British musician Ringo Starr became a popular figure globally as the fourth member of The Beatles’ rock band. Regarded as one of the most popular and influential bands of all time, Beatlemania became a phenomenon when the members had their debut performance in America. Along with being a drummer for the band, Ringo Starr also produced solo music, starred in movies and television shows, and became a published author during his career. Through his versatile roles and earning back-end royalties from music by The Beatles, he has amassed a $350 million net worth and become the richest drummer in the world.
The success of Ringo Starr with The Beatles begins in Liverpool, where a young boy was interested in playing the drums at a sanitorium. A journey that is an inspiration for the ages let’s take a look at how Ringo Starr began his career and built a $350 million fortune empire.
Becoming Ringo Starr
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Sir Richard Starkey, better known by his stage name Ringo Starr was born in Liverpool to working-class parents employed at a bakery. His parents divorced when he was young, and Starr spent a few years of his childhood battling various illnesses. When he was six, he burst his appendix and got hospitalized for a year and additional two years in a sanatorium after suffering from pleurisy. At 13 years of age, staying at a sanatorium, he got introduced to drums during a recreational hour with the healthcare workers, as noted by Britannica.
The musician didn’t return to school after his release, instead worked as an apprentice at various jobs, including an engineering company. There, he became a part of the skiffle band and later in 1959 became a drummer for Rory Storm And The Hurricanes. It was then he adopted the stage name Ringo Starr.
While Starr was on his quest to grow his passion for music, John Lennon and Paul McCartney had already formed a band in 1957 in Liverpool as self-taught musicians. McCartney was the bassist and singer, while Lennon was the guitarist and singer. The same year, they added George Harrison as the lead guitarist. Stuart Sutcliffe took over the bass, and the band became known as the Beatals. During the 1960 summer, the band added Pete Best to the drums, Sutcliffe left to join art school, and they became known as The Beatles. After Brian Epstein, their manager fired Best in 1962, Starr got hired to become the official drummer, as reported by Billboard.
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The Greatest Of All Time
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With his engaging personality and straightforward beats, Ringo Starr became a well-liked figure by the fans of The Beatles. The musician was not on the vocals that often, yet he was a contributing factor for a variety of songs for the band. In the 1963 debut album Please Please Me, he sang vocals for the song Boys. He sang Honey Don’t, Act Naturally, and With A Little Help From My Friends for the American released albums. During the late 1960s, he began evolving his vocals and started songwriting with a contribution to Octopus’ Garden from the 1969 album Abbey Road.
During the band’s active years, The Beatles had accomplished some of the most coveted feats in music while creating a pandemonium of fans who loved their music. As mentioned by CBS News, The band has landed on the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 an enormous 21 times, which is the most by any band. In the United States, they have sold 1.6 billion singles and 177 million albums worldwide. After releasing 21 albums and 54 compilation albums, the band broke up in 1970, and Starr went on his separate path of a solo career.
Influence Over Rock And Roll
According to The Things, Ringo Starr didn’t pause his career after the band broke up. He released his debut solo album in the same year titled Ringo, which featured separate tracks and compositions from all the members. Additionally, the drummer has released twenty solo albums, published three books, and starred in more than fifteen movies and television shows. He also formed his band called Ringo Starr And His All Starr Band, touring with him since 1989 and reportedly makes $300,000 per show.
While he makes millions from his tours, his primary income source has been his recorded music with The Beatles. Fans continue to enjoy the beauty of rock and roll music which has earned him a hefty fortune. Starr was the last person from The Beatles to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame, and the feat occurred in 2015. He is a massive inspiration to young drummers who dream of becoming famous drummers and showcasing their talent to the world.
Ringo Starr had a long and winding road to achieve success in the field of music. By joining The Beatles, he inscribed his name in history as a part of one of the greatest bands ever existed. The popularity has helped him amass a $350 million fortune, and the former Beatles member will go on tour with his band in May 2022 to continue celebrating music.
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Sources: Britannica, Billboard, CBS News, The Things
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