The 5 classic Ringo Starr solo pop singles
Ringo Starr was one-fourth of the most influential group in the history of rock music. His inimitable style, charm and drumming endeared him to legions of fans. He sang on a number of Beatles hits and deep album tracks. The one thing he rarely did in those years was write songs: Among Beatles tunes, only “Don’t Pass Me By” from The White Album and “Octopus’ Garden” (from Abbey Road) are credited to Ringo alone as composer.
But that didn’t stop the man born Richard Starkey from embarking upon a creatively fruitful post-Beatles solo career, one that continues to this day. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Ringo’s fifth album, 1975’s Goodnight Vienna, here are five classics that remind us what a fine pop star good old Ringo has always been.
“It Don’t Come Easy” (single, 1970)
The second song Ringo ever wrote would be his first solo single. Co-written by George Harrison (who isn’t credited), the song was recorded a few times before the session that yielded the finished version. An early mix from that session circulates among collectors; it features George on lead vocals instead of Ringo, and at one point backing vocalists Pete Ham and Tom Evans of Badfinger can be heard singing “Hare Krishna.” Other players on the session included Gary Wright, Jim Keltner, Klaus Voormann, Stephen Stills and Beatles roadie Mal Evans. The single made it to No. 1 on the U.S. Cash Box chart.
“Photograph” from Ringo (1973)
As he sang (in lyrics penned for him by John Lennon and Paul McCartney), Ringo really did get by with a little help from his friends. Once again, pal George co-wrote a song with him, this time receiving credit. With a soaring Jack Nitzsche arrangement and Richard Perry’s expert production, this lovely and sentimental tune ranks among the best post-Beatles singles. “Photograph” soared to the No. 1 spot on the U.S. singles chart, and hit the Top Ten in ten other countries.
Source: Bill Kopp/goldminemag.com
