• Faith: Christian
• Career: Musician
• Birthday:  July 07, 1940

Ringo Starr (born Richard Starkey) is an English musician, songwriter, actor, and author best known as the drummer for The Beatles. Celebrated for his distinctive drumming style, easygoing personality, and memorable vocals on songs like "Yellow Submarine" and "With a Little Help from My Friends," Starr helped shape one of the most influential bands in music history. Beyond The Beatles, he built a successful solo career and has remained an active touring musician and advocate for peace and kindness.

Ringo Starr was born in Liverpool, England, to Richard Starkey Sr. and Elsie Gleave. His parents separated when he was young, and he was primarily raised by his mother, who worked hard to support the family. Starr's childhood was marked by serious health challenges. He spent long periods in hospitals after suffering from appendicitis that developed into peritonitis and later contracted tuberculosis, causing him to miss years of formal education.

During his recovery, Starr developed an interest in music after being introduced to percussion instruments in the hospital. His stepfather, Harry Graves, encouraged his musical ambitions, and Starr eventually joined local skiffle groups before becoming the drummer for Rory Storm and the Hurricanes, one of Liverpool's top bands during the early 1960s.

In 1962, Starr replaced Pete Best as the drummer for The Beatles, joining John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison. The lineup quickly became one of the most successful and influential acts in music history. Starr's steady, inventive drumming became a defining part of the band's sound, while his warm personality made him a fan favorite.

In addition to his drumming, Starr occasionally took lead vocals, singing beloved Beatles songs including "Yellow Submarine," "With a Little Help from My Friends," "Act Naturally," "Good Night," and "Octopus's Garden," the latter of which he also wrote.

Following The Beatles' breakup in 1970, Starr launched a solo career that produced several hit singles, including "It Don't Come Easy," "Photograph," "You're Sixteen," and "Back Off Boogaloo." Throughout the decades, he continued recording new music while collaborating with numerous artists across rock, country, and pop.

In 1989, Starr formed the All-Starr Band, a rotating group of accomplished musicians from well-known bands. The touring project became one of the longest-running collaborations in classic rock, allowing Starr to perform both his own hits and songs from his fellow band members' catalogs.

Outside of music, Starr has appeared in numerous films and television productions, narrated the children's television series Thomas & Friends, and voiced the character Mr. Conductor during the early seasons of Shining Time Station. He has also published photography books and remained active in charitable causes promoting peace and humanitarian efforts.

His contributions to music have earned widespread recognition. As a member of The Beatles, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988, and he received a second induction as a solo artist in 2015. In 2018, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to music, becoming Sir Richard Starkey.

Starr married Maureen Cox in 1965, and the couple had three children: Zak, Jason, and Lee. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1975. Zak Starkey followed in his father's footsteps and became a respected drummer, performing with bands including Oasis and The Who.

In 1981, Starr married actress Barbara Bach, whom he met while filming the movie Caveman. The couple have remained together for decades and are known for supporting one another's charitable work and recovery journey after both sought treatment for alcohol addiction in the late 1980s.

Known for his optimistic outlook, Starr has become closely associated with his "Peace and Love" message. Every year on his birthday, fans around the world pause at noon to share the phrase "Peace and Love" as part of a global tradition he started to encourage unity and kindness.

Ringo Starr's Religious Beliefs

Ringo Starr describes himself as a spiritual person whose beliefs are rooted in Christianity while also drawing inspiration from Buddhism and Hinduism. Baptized in the Church of England, he was introduced to Anglican teachings during childhood, although organized religion became less central during The Beatles' early years of fame.

As he grew older, Starr said his faith became more important. In interviews, he has spoken openly about God being an active presence in his life and expressed gratitude for rediscovering a deeper spiritual foundation. Rather than focusing on religious labels, Starr emphasizes a message of love, compassion, forgiveness, and peace.

His personal philosophy is often summed up in one simple phrase: "God is love." That conviction has shaped both his public image and his longstanding message of "Peace and Love," which he continues to promote through his music, public appearances, charitable work, and annual birthday celebrations. While his spirituality reflects influences from multiple faith traditions, Starr consistently acknowledges his Christian upbringing and belief in God as central elements of his personal journey.