Inspired by T Bone Burnett, Ringo Starr’s album Look Up mixes country and rock, showing his lifelong love for different kinds of music.
What got Ringo Starr to make a new country album?
The iconic drummer from the Beatles shared that a random meeting with producer T Bone Burnett sparked the idea for his latest album, Look Up.
Starr and Burnett, who met back in the 1970s, bumped into each other again at a party where Burnett played a song that Starr called the “most beautiful country track” he’d heard in ages. This initiated the process for the album.
So, how did you guys team up for this?
Starr was thinking about putting together a country EP after checking out Burnett’s song. So, when Burnett swung by Los Angeles and said he had nine tracks ready to go, Starr thought it’d be a good idea to turn it into a full-length album. Starr joked that there wasn’t any big scheme behind it; they just happened to run into each other.
What’s special about Look Up?
Starr’s back with his first full-length album in six years, and it’s got nine out of eleven tracks that he wrote or co-wrote.
The album shows off Starr’s long-time passion for country music, a style he’s been into since his Beatles days with tracks like “Act Naturally” and “Don’t Pass Me By.”
Burnett gave a shoutout to Starr’s music vibe, saying he’s a “heartbreaking ballad singer” and a groundbreaking drummer.
What’s Ringo been up to to celebrate this new musical vibe?
Starr just wrapped up two awesome sold-out shows at Nashville’s iconic Ryman Auditorium, adding his country flair to the mix.
There were some cool guest appearances at the event, including Jack White and Sheryl Crow. Money from his performance of “With a Little Help From My Friends” will go to the American Red Cross and people impacted by the California wildfires.
What’s Ringo Starr up to next?
Years into his career, Starr continues to make significant waves in the music scene. He’s put out 20 solo albums, snagged nine Grammy Awards, and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice.
Starr is still going strong at 84, and Look Up truly showcases his versatility and love for music.
Quick Facts About Ringo Starr’s Country Album
- Look Up is Ringo Starr’s first full-length album in six years.
- T Bone Burnett was the one who inspired the album.
- Burnett was behind the writing or co-writing of nine out of the eleven tracks.
- Starr’s love for country music goes way back to his Beatles days.