Ringo Starr Opens New Chapter At 84 Years Old, Goes Country For New Album

The legendary drummer of The Beatles, Ringo Starr, is switching gears from rock to country music. At a recent press event, Starr introduced his new album, Look Up, reflecting his deep love for country sounds.

His admiration for the genre has been evident throughout his career, from The Beatles‘ country-inspired songs like “Act Naturally” and “Don’t Pass Me By” to his solo ventures. This latest album marks Starr’s first full-length release in six years.

What inspired Ringo Starr’s country music album?

The inspiration for Starr’s latest album stems from his friendship with T Bone Burnett, a renowned producer and songwriter. The two first met in the 1970s and reconnected again at a recent casual gathering. Their conversation about ongoing projects sparked the idea for Look Up.

Initially envisioned as an EP, the project expanded into a full-length album after Burnett shared nine crafted tracks that captured Starr’s attention. Burnett’s songwriting and production helped Starr tap into the classic 1950s country sound he admires, and of the eleven tracks from the album, nine were either written or co-written by Burnett.

Ringo Starr’s event raises funds for wildfire relief

Starr brought together stars like Jack White and Sheryl Crow to raise money for those affected by California’s wildfires at the “Ringo & Friends at the Ryman” event. Proceeds from the concert, including his performance of classics like “With a Little Help From My Friends,” supported the American Red Cross and local wildfire recovery efforts.

The event took place at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, where Starr also treated fans to reimagined Beatles hits with a country twist. He collaborated with legends like Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell, delivering an unforgettable celebration of music and community. This special concert will air later this year on CBS and stream on Paramount +.