Ringo Starr

Ringo Starr was born Richard Starkey Jr. on July 7, 1940, making him the oldest Beatle, only thee months older than John. He was also the last to join The Beatles in 1962, replacing Pete Best as drummer.

Starr is left-handed, but plays a right-handed drum kit. His left-handedness contributes to his distinctive drumming style. He’s had an influence on modern drumming techniques and now-famous drummers, while still being underrated. He uses the matched grip – the method of holding both sticks in the same way. He also tunes the drums lower. His unique style is especially effective on Hello, Goodbye, Hey Jude, and the dynamic bass drumming in Lady Madonna.

Aside from keeping the beat, Ringo’s baritone voice took the lead on one song per album, most notably on With A Little Help From My Friends, Yellow Submarine, and Octopus’s Garden, which he composed.

While I am too young to have seen the Fab Four perform as a group, I was able to see Ringo playing drums for the Beach Boys after they lost Dennis Wilson.

His best known solo hits include Photograph, It Don’t Come Easy, and You’re Sixteen.

Here’s an article entitled “13 Reasons To GIve Ringo Some Respect.”

Watch the colorful, fun video for You’re Sixteen here.