A New Chapter Unfolds for a Beatle Legend! Ringo Starr, the iconic drummer whose rhythm defined a generation with The Beatles, is back with a brand-new album and a fresh single to boot. At 85 years young, this musical titan is showing no signs of slowing down, proving that age is truly just a number when passion for music is involved.
His upcoming 10-track collection, aptly titled Long Long Road, is set to be a star-studded affair. Prepare to hear Ringo's distinctive touch alongside acclaimed artists like Billy Strings, the soulful Sheryl Crow, and the eclectic St. Vincent. It's a testament to his enduring appeal and his ability to connect with artists across different genres.
The first taste of this new musical journey is the single "It's Been Too Long," released just this past Tuesday. This track features the talents of Sarah Jarosz and Molly Tuttle, adding another layer of rich musicianship. Co-penned by Ringo himself and the renowned American producer T Bone Burnett, Long Long Road is slated for release on April 24th.
This latest release follows up on his 2025 album, Look Up, which was a significant milestone, marking his first number one hit on the UK's official country chart. It seems Ringo's connection with country and Americana music is only growing stronger!
Sir Ringo shared his excitement, expressing his gratitude for T Bone Burnett's involvement: "I’m blessed to have T Bone in my life right now and working with me on these records." He elaborated on how this new album came about almost organically after their previous collaboration. "After we did the last record, which I love listening to, this one just sort of happened," he explained. He humorously added, "I like to say sometimes I make the right moves, like you can go left or right at any point, and one of the right moves was hooking up with T Bone for Look Up, and now for this one, which I’m calling Long Long Road, because I’ve been on a long long road."
But here's where it gets interesting... The album was recorded in both Nashville and Los Angeles, embracing a distinct country and Americana sound. Many of the talented musicians who contributed to Look Up have returned to lend their skills to Long Long Road, creating a cohesive and familiar, yet fresh, musical landscape.
Sir Ringo also revealed a touching nod to a rock and roll pioneer. He mentioned that the album includes musical influences from the legendary guitarist Carl Perkins. "I recorded two Carl Perkins songs with The Beatles, and both T Bone and I wanted one on this record and he found this beautiful track I’d never heard before, 'I Don’t See Me In Your Eyes Anymore.'" This connection to Perkins, an artist who influenced countless musicians, including The Beatles, adds a deep historical resonance to the new album.
T Bone Burnett shared his perspective on their creative partnership, recounting how a shared experience at a poetry reading sparked the idea for a songwriting collaboration. He lauded Ringo's innate musicality, describing him as a performer of the "highest calibre." Burnett's vision was to surround Ringo with emerging talents, infusing the project with "extraordinary young energy that’s happening around Nashville."
And this is the part most people miss... Burnett even crafted a song in the style of Gene Autry, a classic country artist, specifically for Ringo, stating, "I wrote him a Gene Autry type song because I always heard Ringo as a Texas artist, the way he played felt just like Texas music to me." This interpretation of Ringo's drumming as inherently Texan is a unique take on his legendary sound.
For those who may need a refresher, Sir Ringo Starr, born Richard Starkey, became a global icon as part of The Beatles, formed in 1960 alongside Sir Paul McCartney, John Lennon, and George Harrison. The Beatles remain the best-selling musical act of all time, celebrated for their 18 UK number one singles and 16 UK number one albums.
So, mark your calendars for April 24th and get ready to embark on Ringo Starr's Long Long Road! What do you think of Ringo's continued exploration of country and Americana music? Do you believe his collaborations with younger artists keep his sound fresh, or do you prefer his classic Beatles era? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
