Ringo Starr's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Ringo Starr. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

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.

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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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: BAFTA Nomination for A Hard Day's Night

In 1964, Ringo Starr and the other Beatles were collectively nominated for a BAFTA Award for Best Newcomer for their performances in the film A Hard Day's Night.

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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.

1965: Appointed MBE

In 1965, Ringo Starr and the other members of the Beatles were appointed Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the Birthday Honours.

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.

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: Academy Award for Let It Be

In 1971, The Beatles, including Ringo Starr, received an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score for the film Let It Be.

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.

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.

August 1984: Minor Planet Named in Honor

On August 31, 1984, the minor planet 4150 Starr, discovered by Brian A. Skiff, was named in Starr's honor.

January 1988: Beatles inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

In January 1988, Ringo Starr attended the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony in New York with Harrison and Ono to accept the Beatles' induction into the Hall of Fame.

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.

1988: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a Beatle

In 1988, Ringo Starr was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Beatles.

July 1989: First performance of Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band

On 23 July 1989, Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band gave their first performance in Dallas, Texas, marking a return to touring after embracing sobriety.

1989: Daytime Emmy Nomination

In 1989, Ringo Starr was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Performer in a Children's Series for his role as Mr. Conductor in the television series Shining Time Station.

1999: Induction into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame

In 1999, Ringo Starr was inducted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions to drumming.

November 2008: Diamond Award at World Music Awards

On November 9, 2008, Ringo Starr accepted a Diamond Award on behalf of the Beatles during the World Music Awards ceremony in Monaco.

February 2010: Hollywood Walk of Fame Star

On February 8, 2010, Ringo Starr was honored with the 2,401st star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, located at 1750 North Vine Street.

2011: Listed in Sunday Times Rich List

In 2011, Ringo Starr was listed at number 56 in the Sunday Times Rich List with an estimated personal wealth of £150 million.

2011: Rolling Stone Readers Vote Starr Fifth-Greatest Drummer

In 2011, Rolling Stone readers voted Ringo Starr the fifth-greatest drummer of all time.

2011: Named Fifth-Greatest Drummer by Rolling Stone Readers

In 2011, readers of Rolling Stone magazine voted Ringo Starr the fifth-greatest drummer of all time, acknowledging his impact on the music world.

2012: Wealthiest Drummer in the World

In 2012, Ringo Starr was estimated to be the wealthiest drummer in the world.

September 2014: GQ Men of the Year Award

In September 2014, Ringo Starr won at the GQ Men of the Year Awards for his humanitarian work with the David Lynch Foundation.

2015: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction (Solo)

In 2015, 27 years after his induction with the Beatles, Ringo Starr was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for his solo career, in the "Musical Excellence" category.

2015: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a Solo Artist

In 2015, Ringo Starr was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist, recognizing his individual contributions to music.

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.

2018: Appointment as Knight Bachelor

In 2018, Ringo Starr was appointed a Knight Bachelor in the New Year Honours for his services to music, a high honor acknowledging his contributions.

2022: Honorary Doctorate from Berklee College of Music

In 2022, Starr received an honorary Doctor of Music degree from the Berklee College of Music for his "immeasurable impact on music, film and television, and popular culture".