Ringo Starr

Ringo Starr
  1. He Nearly Died as a Child—Twice
    Ringo had a rough childhood health-wise. At age 6, he fell into a coma due to peritonitis from a ruptured appendix and spent nearly a year in the hospital. At 13, he contracted tuberculosis and was confined to a sanatorium for two years, where he was first introduced to drumming as part of a convalescence program.
  2. He Sang Lead on Only 11 Beatles Songs
    Though all four Beatles sang, Ringo’s lead vocals were rare. His most famous include “With a Little Help from My Friends,” “Yellow Submarine,” and “Octopus’s Garden.” He also wrote the latter—one of only two Beatles songs he ever wrote alone.
  3. He Wasn’t a Big Fan of Drum Solos
    Unlike many drummers of the era, Ringo disliked flashy drum solos. In fact, the famous solo on “The End” (from Abbey Road) is his only recorded drum solo with The Beatles—and he had to be persuaded to do it.
  4. He Created the “Ringoism”
    Ringo’s quirky, accidental turns of phrase—like “A Hard Day’s Night” and “Tomorrow Never Knows”—were often used as Beatles song titles. His malapropisms became affectionately known as “Ringoisms.”
  5. He’s the Richest Drummer in the World
    As of recent years, Ringo Starr is considered the wealthiest drummer in the world, with a net worth estimated well over $300 million, thanks not only to Beatles royalties but also a successful solo career and business ventures.