Ringo Starr, the legendary drummer of The Beatles, has been a subject of speculation regarding his Jewish heritage throughout his career. Although Ringo himself is not Jewish, there have been rumors and misconceptions about his religious background. It is worth clarifying that his biological father, Richard Starkey, was not present in his life for long, and Ringo grew up with a Jewish stepfather, Harry Graves.
Ringo, born Richard Starkey, was born in Liverpool on July 7, 1940. His mother, Elise Gleave, later remarried Harry Graves when Ringo was 14 years old. Growing up in the Dingle neighborhood of Liverpool, Ringo’s childhood was marked by illness, including appendicitis, peritonitis, and tuberculosis. Despite these challenges, his love for music, especially drums, blossomed during his time playing in a hospital band.
Harry Graves, Ringo’s stepfather, was a big fan of big-band music and vocalists like Dinah Shore. Recognizing Ringo’s passion for music, Graves gifted him his first drum kit for Christmas in 1957. This early exposure to the music of that era influenced Ringo’s solo work, as seen in his debut album, “Sentimental Journey,” where he covered pre-rock pop standards.
During his time with The Beatles, Ringo was surrounded by individuals of Jewish heritage who played significant roles in their career. From their manager Brian Epstein to their lawyer David Jacobs, many key figures in their corporate team were Jewish. Influential British music journalist Penny Valentine, with Jewish and Italian ancestry, was a notable supporter of the band. Ringo even arranged for Frank Sinatra to record a version of “The Lady Is a Tramp” called “The Lady Is a Champ” for his wife, Maureen Cox, with customized lyrics by Sammy Cahn, a Jewish-American songwriter.
Ringo’s solo success continued after The Beatles disbanded, with hits like “It Don’t Come Easy” and “Photograph.” His rendition of “You’re Sixteen,” written by the Jewish-American Sherman Brothers, topped the charts in 1974. He worked with producer Richard Perry, who collaborated with many notable artists, and Canadian-Jewish guitarist Robbie Robertson on his albums.
In terms of personal relationships, Ringo found long-lasting happiness with his second wife, Barbara Bach, who is of Jewish descent. They have been married for almost 40 years, demonstrating a strong bond.
Ringo Starr’s journey in the music industry has been marked by collaborations with artists of various backgrounds, including Bob Dylan, with whom he performed on multiple occasions. He also formed his All-Starr Band, featuring talented musicians who were given their own moments in the spotlight.
Throughout his career, Ringo Starr has defied stereotypes and misconceptions, bringing joy to millions of fans worldwide. His contributions to music, both as a member of The Beatles and as a solo artist, have solidified his place in rock and roll history. As Ringo celebrates his birthday, his enduring legacy continues to inspire and delight audiences around the globe.