The Genius Of Ringo Starr

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.

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.

The biggest thing I learned from Ringo? Humility and Grace

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

He was not just an extraordinary drummer, but a wonderful guy with a mervelous sence of humor. He did express that personality in his drumming.

Ringo gave the song what it needed, not getting lost in the background and not overpowering. He is a very unique and talented drummer. And a very nice fellow, too.

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!

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

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

Ringo's drumming is as unique as his personality. And I'm certain the two things are related. He's never just putting a beat in the background, it's always something with Ringo's feel .

His drumming on "She Said She Said", "Strawberry Fields Forever" or "A Day In The Life" is also amazing!

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.

The force of invention was incredibly strong with the Beatles on every aspect: vocals, beats, instrumental. They never stopped being new.

When I first heard the drums on "Strawberry Fields Forever," it gave me the chills. That song was a game-changer for a lot of reasons, including Ringo's amazing drum performance.