Ringo Starr Y Not

Ringo Starr

Despite predictions that he would suffer most from the break-up of the Beatles in 1970, Ringo has success-fully developed his cheerful, popular persona acquired in the group's seven years of stardom. Sentimental Journey (Apple, 1970) and Beaucoups Of Blues (1970) were pleasant collec-tions of childhood favourites and country standards respec-tively. Both reached the American album charts and Senti-mental Journey entered the British Top Ten.

Next, Ringo established himself as a major singles artist with a series of his own songs, including 'It Don't Come Easy' (1971 — his declaration of independence from the Beatle image), 'Back Off Boogaloo' (1972) and 'Photograph' (1973 — co-written with George Harrison). The Ringo album included the gold record 'You're Sixteen' and involved Nils-son, Marc Bolan, Martha Reeves and members of The Band as session musicians. Ringo was produced by Richard Perry, as was Goodnight Vienna (1974), which provided further hit singles with 'Only You' and the title track.

His film career developed from cameo roles in Candy (1967) and The Magic Christian (1970) to a much-acclaimed starring role in That'll Be The Day (1973) and a less satisfactory directorial debut in the Bolan documentary Born To Boogie.

He also achieved brief fame as a furniture designer.