RINGO STARR
Musician - Singer - Actor - Drummer of the Beatles
Born July 7, 1940 in Liverpool, ENGLAND
The oldest member of the band and the last to join the now "FAB FOUR."
Ringo was credited as being a vital part of the Beatles. John Lennon described Starr as being the "heart" of the Beatles. Claimed by many drummers, including Max Weinberg, as being an influence in the world of drumming, he composed and created important Drum parts for the Beatles arrangements and subsequent smash hits. The Beatles disbanded on April 10, 1970.
Ringo Starr still records, does TV commercials and tours with his All Starr band in U.S., England and other countries. He is very difficult to meet with. I tracked him down at four different appearances in St. Louis but failed. Finally, on August 21, 2001, my friends and police officers, Jim Welby and Dennis Cordia motioned for me to come quickly into the Green Room backstage of the Fox Theatre.
There was Ringo, pacing behind the curtains and getting ready to go on stage. Dennis introduced us and finally, I found myself in the presence of one of the original Beatles. After shaking hands, I held the cloth up, "Would you please sign my tablecloth, Ringo." He smiled and nodded. I handed him a pen but he shook his head and brought out his own felt autograph pen. I moved closer and helped him hold the cloth stretched tight as he began to sign it. RINGO 01. He looked at me, smiled, and handed the cloth back. "I'm a drummer too Ringo," I told him. "Yes, I know."
I quickly held The Tablecloth up in front of us as we posed for this one picture taken you see here. He smiled, nodded, turned and disappeared toward the dressing room to get dressed for the show. I stayed to see the show and was surprisingly impressed with the quality of the performance. At last, there is one of the original Beatles now included in The Tablecloth collection. Yes indeed, a true Legend.
As I still refer to my mom as one of the greatest "Groupies" in the world, I know she would have been quite pleased adding Ringo Starr. She loved drummers.