Ringo Starr, the iconic musician and former Beatles drummer, has had a remarkable career that has spanned several decades. As an integral part of one of the most influential bands in history, Ringo’s contributions to music are truly legendary. But how old is Ringo Starr? Let’s delve into the age of this renowned musician.
Born on July 7, 1940, Ringo Starr is currently 81 years old as of 2021. Hailing from Liverpool, England, he was given the name Sir Richard Starkey at birth. Standing at a height of 5 feet 6 inches and weighing approximately 68 kg, Ringo possesses a charismatic presence that has captivated audiences worldwide.
With a rich heritage, Ringo comes from a mixed ethnicity, with English, Scottish, and Irish roots. As a Cancer by zodiac sign, he embodies traits of sensitivity, intuition, and creativity. Throughout his life, Ringo has embraced the Christian faith, finding solace and inspiration in his beliefs.
Ringo Starr’s journey to musical stardom was not without its share of challenges. At the age of 6, he endured a life-threatening bout of appendicitis, falling into a coma for three days. However, he made a remarkable recovery after a year-long struggle. Despite missing school during this period, Ringo attended St. Silas, a Church of England primary school, and later Dingle Vale Secondary Modern School.
Due to various health issues and extended hospital stays, Ringo fell behind his peers academically. Consequently, he became ineligible to take the 11-plus qualifying examination required for enrollment in a grammar school. Opting to forgo formal education, he entered the workforce directly after his recovery.
Ringo’s parents, Richard Starkey Sr. (1913–1981) and Elsie Gleave (1914–1987), were both confectioners. Following their divorce, his mother took on multiple jobs to support the family and make ends meet.
In addition to his musical prowess as the drummer for the Beatles, Ringo occasionally showcased his vocal abilities by singing lead on certain tracks. His distinctive voice can be heard on songs such as “Yellow Submarine” and “With a Little Help from My Friends.” Notably, Ringo also wrote and sang notable Beatles songs like “Don’t Pass Me By” and “Octopus’s Garden,” and he is credited as a co-writer on various others.
Before his breakthrough as a drummer, Ringo worked for British Rail and served as a machinist at an equipment manufacturer in Liverpool. In 1957, he co-founded the Eddie Clayton Skiffle Group, a band that achieved local success before the rise of American rock and roll. Ringo’s path intersected with the Beatles in 1960 when he was a member of another Liverpool group, Rory Storm and the Hurricanes. He officially joined the Beatles in August 1962, replacing their original drummer, Pete Best.
Following the Beatles’ disbandment in 1970, Ringo embarked on a successful solo career. He released several hit singles, including the US top-ten hit “It Don’t Come Easy” and number-one hits like “Photograph” and “You’re Sixteen.” Apart from his music, Ringo ventured into acting, appearing in numerous films and documentaries. He also hosted television shows, narrated children’s programs, and toured with his band, Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band, in various formations.
Recognized for his immense contribution to the world of music, Ringo Starr was inducted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame in 1998. In 2018, he was honored with the title of Knight Bachelor for his exceptional achievements and influence in the field of music.
With an estimated net worth of $290 million in 2022, Ringo’s wealth primarily stems from his successful career in the music industry. He leads a lavish lifestyle, earning a monthly salary of $3 million and an annual income exceeding $20 million. In fact, he was acknowledged as the wealthiest drummer in the world in 2020, boasting a net worth of $350 million.
Regarding his personal life, Ringo has been married twice. His first marriage was to Maureen Cox in 1965, but the couple divorced after a decade in 1975. Sadly, Maureen passed away on December 30, 1994. In 1981, Ringo found love once again and tied the knot with actress Barbara Bach in London. They have celebrated over four decades of marriage, commemorating their 42nd wedding anniversary in recent years. Ringo and Barbara share a mutual passion for fashion and have been spotted indulging in shopping sprees together.
Beyond his marital relationships, Ringo Starr is also a proud father. He and Maureen welcomed three children into the world: Zak, Jason, and Lee. The family has since expanded, with Ringo now having eight grandchildren: one from Zak, four from Jason, and three from Lee.
Ringo Starr’s children have brought immense joy to his life, and he cherishes his role as a loving father and grandfather. Their presence is a testament to the enduring legacy of a remarkable musician and the love he shares with his family.