Ringo Starr made a remarkable debut at the Grand Ole Opry, a stage synonymous with country music’s storied legacy. At 84 years old and more than six decades into his career, the former Beatles drummer embraced the Opry’s legacy while sharing his country music roots with the audience. Starr’s appearance marked a significant moment for both him and the Opry, especially as the legendary venue celebrates its 100th year of broadcasts.
The evening began with Starr performing his reflective single “Time On My Hands” from Look Up, his recent country-themed album created with the help of T Bone Burnett. Following that, Starr paid homage to his country connections with “Act Naturally,” a song first popularized by Buck Owens in 1963 and famously covered by The Beatles in 1965. Starr expressed deep appreciation for the honor of being on such an iconic stage, sharing with the audience, “I loved country music when I was growing up. I still love it now. … This would just be a dream, to end up here. It’s far out.”
Ringo Starr’s appearance was part of a vibrant Friday night Opry lineup, which also featured performances by country-pop singer Lauren Alaina, country singer Mickey Guyton, and songwriter Don Schlitz, among others. Artists throughout the night honored Starr with tributes, including Mickey Guyton’s powerful rendition of Starr’s 1976 solo track “You Don’t Know Me At All” and Riders in the Sky’s cover of “Ringo,” a 1960s murder ballad written in his honor.
Throughout his career, Starr has consistently embraced country and rockabilly influences, weaving them into songs with The Beatles like “Don’t Pass Me By” and “What Goes On.” In the 1970s, he further cemented his connection to Nashville with his country-leaning solo album Beaucoups of Blues, which was recorded in Nashville with the renowned steel pedal guitarist Pete Drake.
Starr’s debut at the Opry also featured stellar collaborations. Bluegrass virtuoso Molly Tuttle and Ketch Secor, frontman of Old Crow Medicine Show, joined Starr onstage for the night’s performances, including the closing number, “With A Little Help From My Friends.” The rendition, filled with fiddle and mandolin, provided a perfect blend of rock and country.
Ringo’s debut comes at an exciting time for the Opry as it celebrates its 100th year. Starr joins an impressive group of artists from outside of the country genre, such as Pharrell Williams and Post Malone, who have also performed on the Opry stage. For those who missed the performance, CBS will air a special featuring Starr and Nashville musicians performing both his new songs and classic Beatles hits with a country twist, filmed at the Ryman Auditorium.
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