Early Life and Education of Ringo Starr: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Ringo Starr. A timeline of key moments.

Ringo Starr, born Richard Starkey, is a celebrated English musician, songwriter, and actor, best known as the drummer for the Beatles. Achieving worldwide fame with the band, he provided distinctive drumming and occasional lead vocals. Notable lead vocals include songs like "Yellow Submarine" and "With a Little Help from My Friends". Starr also contributed to the Beatles' songwriting, composing "Don't Pass Me By" and "Octopus's Garden", and co-writing several other tracks.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

October 1913: Richard Starkey (father) Birth

Richard Starkey, Ringo Starr's father, was born in October 1913.

October 1914: Elsie Gleave's Birth

Elsie Gleave, Ringo Starr's mother, was born in October 1914.

July 1940: Richard Starkey's Birth

On July 7, 1940, Richard Starkey was born at 9 Madryn Street in Dingle, Liverpool, to parents Richard Starkey and Elsie Gleave. They nicknamed him "Ritchie".

1944: Family move to Admiral Grove

In 1944, Richard Starkey's family moved to Admiral Grove in the Dingle area to reduce housing costs. Shortly afterwards, his parents separated and divorced.

May 1948: Discharge from Myrtle Street children's hospital

In May 1948, Ringo Starr was discharged from Liverpool's Myrtle Street children's hospital after a year-long recovery from peritonitis.

1953: Admission to sanatorium with tuberculosis

In 1953, Ringo Starr contracted tuberculosis and was admitted to a sanatorium for two years. It was during this time that he was first exposed to percussion instruments.

April 1954: Elsie remarries Harry Graves

On April 17, 1954, Ringo Starr's mother, Elsie, married Harry Graves in Liverpool. Graves introduced Starkey to big band music.

1955: Return Home From Sanatorium

In late 1955, Richard Starkey returned home from the sanatorium and entered the workforce.

1956: Apprentice Machinist at Henry Hunt and Son

In mid-1956, Harry Graves helped Ringo Starr secure a position as an apprentice machinist at Henry Hunt and Son. There, he befriended Roy Trafford and was introduced to skiffle music.

1957: Co-founding of the Eddie Clayton Skiffle Group

In 1957, Ringo Starr co-founded his first band, the Eddie Clayton Skiffle Group. The band secured local bookings before the skiffle trend declined due to the rise of American rock and roll.

1957: Receiving drum kit as Christmas gift

On Christmas Day 1957, Harry Graves gave Ringo Starr a second-hand drum kit, marking a significant step in his musical development.

1958: Skiffle craze fading

Around early 1958, the skiffle craze, which Ringo Starr had embraced, started to give way to the increasing popularity of American rock and roll.

November 1959: Joining Al Caldwell's Texans

In November 1959, Richard Starkey joined Al Caldwell's Texans, later known as Rory Storm and the Hurricanes, and adopted the stage name Ringo Starr.

October 1960: Joining the Beatles in Hamburg

In October 1960, Rory Storm and the Hurricanes, including Ringo Starr, joined the Beatles at the Kaiserkeller in Hamburg, where Starr first met the band. On October 15, 1960, Starr drummed with John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison, recording with them for the first time backing Lu Walters on "Summertime".

August 1962: Joining The Beatles

In August 1962, Ringo Starr accepted John Lennon's invitation to join The Beatles. On August 16, Pete Best was fired and on August 18, Ringo Starr first performed as a member of The Beatles.

November 1962: Accepted by Beatles fans

By November 1962, Ringo Starr had gained acceptance from Beatles fans and started receiving as much fan mail as the other band members, securing his place in the band. He felt fortunate to be on the same wavelength as the others and was given a small percentage of Lennon and McCartney's publishing company, Northern Songs. His primary income came from a share of Beatles Ltd. Ringo commented that he was living in nightclubs for three years and partied non-stop.

1962: Meeting Maureen Cox

In 1962, Ringo Starr met Maureen Cox.

