Ringo Starr, the legendary drummer of The Beatles, has lived a life that most musicians can only dream of. From humble beginnings in Liverpool, England, to becoming one of the most iconic drummers in music history, Ringo has left an indelible mark on the industry. With a net worth of $350 million as of 2025, he remains the richest drummer in the world.
But Ringo is more than just a musician—he’s an actor, a philanthropist, a peace advocate, and a man whose career has spanned over six decades. Let’s take a deep dive into his incredible journey, his personal life, and how he continues to influence the world of music today.
Early Life: From Illness to Inspiration Born Richard Starkey on July 7, 1940, in Liverpool, England, Ringo had a tough childhood. His parents, Richard and Elsie Gleave, separated when he was just a young boy, leaving his mother to raise him alone. Unfortunately, Ringo’s early years were fraught with health issues. At the age of six, he had appendicitis, which led to a serious case of peritonitis, putting him in a coma for several days. His recovery took nearly a year, causing him to miss significant time in school.
Just a few years later, he was diagnosed with tuberculosis and had to spend two years in a sanatorium. While there, he was introduced to drumming as a form of therapy, an experience that sparked his lifelong love for percussion.
His stepfather, Harry Graves, played a significant role in introducing him to music, exposing him to jazz, big band recordings, and artists like Billy Daniels and Dinah Shore. By the mid-1950s, Ringo had left school and started working, but music had already taken over his life.
The Road to The Beatles In 1957, Ringo received his first drum kit as a Christmas gift. He quickly developed a passion for drumming and joined Rory Storm and the Hurricanes, one of Liverpool’s most popular bands at the time. It was during this period that he adopted the stage name Ringo Starr, inspired by the rings he wore and his desire for a more memorable name.
By 1960, The Beatles—then featuring John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison—were on the rise, and they frequently crossed paths with Ringo while playing in Hamburg, Germany. When the band decided to replace their original drummer, Pete Best, in 1962, they turned to Ringo. He officially joined The Beatles in August 1962, completing the lineup that would soon change music forever.
The Beatles Era: Global Stardom As part of The Beatles, Ringo Starr became one of the most famous musicians in the world. While Lennon and McCartney dominated the songwriting credits, Ringo made significant contributions, including singing lead on hits like “Yellow Submarine” and “With a Little Help from My Friends”. He also wrote songs for the band, including “Octopus’s Garden” and “Don’t Pass Me By.”
Ringo’s drumming style was unique and influential, characterized by his left-handed playing on a right-handed drum kit. In 2011, Rolling Stone ranked him the 5th Greatest Drummer of All Time, a testament to his impact on music.
Life After The Beatles: A Successful Solo Career After The Beatles disbanded in 1970, Ringo wasted no time launching a successful solo career. His early albums, including “Ringo” (1973) and “Goodnight Vienna” (1974), produced hits like:
- “It Don’t Come Easy”
- “Photograph”
- “You’re Sixteen”
- “Back Off Boogaloo”
His solo success solidified him as more than just “the drummer of The Beatles”—he was a star in his own right. Over the years, he has released multiple albums and continues to tour with Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band, keeping the spirit of classic rock alive.
Acting Career and Other Ventures Beyond music, Ringo also made a name for himself in film and television. He starred in movies like:
- “Caveman” (1981)
- “Candy” (1968)
- “The Magic Christian” (1969)
He also famously narrated “Thomas & Friends” and appeared in “Shining Time Station”, earning him recognition from a younger generation.
Ringo Starr’s Net Worth and Earnings As of 2025, Ringo Starr’s Net Worth stands at $350 million. His fortune comes from various sources:
- The Beatles Catalog Royalties – Even decades after their breakup, The Beatles’ music continues to generate millions.
- Solo Career and Touring – Ringo’s live performances and album sales still bring in millions annually.
- Merchandising and Licensing – The Beatles’ brand remains one of the most lucrative in music history.
- Real Estate Investments – Ringo owns multiple luxury homes in Los Angeles, Monte Carlo, and the UK.
Personal Life: Family and Philanthropy Ringo Starr married Maureen Cox in 1965, and they had three children: Zak, Jason, and Lee Starkey. The couple divorced in 1975, and in 1981, he married actress Barbara Bach, whom he remains with today.
Starr is also a grandfather to eight grandchildren and became the first Beatle to be a great-grandfather in 2016.
Peace and Love Movement Ringo has long been an advocate for peace and love. Every year on his birthday, July 7, he encourages fans around the world to pause at noon and spread messages of peace.
He is also deeply involved in charity work, having raised millions for The Lotus Foundation, an organization that supports various causes, including cancer research, domestic abuse prevention, and homelessness.
Legacy and Honors In 2018, Ringo Starr was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, officially becoming Sir Richard Starkey. This honor recognized his contributions to music and culture.
He has also received numerous accolades, including:
- Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (as a solo artist and with The Beatles)
- A Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
- An honorary Doctor of Music degree from Berklee College of Music
Disclaimer: The figures mentioned in this article are based on publicly available data and estimates. Actual figures may vary depending on various factors.
At 84 years old, Ringo Starr remains one of the most beloved figures in music. His journey from a sickly child in Liverpool to the drummer of The Beatles, and later, a successful solo artist and philanthropist, is nothing short of inspiring.
