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Released in 1969, “Abbey Road” was the last Beatles album to be recorded (But not the last to be released). “Rolling Stone” magazine named it the 14th greatest album of all time.
“Octopus’s Garden” was Ringo’s solo vocal contribution the this set. He wrote the lyrics and George Harrison helped him flesh out the melody.
I hope that you have enjoyed listening and reading some of the fine contributions that Richard Starkey made to The Beatles this past month. So often his participation, in addition to his stellar beat keeping, are overlooked and we need to give him his due — don’t you agree?
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The Beatles – Boys (1963)
“Boys,” with Ringo singing lead, was on of the 14 songs recorded in one day for The Beatles first ever LP “Please Please Me.” It was the first of two LPs released in 1963.
“Boys,” composed by Luther Dixon & Wes Farrell, is a cover of the B-side of the fabulous Shirelles’ #1 smash hit “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow.”
Here are The Beatles performing “Boys” on Shindig in 1964.
And here is Ringo, forty-four years later (01/08), singing the song on “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.” How’s *that* for timelessness.
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Released November 22, 1968, The Beatles White Album contained this first song composed by Richard Starkey. Ringo had co-written a few songs before, but this was his baby and he sings it solo in his own charming yet quirky style. It’s obvious that Ringo loved Country-Western — isn’t it?
Rumor has it that Ringo was working on this song as early as 1963. Good job Ringo!
Check out Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band Tour 2003 performing “Don’t Pass Me By.” OMG there’s Shelia E on Drums, Colin Hay and more! Truly an All-star band Mr. Starr! Wonder if this was the seed that germinated into the idea for Shelia E to join up with CMT’s “Gone Country 3″?
“Don’t Pass Me By” Composed by Richard Starkey
I listen for your footsteps
coming up the drive.
Listen for your footsteps
but they don’t arrive.
Waiting for your knock, dear
on my old front door.
I don’t hear it,
does it mean you don’t love me anymore?
I hear the clock a’ticking,
on the mantel shelf.
See the hands a’moving,
but I’m by myself.
I wonder where you are tonight,
and why I’m by myself.
I don’t see you,
does it mean you don’t love me anymore?
Don’t pass me by, don’t make me cry, don’t make me blue.
‘Cause you know darling, I love only you.
You’ll never know it hurt me so,
I hate to see you go.
Don’t pass me by, don’t make me cry.
I’m sorry that I doubted you,
I was so unfair.
You were in a car crash,
and you lost your hair.
You said that you would be late
about an hour or two.
I said, “That’s alright, I’m waiting here,
just waiting to hear from you”.
Don’t pass me by, don’t make me cry, don’t make me blue.
‘Cause you know darling, I love only you.
You’ll never know it hurt me so,
I hate to see you go.
Don’t pass me by, don’t make me cry.
Don’t pass me by, don’t make me cry, don’t make me blue.
‘Cause you know darling, I love only you.
You’ll never know it hurt me so,
I hate to see you go.
Don’t pass me by, don’t make me cry.
[Audio clip: view full post to listen] Ringo takes lead on yet another Lennon-McCartney song in the opening of the epic “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” LP of 1967. This album went to #1 on the Pop Chart. And yet the single did not make the pop chart (#71) until 1978! Here is a [...]
[Audio clip: view full post to listen] This wonderful Lennon-McCartney penned song, with Ringo singing lead vocal, comes from 1965′s classic “Rubber Soul” LP. “What Goes on peaked at #81 on the Billbaord Pop Singles chart in 1966. Please enjoy and sing along if the mood hits you . “What Goes On” Composed by Lennon [...]
[Audio clip: view full post to listen] This Lennon/McCartney song was actually a joint effort with contributions from friends on lyrics (including Donovan) and singing the chorus. Intended to be a children’s song — it is a great adult sing-along as well . I have let it play on repeat while I compose this blog [...]
[Audio clip: view full post to listen] “Act Naturally,” with Ringo singing lead, appeared on The Beatles 5th LP that served as the soundtrack to their second movie “Help!” I remember vividly that the movie was a bit above my head content wise. I basically just sat there (in the balcony since the movie theater [...]
