keep a relatively comfortable roof over Richy’s head. A photo from his youth shows Richy and his childhood friend, Dave Patterson, posing in sharp suits — and the Starkey grandparents lived just down the street from their adored grandson and often cared for Richy while Elsie was working.
By: Michael Starr
Source: The New York Post
