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Ringo Starr is often remembered as “the lucky drummer” in The Beatles, the quiet one in a band of towering musical legends. But while Paul McCartney, John Lennon, and George Harrison often took the spotlight with their songwriting prowess and charismatic stage presence, Starr carved out his own distinctive identity, both within the Beatles and in his post-Beatles life. Today, Ringo is one of the wealthiest musicians in the world. But how did this affable drummer—who is sometimes seen as the least flashy of the Fab Four—earn such a fortune? Let’s take a deep dive into the career and financial legacy of Ringo Starr, the man who proved that even the drummer can become an icon.
How Did Ringo Starr Join The Beatles?
Ringo Starr’s journey into the heart of The Beatles is one of fate and timing. Born Richard Starkey in Liverpool, England, Starr’s early musical career was spent with Rory Storm and the Hurricanes, a local band in Liverpool that was a fixture of the city’s thriving rock scene in the late 1950s. He was known for his unique drumming style and love of accessorizing, even changing his stage name to “Ringo Starr” to reflect both his fondness for rings and his affinity for country and western music.
The pivotal moment came in 1962, when Starr filled in for The Beatles’ then-drummer, Pete Best, during a few performances. The chemistry between Starr and the band was immediate, and within months, Ringo was asked to officially join the group. Lennon, McCartney, and Harrison, having already seen Starr perform, knew he was the right fit. While it was Lennon who extended the invitation, it was Harrison who had been lobbying behind the scenes, noting Starr’s consistent reliability and musicality.
As Harrison later put it, “To me it was apparent [Starr was the one]. Pete kept being sick and not showing up for gigs, so we would get Ringo to sit in… and every time, it seemed like ‘this is it.’”
With Starr’s inclusion, The Beatles began their meteoric rise, though much of the public attention was focused on the band’s songwriting geniuses—Lennon and McCartney—along with the mystical allure of Harrison’s spiritualism. Ringo, however, carved out a loyal fanbase with his wit, humility, and trademark drumming style, becoming an integral part of the band’s sound.
Ringo Starr’s Net Worth in 2024
As of 2024, Ringo Starr’s net worth is estimated to be $350 million. While his wealth is largely attributed to his time with The Beatles, Starr has continued to thrive as a solo artist, businessman, and media personality. His net worth is also sustained by strategic investments in television and film, most notably his involvement with the children’s show Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends and his role as the whimsical Mr. Conductor in Shining Time Station.
But The Beatles legacy is undoubtedly the financial foundation on which Starr built his fortune. The band’s royalties, which continue to flow decades after their breakup, represent a significant portion of his wealth. While McCartney and the estates of Lennon and Harrison benefit the most from The Beatles‘ songwriting royalties, Starr still earns handsomely from the band’s music and merchandise, not to mention his own songwriting and solo career.
Why Is Ringo Starr So Rich?
Beyond his membership in The Beatles, Ringo Starr’s wealth is the result of years of hard work, smart investments, and diverse career ventures. A key contributor to his fortune is his savvy business moves, particularly in the 1990s when he began to explore opportunities outside of music.
The Thomas the Tank Engine Fortune
Perhaps one of Starr’s more unexpected financial wins came through his role as the narrator of Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends. Though it may seem like an odd side gig for a legendary rock star, Starr’s involvement in the children’s television program turned out to be a lucrative one. Not only did he earn a significant salary for his narration and acting on the spinoff series Shining Time Station, but he also negotiated a 5.1% stake in the Britt Allcroft Company, which produced the shows.
In an interview, Starr recalled his initial reaction to the project: “I never thought it’d be so big. In fact, the first time Britt Allcroft came over and said, ‘I’d like you to read these stories about this train,’ I didn’t even know what Thomas was… I just did it, and it turned out to be a huge thing.”
In 2002, the company sold for $139 million, netting Starr more than $7 million from his shares. This windfall was a testament to Starr’s ability to diversify his income sources beyond the rock ‘n’ roll world.
A Legacy of Solo Music and Tours
Since leaving The Beatles in 1970, Starr has released 20 solo albums, with his most successful tracks—such as “It Don’t Come Easy,” “Photograph,” and “You’re Sixteen”—becoming staples of classic rock radio. While Starr’s solo career never reached the same heights as McCartney’s, he still managed to achieve notable success, both on the charts and with his extensive touring.
In addition to his solo albums, Starr formed the All-Starr Band, which features a rotating roster of musicians and continues to tour regularly. These tours, which often see Starr performing alongside other musical legends, provide a steady income stream and allow Starr to maintain his celebrity status among older and newer generations of fans.
Book Deals and Other Ventures
Starr has authored several books over the years, including his well-received photography book Photograph and Ringo: With a Little Help. These books, combined with his ongoing public appearances, also contribute to his financial portfolio. In addition, Starr has capitalized on his public persona through various merchandise deals, including clothing, hats, and other Beatles-related memorabilia.
How Many Beatles Songs Did Ringo Starr Write?
Starr contribute to the band’s catalog. He wrote two solo songs for The Beatles: “Don’t Pass Me By” from The White Album and the beloved “Octopus’s Garden” from Abbey Road. “Octopus’s Garden,” inspired by a conversation with actor Peter Sellers while on his yacht, became one of the most iconic Beatles tracks associated with Ringo.
Starr also co-wrote several other Beatles songs, including “What Goes On” and “Flying,” and provided backing vocals on numerous tracks. His contributions, though smaller in number, were crucial to The Beatles’ distinctive sound.
How Many Solo Hits Did Ringo Starr Have?
Ringo’s solo career was very successful. He landed several hits, including:
- “It Don’t Come Easy” (1971) – No. 4
- “Back Off Boogaloo” (1972) – No. 9
- “Photograph” (1973) – No. 1
- “You’re Sixteen” (1974) – No. 1
- “Oh My My” (1974) – No. 5
These songs not only helped Starr build his personal brand but also generated substantial income through radio play, royalties, and album sales.
Ringo Starr—The Richest Drummer in History
From his early days with The Beatles to his successful solo career, acting roles, and shrewd business moves, Ringo Starr has proven that there’s more to his fortune than just being a member of the world’s most famous band. Today, as the wealthiest drummer in the world, Ringo’s estimated net worth of $350 million is a testament to his versatility, work ethic, and ability to stay relevant across decades.
Whether narrating children’s shows, performing with his All-Starr Band, or publishing books of his photography, Ringo Starr has never been content to rest on his laurels. In doing so, he has secured his place as a musical legend—and one of the wealthiest and most enduring figures in rock history. Beat that!
