Weekday Ramble #77: Three Reasons Ringo Starr Belongs in the Rock Hall

The Weekday Ramble is a daily dose of sports, music, culture, and more from Rambling On founder Erik Ritland. For more information check us out on Reddit, Twitter, Facebook, or at our website.


Monday April 20, 2015
Over the weekend Beatle drummer Ringo Starr was inducted into the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist. Below are three classic songs that prove it was well-deserved.

It Don’t Come Easy

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Ringo’s classic fittingly begins with sweeping, subtle cymbals and guitar from his friend (and most consistent musical supporter) George Harrison. Add in his old buddy Klaus Voorman on bass, the guitarists from Badfinger, and Stephen Stills on pulsating piano and you have the foundation for a classic. Its simple message of peace and love fits the music perfectly and is universally pertinent. 

Back off Boogaloo

The pounding drums of “Back off Boogaloo” are so big that they sound like they’re going to come out of the speakers. Harrison also shines on some tasteful, bluesy slide guitar work. 

Without Understanding

After some initial success in the early ‘70s Ringo drifted into obscurity. I’ve listened to each of his solo albums (so you don’t have to!) and while none of them are bad there isn’t much to them. 1998’s Vertical Man is among his best. “Without Understanding” is a fun, soulful boogie number. Its gospel-tinged bridge is one of my favorites of all-time.

Erik Ritland is a writer and musician from St. Paul, Minnesota. His blog and podcast Rambling On features commentary on music, sports, culture, and more. He is also a contributor for Minnesota culture blog Curious North. Support Erik's music via his Patreon account, reach him via email, or find him on Facebook and Twitter.