1963: Increasing popularity in Britain

In 1963, The Beatles' popularity rose in Britain. Their second single, "Please Please Me by The Beatles", entered the UK charts and their TV appearance on Thank Your Lucky Stars was successful, boosting sales and radio play. Beatlemania spread across the country.

February 1964: International success on The Ed Sullivan Show

In February 1964, The Beatles achieved international success after performing in New York City on The Ed Sullivan Show, reaching 73 million viewers. Starr noted that he went over well with the American audience. Several songs were inspired by him, including "I Want to Kiss Ringo Goodbye" by Penny Valentine and "Ringo for President" by Rolf Harris. Cher released her first single, "Ringo, I Love You" as Bonnie Joe Mason.

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November 1964: Starr's comment on musical influences in Melody Maker

In November 1964, Ringo Starr told Melody Maker: "Our music is second-hand versions of negro music ... Ninety per cent of the music I like is coloured."

1964: "I love Ringo" merchandise and Ludwig drum publicity

In 1964, "I love Ringo" lapel pins became the bestselling Beatles merchandise. The Ludwig logo on his drum kit gave the company publicity, making it the dominant drum manufacturer in North America for twenty years. The Beatles continued their "Starr Time" routine during live performances. In the Beatles' film debut, A Hard Day's Night, Starr received praise for his delivery of deadpan one-liners and his non-speaking scenes. The sequences without dialogue were arranged by director Richard Lester because Starr lacked sleep after drinking all night.

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1964: Libel suit and temporary replacement due to illness

In 1964, during a Playboy interview, Lennon stated that Starr filled in when Best was ill, to which Starr replied that Best took pills to make himself ill. Best then filed a libel suit against Starr, which lasted four years and resulted in an undisclosed settlement. In June, Starr contracted a fever, pharyngitis, and tonsillitis before a world tour, and was temporarily replaced by Jimmie Nicol for five concerts. Starr rejoined the band in Melbourne on June 15. In August, the Beatles met Bob Dylan, who offered them cannabis cigarettes, which Starr tried first.

February 1965: Marriage to Maureen Cox

On February 11, 1965, Ringo Starr married Maureen Cox at Caxton Hall, with his stepfather Harry Graves and fellow Beatles George Harrison and John Lennon as witnesses, and Beatles manager Brian Epstein as best man.

February 1965: Marriage to Maureen Cox and stress of Beatlemania

On February 11, 1965, Ringo Starr married Maureen Cox. He received a death threat before a show in Montreal and positioned his cymbals defensively. He felt increasingly isolated from the band's musical activities, which were moving beyond traditional rock. He spent recording sessions playing cards with road managers while the others perfected tracks. A fan asked the Beatles to let Starr sing more, and he replied that he was happy with one track per album.

September 1965: Birth of Zak Starkey

On September 13, 1965, Ringo Starr and Maureen Cox had their first child, Zak Starkey.

1965: Melody Maker poll win for Help! performance

Following the release of the Beatles' second feature film, Help! in 1965, Starr won a Melody Maker poll against his fellow Beatles for his performance as the central character in the film.

August 1966: Release of "Yellow Submarine" and final Beatles concert

In August 1966, the Beatles released Revolver, which included "Yellow Submarine by The Beatles", their only British number-one single with Starr as the lead singer. Later that month, they gave their final concert at Candlestick Park in San Francisco due to touring pressures. Starr moved to a larger estate called Sunny Heights in Weybridge, Surrey, and equipped it with luxuries but without a drum kit.

August 1967: Epstein's death and Magical Mystery Tour

In August 1967, Brian Epstein's death left the Beatles without management. Soon after, the band began the film project Magical Mystery Tour. Starr's interest in photography led to him being billed as the Director of Photography for the movie.

August 1967: Birth of Jason Starkey

On August 19, 1967, Ringo Starr and Maureen Cox had their second child, Jason Starkey.

