On July 7th in music history, one significant event occurred in 1940 when Ringo Starr, the drummer of the iconic British band The Beatles, was born in Liverpool, England.
Born Richard Starkey, Ringo Starr's unique drumming style and affable personality became an integral part of The Beatles' sound and image. He joined the band in 1962, replacing their original drummer, Pete Best, and quickly gained popularity among fans for his witty one-liners and easygoing nature.
Starr's drumming, characterized by his steady beat, creative fills, and use of interesting percussion elements, can be heard on many of The Beatles' most famous tracks, such as "Come Together," "Hey Jude," and "Let It Be." He also occasionally took lead vocals on songs like "With a Little Help from My Friends," "Yellow Submarine," and "Octopus's Garden," which he wrote himself.
Beyond his work with The Beatles, Starr embarked on a successful solo career, releasing numerous albums and collaborating with various artists. His first solo single, "It Don't Come Easy," was a top-5 hit in both the UK and the US in 1971. He also found success with his All-Starr Band, a concept he developed in 1989, which features a rotating lineup of famous musicians.
Ringo Starr's contributions to music have earned him widespread recognition. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Beatles in 1988 and again as a solo artist in 2015. In 2018, he was knighted by Prince William for his contributions to music.
The birth of Ringo Starr on July 7th, 1940, set the stage for a remarkable career that would significantly shape the course of music history as a member of one of the most influential and beloved bands of all time, The Beatles.