Ringo Starr on Surprise Performance with Paul McCartney & He Clears Up Rumors About Himself

TL;DR

Ringo Starr shares insights on his life, music influences, and new country album.

Transcript

first guest tonight is a night and as far as credits go that's probably all you need right I mean his new country album which is produced by T-Bone Bernett is called look up you can get it now please welcome Ringo Star [Applause] thank you for coming back it's great to have you here how are you I'm doing really good thank you very are you an Americ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥰 Ringo Starr’s love for country music has been a lifelong passion that culminates in his latest album, "Look Up."
• 🦖 The decision to produce a country album was an unexpected yet welcome direction stemming from a casual conversation with T-Bone Burnett.
• 🏈 Interaction with musical icons from the U.S. greatly influenced Ringo's artistic journey and personal outlook on American culture.
• 🌎 Ringo's first experience in America as a Beatle in 1964 was thrilling, encapsulating the excitement and anticipation of their arrival in a highly influential music landscape.
• 🧑‍🎨 The humorous anecdotes Ringo shared about his interactions with fans and other artists highlight his down-to-earth personality despite his iconic status.
• 👂 Ringo has managed to maintain a distinctive identity in music, blending his British roots with American influences, producing a unique sound.
• 🤑 Reflecting on his early years, Ringo's memories reveal the rich cultural and musical environment of post-war Liverpool that shaped his life.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why did Ringo Starr decide to create a country album now?

Ringo mentions that the album "Look Up" came about quite organically rather than through a premeditated plan. After a serendipitous encounter with T-Bone Burnett during a poetry reading, he was inspired to explore country music, a genre he has loved for many years, leading to the production of this new album.

Q: What nostalgic memories did Ringo have about his first visit to the U.S. in 1964?

Ringo vividly recalls landing in New York and feeling the thrill of finally being in the country that produced the music he adored. He humorously described the sensation of their plane being caressed by an 'octopus' as they landed, indicating the overwhelming excitement he felt for American music culture.

Q: How did Ringo's interactions with Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan influence his music career?

Ringo expressed that meeting iconic artists like Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan was significant. While he didn't get to spend time with Johnny Cash after a show, he fondly remembers how Cash was a fan. His memorable first experience smoking weed with Bob Dylan led to a light-hearted recollection of room service arriving at their hotel, illustrating the camaraderie shared amongst musicians.

Q: What other influences does Ringo attribute to the development of his music?

Throughout his life, Ringo has been influenced by various genres, including country, blues, and pop. Growing up in Liverpool, he listened to early American country artists like Hank Williams and Willie Nelson. He expresses a strong connection to these sounds and themes that have shaped his artistic identity.

Q: Does Ringo Starr consider himself an American citizen, and how does he feel about that?

Ringo responded humorously to the inquiry about his citizenship, affirming he is not an American citizen. His demeanor suggests he feels comfortable in America, despite any citizenship concerns, reflecting confidence and the affectionate relationship he has cultivated with the U.S. over the years.

Q: Can you explain the significance of T-Bone Burnett in Ringo's new album?

T-Bone Burnett plays a vital role as the producer of Ringo's new album, "Look Up." Their collaboration came about casually, but it allowed Ringo to pivot into country music by pulling together tracks he felt passionate about, demonstrating how their longstanding relationship evolved into a productive partnership during the pandemic.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Ringo Starr reflects on his long career, mentioning his love for country music, blues, and pop. He emphasizes that his new album "Look Up" was born from a spontaneous collaboration and is produced by T-Bone Burnett.

• He discusses his experiences in the U.S., reminiscing about his first visit in 1964 and recalling touches of Americana, including interactions with notable artists like Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan.

• Throughout the interview, Ringo shares humorous anecdotes from his life and career, including his unique relationship with fame and misconceptions about his choices, like never having eaten pizza.