Tribute To Ringo Starr

Ringo Starr has one of the most iconic name and face in rock & roll history. Here are a few facts about the most underrated member of the Beatles.

Born in Liverpool, England

Real name is Richard Starkey.

Ringo is left handed but plays a right handed drum set.

Joined the Beatles as their drummer in 1962.

Oldest member of the Beatles by birth but youngest by duration.

The song Octopus's Garden was written by Ringo.

The songs Hard Day's Night and Tomorrow Never Knows were titled after phrases that Ringo had coined.

Appeared on an episode of Monty Python's Flying Circus.

Starred in several films including Candy (1968 with Marlon Brando), The Magic Christian (1969 with Peter Sellers), 200 Motels (1971 with Frank Zappa) and Caveman (1981 with Dennis Quaid and Barbara Bach).

As a solo artist Ringo had two U.S. number one hits; Photograph and You're Sixteen (both 1973). He also had five other top ten songs.

Ringo's son Zak is also a drummer and has played for both the Who and Oasis.

Married former Bond girl Barbara Bach (The Spy Who Loved Me).

Appeared in the children's TV series Shining Time Station.

First formed Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band back in 1989, a group of rotating guest stars that still tour to this day. Past tours have included Dr. John, Levon Helm, Billy Preston, Billy Squier, Randy Bachman, Peter Frampton, Sheila E. and Roger Hodgson.

Biggest Selling Beatles Solo Albums

1. All Things Must Pass - George Harrison (1970): George's first post Beatles solo album is this sprawling three record set released in November of 1970. It is his magnum opus, and at six million sold, it is also the biggest selling album put out by any of the ex Beatles. Many famous musicians appear on this record, including Eric Clapton, Gary Wright, Klaus Voorman, Ringo Starr, Billy Preston, Alan White (Yes) and Ginger Baker. Singles include: My Sweet Lord (#1), What Is Life (#10).

2. Band On The Run - Paul McCartney & Wings (1973): Recorded in Nigeria, this album is Paul's biggest solo album both commercially (three million copies) and critically. There were only three members of Wings at this time, Paul, his wife Linda and Denny Laine (ex Moody Blues). Ginger Baker, formally of Cream, also appears on this record. Actors James Coburn and Christopher Lee (among other celebrities) appear on the album cover. Singles include: Band On The Run (#1), Jet (#7), Helen Wheels (#10).

3. Double Fantasy - John Lennon & Yoko Ono (1980): At three million copies sold this is John Lennon's biggest solo album. Unfortunately most of these copies sold after his murder three weeks after the record's release. This was John's first recording in five years and it won a Grammy for album of the year. Singles Include: Just Like Starting Over (#1), Woman (#2), Watching The Wheels (#30).

4. McCartney - Paul McCartney (1970): Paul's first solo album and the first proper solo album by any of the Beatles. Paul plays all the instruments making it a true "solo" effort. This album sold over two million copies and features the song Maybe I'm Amazed.

5. Imagine - John Lennon (1970): Selling two million copies, this was John's biggest album during his lifetime. Phil Spector produced the record and George Harrison plays guitar on several tracks. The recording of this album was filmed and released as a movie the following year (also called Imagine, later re-titled Gimme Some Truth). The most successful single off Imagine was the title track (#3).