1967: Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and alienation

For the Beatles' 1967 album, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Starr sang lead vocals on "With a Little Help from My Friends by The Beatles". Despite the album's success, Starr felt increasingly alienated, feeling like a session musician. His inability to compose new material led to him adding minor percussion effects to songs. He worked on his guitar playing during his downtime.

February 1968: First Beatle to sing on another artist's show

In February 1968, Ringo Starr became the first Beatle to sing on another artist's show. He sang the Buck Owens hit "Act Naturally", and performed a duet with Cilla Black, "Do You Like Me Just a Little Bit?" on her BBC One television programme, Cilla.

November 1968: Release of "The Beatles" (White Album) and India trip

In November 1968, Apple Records released The Beatles, known as the "White Album". The album was partly inspired by the band's interactions with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Starr completed his first recorded Beatles song, "Don't Pass Me By by The Beatles", in Rishikesh, India, but left after 10 days. His childhood health problems impacted his time in India, causing allergies and sensitivities to local food, so he took his own food with him.

August 1969: Final Beatles gathering at Abbey Road Studios

On August 20, 1969, the Beatles gathered for the final time at Abbey Road Studios for a mixing session for "I Want You by The Beatles".

April 1970: McCartney's announcement of leaving The Beatles

On April 10, 1970, McCartney announced he was leaving The Beatles, making the band's break-up public knowledge.

April 1970: Falling out with McCartney and release of "Sentimental Journey"

Shortly before McCartney announced his exit from the Beatles in April 1970, he and Starr had a falling out. This was due to McCartney's refusal to cede the release date of his solo album to allow for Starr's debut, Sentimental Journey, and the Beatles' Let It Be. Starr's album peaked at number seven in the UK and number 22 in the US. Starr then released Beaucoups of Blues, which received favorable reviews but was a commercial failure. Starr combined his musical activities with acting.

November 1970: Birth of Lee Starkey

On November 11, 1970, Ringo Starr and Maureen Cox had their third child, Lee Starkey.

1970: Session work with Lennon and Harrison

In 1970, Ringo Starr played drums on Lennon's John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band and Ono's Yoko Ono/Plastic Ono Band, and on Harrison's All Things Must Pass.

1971: Concert for Bangladesh and "It Don't Come Easy"

In 1971, Ringo Starr participated in the Concert for Bangladesh, organised by Harrison, and with him co-wrote the hit single "It Don't Come Easy by Ringo Starr and George Harrison", which reached number four in both the US and the UK.

1971: Purchased Tittenhurst Park

In 1971, Ringo Starr purchased John Lennon's home Tittenhurst Park at Sunninghill in Berkshire and moved his family there.

1972: Release of "Back Off Boogaloo" and directorial debut

In 1972, Ringo Starr released his most successful UK hit, "Back Off Boogaloo by Ringo Starr", which peaked at number two. He also made his directorial debut with the T. Rex documentary Born to Boogie.

1973: "Photograph" number one hit in the US

In 1973, Ringo Starr had a number one hit in the US with "Photograph by Ringo Starr and George Harrison", co-written with Harrison.

1973: Session work on Harrison's album

In 1973, Ringo Starr played drums on Harrison's Living in the Material World album.

February 1974: UK release of "You're Sixteen"

In February 1974, Ringo Starr's third million-selling single in the US, "You're Sixteen by Ringo Starr", was released in the UK, peaking at number four. Both "You're Sixteen by Ringo Starr" and "Photograph by Ringo Starr and George Harrison" appeared on Starr's debut rock album, Ringo.

1974: Session work on Harrison's album

In 1974, Ringo Starr played drums on Harrison's Dark Horse album.

1975: Divorce from Maureen Cox

In 1975, Ringo Starr and Maureen Cox divorced following Starr's repeated infidelities, alcoholism, and volatile behavior.

April 1979: Starr's serious illness and surgery in April 1979

In April 1979, Ringo Starr became seriously ill with intestinal problems and was hospitalized in Monte Carlo. He underwent surgery on April 28, during which several feet of intestine were removed. Three weeks later, he played with McCartney and Harrison at Eric Clapton's wedding.

