Ringo Starr, the peace-loving, band-leading, age-defying ex-Beatle, turns 85 today. And life couldn’t be sweeter for the effervescent musician who seems to get better with age. So far this year, he has found time to record a country album, tour with his All-Starr band, consulted on a movie about his life, and hang out with a chap named Paul McCartney.

There is no stopping Ringo, and the secret to his success is one that should inspire us all. There doesn’t seem to be an offer he won’t refuse, yet he finds time to spend with his wife of 44 years, actress Barbara Bach, at their California home. Yes, these days, Ringo is everywhere!

Ringo’s Early Life and Career

Richard (Ringo) Starkey was born to a poor Liverpool family on July 7, 1940. His father left the family when he was three, and Ringo suffered from peritonitis and tuberculosis, which hospitalized him in both cases. While he was recuperating, a nurse brought in some tambourines, triangles, and small drums, and Starr had an epiphany. He said of the moment.

“It was like a craziness. I hit the drum, and I only wanted from that moment to be a drummer, and that was what my aim was.” He started playing in skiffle bands and eventually caught on with a popular local band, Rory Storm and the Hurricanes. While playing in Hamburg with the Hurricanes, Ringo would run into some lads from his hometown who were also trying to make it big. Impressing them with his drumming ability, they asked him to join their band, and he accepted.

The Beatles and Beyond

And the rest is history. That band would become the Beatles, and along with McCartney, George Harrison, and John Lennon, they formed the most successful and influential band of all time. When they broke up in 1970, they had recorded 14 number one selling US albums, 5 best-selling compilation albums, and 24 top-selling singles. The Beatles didn’t change with the musical times; they changed music.

Although the Beatles had the most successful songwriting duo of all time, Lennon and McCartney, Ringo slowly got his feet wet and wrote some of the Beatles’ hits. These included “Act Naturally,” “Honey Don’t,” and “With a Little Help From My Friends.” And over the years as a solo artist, he produced hits like “It Don’t Come Easy,” “Photograph,” “You’re Sixteen,” “Oh My My,” and “No No Song.”

And of course, he has contributed his talents to many hit-making endeavors from his musical friends, including recordings from the Fab Four (Beatles). These include playing the drums with John Lennon’s Plastic Ono Band, participating in George Harrison’s epic benefit concert, Concert for Bangladesh, and contributing to Paul McCartney’s 1997 release, Flaming Pie.

The next generation of musicians has also shown a new appreciation of Ringo’s drumming talents. People like Max Weinberg of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, percussionist Sheila E., and others have expounded on his greatness. Weinberg said of Starr’s ability.

“It’s impossible to play like Ringo did in the Beatles,” he said, citing the absence of magic in most Beatles tribute acts as proof. “It’s sort of like singing along with a Sinatra record — you might get close, but you’ll never get the phrasing, you’ll never get the little odd things that he does.”

But perhaps McCartney summed up Ringo’s special talents when he said: “He’s Ringo. And nobody else is.”

Ringo Goes On and On….

Ringo recorded his latest album, Look Up, in Nashville, which was produced and co-written by T Bone Burnett. The album is Ringo’s first in six years. This returned him to country music, which he loves so much and has touched many times through songs like “Act Naturally” and “What Goes On.” After finishing the album, Ringo and some friends performed two sold-out shows of country music at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, which was recorded by CBS and is still available on Paramount.

Ringo started his All-Starr Band in 1989, and dozens of rock luminaries have hit the road with Ringo the Troubadour. The list includes Joe Walsh, Peter Frampton, Sheila E., Colin Hay, Hamish Stuart, Edgar Winter, and so many more. The band hits the road for a fall tour of 11 concerts starting in Chicago on Sept. 10.

Director Sam Mendes is taking on the formidable task of directing four upcoming Beatles biopics. Ringo met with him in April to consult on the movie about his life and suggest several script corrections. And he always finds time to get together with the other surviving Fab, Mr. McCartney. Paul says about his relationship with Ringo.

“With John and George not here, I think we realize nothing lasts forever,” McCartney said. “So, we grasp onto what we have now because we realize that it’s very special. It’s something hardly anyone else has. In fact, in our case, it’s something no one else has. There’s only me and Ringo, and we’re the only people who can share those memories.”

His Secret Sauce

As to what has kept Ringo so vibrant and energetic all these years, part of it relates to the fact that he and Barbara have been alcohol free since 1988. But the big reason stems from something his mother said long ago. Starr recalls the moment.

“When I first started in Liverpool,” he said, “my mother would come to the gigs. She would always say, ‘You know, son, I always feel you’re at your happiest when you’re playing your drums.’ So, she noticed. And I do.” He smiled. “I love to hit those buggers.”

Translated today into “Well, I love what I’m doing,” he said in an isn’t-it-obvious tone.

Happy 85th Birthday, Ringo! Peace and love to you on this special day. You have made the world more harmonious, happier, and a whole lot more fun for all of us.