Starkey, George.

Richard Starkey, known worldwide as Ringo Starr, rose to international fame as the drummer for the iconic band, The Beatles. Born in Liverpool on July 7, 1940, his early life was marked by significant health challenges, including prolonged hospitalizations due to appendicitis and tuberculosis, which interrupted his formal education. Despite these difficulties, he developed a passion for music, particularly the skiffle craze, and began his musical journey by co-founding early bands.

Starr joined The Beatles in 1962, quickly becoming an integral part of their global success. Beyond his drumming, he occasionally sang lead vocals and contributed songwriting to the band. After The Beatles disbanded, Starr embarked on a successful solo career, releasing several hit singles and albums. He has also maintained a presence in acting and television, including narrating children's shows and touring with his own band.

His drumming style, characterized by its emphasis on feel and composition rather than technical complexity, has influenced many subsequent drummers. Starr's contributions have been recognized with multiple inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame, and he was knighted in 2018.

Born Richard Starkey in Liverpool, his childhood was significantly impacted by severe illnesses, including peritonitis following an appendectomy and tuberculosis. These health issues led to extended periods of hospitalization, causing him to fall behind academically and miss considerable schooling. During his recovery from tuberculosis in a sanatorium, he found an early connection to percussion through a makeshift instrument, sparking a lasting interest. His stepfather, an admirer of big band music, further influenced his musical inclinations. Starkey's early foray into music began with the skiffle craze, where he co-founded his first band, the Eddie Clayton Skiffle Group, developing his rhythmic skills on instruments like the washboard.

Starkey joined The Beatles in August 1962, replacing Pete Best and solidifying the band's legendary lineup. With the group, he not only served as the drummer but also contributed occasional lead vocals, singing notable songs like "Yellow Submarine" and "With a Little Help from My Friends," and wrote and performed tracks such as "Don't Pass Me By" and "Octopus's Garden." Following The Beatles' dissolution, Starr launched a successful solo career, achieving chart success with singles like "It Don't Come Easy," "Photograph," and "You're Sixteen," and releasing the acclaimed 1973 album "Ringo."

Ringo Starr's drumming approach is noted for prioritizing musicality and feel over technical showmanship, inspiring many drummers to consider composition in their playing. He is credited with influencing modern drumming techniques, including the matched grip and specific drum tuning methods. Starr himself considered his performance on "Rain" to be his finest recorded work. His significant contributions to music have earned him widespread recognition, including inductions into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (both as a member of The Beatles and as a solo artist), and he was appointed a Knight Bachelor in 2018 for his services to music.

“I was in the hospital band [...] That's where I really started playing. I never wanted anything else from there on [...] My grandparents gave me a mandolin and a banjo, but I didn't want them. My grandfather gave me a harmonica [...] we had a piano – nothing. Only the drums.”

“He was great [...] I learned gentleness from Harry.”