May 1980: Starr and Bach survive a car crash in May 1980

On 19 May 1980, Ringo Starr and Barbara Bach survived a car crash in Surrey, England.

December 1980: Lennon's murder and Starr's reaction

Following John Lennon's murder in December 1980, Ringo Starr and his girlfriend Barbara Bach flew to New York City to be with Lennon's widow Yoko Ono.

1980: Met Barbara Bach

In 1980, Ringo Starr met actress Barbara Bach on the set of the film Caveman.

April 1981: Marriage to Barbara Bach

On April 27, 1981, Ringo Starr married actress Barbara Bach at Marylebone Town Hall.

December 1981: Death of Richard Starkey (father)

Richard Starkey, Ringo Starr's father, died in December 1981.

1985: Became a Grandfather

In 1985, Ringo Starr became the first of the Beatles to become a grandfather upon the birth of Zak's daughter Tatia Jayne Starkey.

January 1987: Death of Elsie Gleave

Elsie Gleave, Ringo Starr's mother, passed away in January 1987.

November 1988: Starr and Bach attend detox clinic

During November 1988, Ringo Starr and Barbara Bach attended a detox clinic in Tucson, Arizona, to receive treatment for alcoholism.

December 1994: Death of Maureen Cox

In December 1994, Maureen Cox, Ringo Starr's ex-wife, died from leukaemia at the age of 48.

2003: Honorary Santa Tracker with NORAD

In 2003, Ringo Starr served as an honorary Santa Tracker and voice-over personality during the London stop in Father Christmas's annual Christmas Eve journey, as depicted in the NORAD tracks Santa program.

2004: Continued role as Santa Tracker

In 2004, Ringo Starr continued his role as an honorary Santa Tracker and voice-over personality with the NORAD tracks Santa program.

July 2010: 70th Birthday Concert at Radio City Music Hall

In July 2010, Ringo Starr celebrated his 70th birthday at Radio City Music Hall with an All-Starr Band concert. Friends and family, including Yoko Ono, his son Zak, and Paul McCartney, joined him on stage for the celebration.

2014: Surrey Estate Put Up For Sale

In 2014, Ringo Starr announced that his 200-acre Surrey estate at Rydinghurst at Cranleigh was for sale.

December 2015: Auction of Personal Items

In December 2015, Ringo Starr and Barbara Bach auctioned personal and professional items via Julien's Auctions in Los Angeles, including Starr's first Ludwig Black Oyster Pearl drum kit and a first-pressing copy of the Beatles' White Album numbered "0000001". The auction raised over $9 million, with a portion going to the Lotus Foundation.

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2016: Became a Great-Grandfather

In 2016, Ringo Starr was the first Beatle to become a great-grandfather.

2016: Support for Brexit

In 2016, Starr voiced his support for the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union, expressing disillusionment with the EU's direction.

July 2017: Release of 'Give More Love' Single

On July 7, 2017, Ringo Starr's 77th birthday, he released "Give More Love" as a single.

2017: Impatient for Brexit

In 2017, Ringo Starr expressed his impatience for Britain to "get on with" Brexit, declaring that "to be in control of your country is a good move".

March 2018: Knighthood Investiture

On March 20, 2018, Ringo Starr was knighted by Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, at Buckingham Palace, receiving the title Knight Bachelor for his services to music.

July 2020: 80th Birthday Live-Streamed Concert

In July 2020, Ringo Starr organised a live-streamed concert in celebration of his 80th birthday, featuring appearances by many of his friends and collaborators, including Paul McCartney, Joe Walsh, Ben Harper, Dave Grohl, Sheryl Crow, Sheila E., and Willie Nelson. This replaced his annual public birthday celebration due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

October 2021: Named in Pandora Papers

In October 2021, Starr was named in the Pandora Papers, which alleged secret financial dealings among politicians and celebrities using tax havens to avoid taxes.