In the Beginning
On July 7, 1940, the world welcomed a new face, and one that would help to shape the world of music for many decades to come. Richard Starkley, born at 9 Madryn Street in Dingle Liverpool would o on to become the easily forgotten, but no less important member of the Beatles. Richard was born to Elsie and Richard Starkey, and the family was no stranger to music. Elsie, for example, sang and danced as a hobby, and the couple had spent much of their time in the ballroom circuit. The birth of Richard however put an end to those regular outings, much to their upset. The upset ended however, as Elsie took and overprotective approach to raising her son while the father, Big Ritchie, began spending long hours drinking and dancing in pubs. The family moved in 1944 to a cheaper neighborhood, though Richard’s parents separated soon after and divorced in the same year. To this day, Richard claims he has no real memories of his father who did not attempt to bond with him. As a matter of fact, he visited him just three times after the separation. His mother, Elsie, was forced to take on a job as a local barmaid, an occupation which she would actually hold for a period of twelve years. Starkey developed appendicitis at the age of six, and the recovery process caused him to miss a considerable amount of his education. His mother allowed him to miss school quite a bit, and as a result, he found himself illiterate at the age of eight. This obvious lack of education attributed to him practically giving up, and remaining truant from school. He did, however, eventually catch up to his peers with the help of his neighbor Marie Maguire Crawford. Unfortunately, he contracted tuberculosis in 1953 and was sent to a sanatorium where he would remain for two years. During his stay however he would join the hospital band, and he then gained his first exposure to a percussion instrument. From then on, the child who would become Ringo Starr was obsessed with drums, and even went so far as to reject every other instrument that he was offered.
Career Accomplishments
In 1955 Starkey would enter the workforce, briefly working for British Railways before becoming an apprentice for a Liverpool equipment manufacturer. Shortly after, be started a band, Eddie Clayton Skiffle Group which saw great success in England until it truly turned out to be fad music and was crushed by American Rock and Roll. Though he had obviously lost his niche, he became a member of another band, Rory Storm and the Hurricanes, which he promptly quit after becoming a moderate success. The Beatles formed in 1960 and he quickly joined them, becoming Ringo Starr and playing key roles in all of their films. The Beatles gained international success and for a time were considered to be the most popular band in the world. All good things come to an end, however, and the Beatles broke up in 1970. This, however, was not the end of Ringo’s career as he would release a number of successful singles such as the number four US hit: ‘It Don’t Come Easy'. There were several other numbers one hits, and of course, his most successful single in the United Kingdom: ‘Back Off Boogaloo’. In addition to being an accomplished singer, Ringo has been featured on several documentaries and has even hosted television shows. He served as the narrator for two different children’s programs, and since then has managed to influence many famous artists. In fact, he brought about a new era of drumming. Where drumming in a band was once considered background noise, or a way to keep the beat, Ringo found a way to make it his own and made the art very distinctive.
Most Known For
Ringo Starr had been previously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Beatles but was later inducted for his solo career in 1988. Aside from being a member of the Beatles, he is now famous for being just one of 21 performers inducted into the hall of fame more than once.
Where Are They Now
Currently, when not on tour, Ringo lives in the English village of Cranleigh.
