In a notable genre shift, former Beatles drummer Ringo Starr has announced his transition into country music with his upcoming album titled "Look Up."
Shifting from his rock origins, Starr embraces a genre he's long admired, spurred by his collaboration with renowned producer T Bone Burnett, Fox News reported.
Ringo Starr, a name synonymous with The Beatles and rock music, has taken a striking new direction in his illustrious musical career. Having always held an affinity for country music, Starr has finally decided to delve fully into the genre with his latest project. He made this revelation during a press conference that introduced his new album.
The transition to the country was not a sudden decision for Starr. Reconnecting with T Bone Burnett, a producer known for his work with influential artists like Bob Dylan and Alison Krauss, inspired him. Their friendship, which began in the 1970s, reignited recently at a social gathering and led to this groundbreaking collaboration.
It all began when Burnett sent Starr a country track that deeply moved him. Originally planning an EP, Starr's enthusiasm for the music led to the creation of a full-length album instead. This new album, titled "Look Up," comprises mostly songs written or co-written by Burnett.
After six years without an album release, "Look Up" marks a significant addition to Starr's discography. With nine out of its eleven tracks involving Burnett, the cohesive project highlights an innovative blend of Starr's vocal talents and Burnett's craftsmanship.
Ringo Starr isn’t entirely new to the country scene; his contributions during The Beatles era included several songs with a noticeable country influence. His recent live performances in Nashville's Ryman Auditorium saw him sharing the stage with famous artists like Jack White and Sheryl Crow, cementing his place in the country music community.
Furthermore, Starr demonstrated his commitment to philanthropy during his Nashville shows, where he donated part of the proceeds from his hit "With a Little Help From My Friends" to the American Red Cross to aid California fire relief efforts.
Ringo Starr's extensive career post-Beatles includes 20 solo albums and four EPs up to 2023. His significant impact on music has earned him numerous accolades, including nine Grammy Awards and dual inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
During the press release about the new album, Burnett expressed his long-standing admiration for Ringo Starr, crediting him with influencing his musical journey profoundly. "Among other things, this album is a way I can say thank you for all he has given me and us," Burnett stated.
I have loved Ringo Starr and his playing... his singing and his aesthetic for as long as I can remember. He changed the way every drummer after him played, with his inventive approach to the instrument. He has always sung killer rockabilly, as well as being a heartbreaking ballad singer. To get to make this music with him was something like the realization of a 60-year dream I’ve been living. None of the work that I have done throughout a long life in music would have happened if not for him and his band.
Ringo Starr himself shared his excitement about the project. Describing the project's inception, he noted, "There was no real plan. It was just bumping into each other, and it ended up here." He praised the initial track sent by Burnett as "the most beautiful country track I've heard in many years," which ultimately set the stage for their collaboration.
Starr's venture into the realm of country music not only signifies a new chapter in his career but also pays homage to a genre he has cherished throughout. His collaboration with Burnett, sparked by a chance reconnection and a shared musical vision, showcases his willingness to explore and honor his varied musical influences. With sold-out performances and a commitment to giving back, Starr continues to make a profound impact in the music world.
