The Genius Of Ringo Starr

Drummer, singer, songwriter, bandleader, rock ‘n’ roll pioneer…Ringo is responsible for making drumming look cool and inspiring countless people to take up the instrument.

Whether he was playing with The Beatles, the All-Starr Band or others, his one-of-a-kind approach set him apart from other drummers and he always wrote parts that elevated the song.

BUT... Is Ringo Starr one of the greatest drummers of all time? Or is he only famous because he was a member of The Beatles? Even though he’s one of the most well-known drummers of the 20th century, fans of Ringo still think he’s underrated – especially because he’s had his fair share of haters.

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Chapters:

0:00 - Intro
0:54 - Ringo’s Style
5:16 - Drumming Outside The Box
11:11 - Signature Drum Grooves
14:25 - "Funny" Drum Fills
17:19 - Ringo’s Legacy
20:12 - Outro
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[MaceGill]

Aside from his drumming, he's the most professional musician out of the Beatles. His ego is checked at the door and he serves the music. If you watch the band at their worst (the Let It Be film or the Get Back film) you see a man turning up to work on time or early every day. He stays out of the fights and the drama as much as he is able, is self-effacing, and ready to go regardless of how long he has to sit about waiting to be called on. And every time, he plays what serves the song.

[leokimvideo]

The greatest drummers don't swamp the sound with drums, they work with the other dynamics of the band. The Beatles was such a vocals driven group, Ringo always allowed the voices to lead the sound. Ringo had excellent swing. Few people can play Ticket To Ride as Ringo can play. Even the example here has drifted. Possibly what made the Beatles so epic was having an oddball drummer who luckily was very musical.

[GordonBagshaw-GBEnglishClass]

I absolutely loved that Get Back Series, especially as a drummer. I felt like, "Oh, I'm getting to watch Ringo in a creative session. He's taking me to school!." What really struck me about his presents in the rehearsals was he spent most of the time listening, not getting in the way of the creative process. After he would then lay down a basic time pattern first, before shaping it into something else. Genius. So glad Peter Jackson captured that. This video was also a great piece on Ringo.

[boomerguy]

As a garage band drummer in the 60's, I underrated Ringo simply because he wasn't flashy. Now, over 55 years later and still playing drums professionally - although primarily jazz - I am constantly amazed at how great Ringo was and still is. He did the right thing at the right time, in perfect time, without overdoing it and always being creative. No other drummer could have given The Beatles their "Beatles sound". Ringo rules. The fact that he is a gentleman with a sense of humor and positive attitude only makes him that much better.
Ringo fills a niche that no other drummer could. I am so glad that he is a left handed person who learned to play "incorrectly" with a right hand kit. His sound has always been truly unique. The "bricklaying metronome" with that odd break in fills.... Wonderful!

[randythomas]

His drumming on strawberry fields is nothing short of perfection for the song. Im blown away by his feel every time i listen to it

[GratefulUte]

The biggest thing I learned from Ringo? Humility and Grace

[tarnopol]

The more I learned about music, the more my taste broadened and matured, the more I drummed myself, the more I appreciated Ringo. He’s a true artist, a true musician. It’s that simple.

[duncanmacphee]

I can imagine most bands surviving with a different drummer, but I can't imagine The Beatles without Ringo. That's how great he is.

[dean-phww]

I'm happy to see Ringo getting the respect he deserves. I used to stand up for him back in the day and some people were so disrespectful. What made me respect him was trying to emulate him and realizing his style was truly unique. He plays to enhance the song and doesn't waste energy showing off.

[sassulusmagnus]

His playing always adds distinctive and memorable colour without getting in the way of the song. No easy feat.

[doctornova]

It is rare that a drum fill can bring tears to your eyes., But I have to say the drum fills in A Day In The Life are just as important as John's voice to the mood of the song.

[collisw]

Ringo is the crowned king of "less is more". An absolute master.

[msalzberg]

I think Ringo was the first real 'compositional' rock drummer. He wasn't just keeping the beat. His drum parts were integral to the song; it's really amazing how many Beatles songs can be recognized by the drums alone.

[cobb_thedrummer]

What I learned from Ringo. He got the job! Ringo showed up on time, was professional, did exactly what was needed for the job and he was hired to be in The Beatles. His name also stands out and names are important.

[elizzievb]

I am not a drummer, just a Ringo-idolizer for the last 60 years. I LOVED this heartfelt video filled with respect. Thank you. 🙏🏻❤

[lonkirschner]

Very few people (non drummers) talk about drum parts when they hear a song. The exception would be Ringo. So many people can sing his grooves. I had the honor of seeing him live this summer with his All Star Band. From the moment he took the stage I couldn’t stop smiling. He is pure joy to watch and hear. He is the perfect blend of rhythm, invention and effortless playing. He is a drumming treasure.

[thesilvershining]

Ringo’s drumming on “She Came in Through the Bathroom Window” is some of the most creative drumming I’ve ever heard by anyone. A drum part that 100% supports the song and enhances it so perfectly into the stratosphere. Every time I hear Ringo play I’m just so thankful the Beatles had him.

[richardhayes]

Yep, Ringo changed my life. At 5 years old watching the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan show, I knew what I wanted to do and be ... A drummer.
At 66 years old, I still play the drums.
Thank you Ringo.

[halfgermanantony]

Ringo played exactly what was needed in each song and is genuinely a nice, like-able, down to earth guy! Amazing career.

[alecj]

Ringo Starr is the kind of living musical Legend that we will never see again. He changed music. We are lucky to still have him & should appreciate it every day.