Ringo

With a Little Help

By: Michael Seth Starr

Narrated by: Peter Berkrot

Ringo: With a Little Help is the first in-depth biography of Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, who kept the beat for an entire generation and who has remained a rock icon since the Beatles took the world by storm over 50 years ago.

This book traces the entire arc of Ringo's remarkable life and career, from his sickly childhood to his life as the world's most famous drummer to his triumphs, addictions, and emotional battles following the breakup of the Beatles. Born in 1940 as Richard Starkey in the Dingle, one of Liverpool's most gritty, rough-and-tumble neighborhoods, he rose from a hardscrabble childhood marked by serious illnesses, long hospital stays, and little schooling to emerge, against all odds, as a locally renowned drummer. Taking the stage name Ringo Starr, his big break with the Beatles rocketed him to the pinnacle of worldwide acclaim in a remarkably short time. He was the last member of the Beatles to join the group but also the most vulnerable, and his post-Beatles career was marked by chart-topping successes, a jet-setting life of excess and alcohol abuse, and, ultimately, his rebirth as one of rock's revered elder statesmen.

©2015 Michael Seth Starr (P)2016 Tantor

Critic reviews

"[F]ascinating perspective." ( Publishers Weekly)

Enjoyed the details

I liked the background of his boyhood. I appreciated the story teller. A very interesting book.

Starr power

This is the biography of Ringo I’d hoped existed on audiobook. Except for the narrator not being able to even come close to a Liverpudlian accent, he was very competent and most enjoyable. I began the book en route to see Ringo in concert. The perfect read. An awesome concert!

Very Good

I’ve read many books on the Beatles and individual members, but this was the first on Ringo. I really enjoyed it. It was fast paced and provided significant detail on this icons life.

Very good

Really enjoyed this and I thought it was very interesting. Ringo is a very kind and thoughtful guy.

Ups and Downs.

Extraordinary life. I had no idea of his many accomplishments. The author worked hard to discredit his subject, which is not surprising. I usually do not read unauthorized biographies due to the hallucinatory evaluations. He couldn't possibly know what the subject was thinking although such statements are made with full conviction. There are the hallucinatory evaluations one might expect. But it was interesting and covered many accomplishments I was not aware of. He has so many talents and skills that were never publicized.