Ringo Starr – A Rock and Roll Icon

I am sure that you do not need me to remind you that Ringo was one of the Fab Four, or to give them their correct name, The Beatles. Ringo, the Beatles drummer has been exciting and thrilling audiences all around the world, and doing it for decades.

The struggles of his early life.

The early days were not easy for Ringo as his parents seperated when he was just a toddler. He was born in Liverpool in a working class suburb, and brought up by his mother and step father.

But apart from difficulties of a family nature, Ringo also suffered a number of health problems, some of which were quite serious. However Ringo was and is a fighter, and he came through these.

But these medical problems did set him back quite a bit academically, as he had to miss so much school because of them, but the upside is that because of this he was drawn to a musical career, for which we are all grateful.

One of those medical problems that he had was pleaurisy, and he was diagnosed as having this at the tender age of 13. For the next two years he received treatment and as you can well understand, this affected his schooling to a large extent.

Because of this he had to take on a number of dead end jobs, but all was not lost as this led him into his real love – music.

The beginning of his career

Ringo started his first band in 1957, and it was called The Eddie Clayton Skiffle Group, and then two years later he joined The Raving Texans. It was here that he got his nickname because of the number of rings that he wore.

While performing with The Raving Texans in 1960, Starr met a little-known group called The Beatles in Hamburg. The Beatles eventually replaced their existing drummer, Pete Best, in 1962, and chose Ringo as their replacement.

Legends in the Making

Nobody would argue that joining The Beatles was the best move that Ringo ever made, as it enabled him to enjoy an unbelievable level of fame and fortune which he is still enjoying to this very day.

Solo Career

His solo career began just as soon as The Beatles era ended, in 1970. Ringo released two albums that same year and followed up with many more albums and singles. He has indeed made a great success out of his solo career.

Where has all this got him?

This has got him to the very top in the world of music. He has won many Grammy award, found a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and sold countless millions of records all around the world.

If Ringo ever comes to your town then whatever else you do, do not miss the chance of seeing him play live in concert.

This has been one of a series of articles on musical icons. If you would like me to let you know when the next article comes out simply go to my website (see below), locate my email address, and send me an email asking to be kept updated.