Ringo Starr: I'm The Greatest (Drum and Percussion Cover)

Ringo's 1973 album Ringo was the closest thing fans got to a Beatles reunion after their breakup. The opening track "I'm The Greatest" is the only time three of the four Beatles appeared on a recording between 1970 and Lennon's death in 1980. Lennon wrote the song in 1970 regarding his rise to fame and later adjusted the lyrics for Ringo to sing. The title is named after one of Muhammad Ali's catchphrases and makes reference to Ringo's alter ego Billy Shears in Sgt. Pepper.

"I'm The Greatest" was recorded in March of 1973 at Sunset Studios in LA. Hearing that Lennon, Starr, and Harrison were recording together once again, it was speculated that the group would eventually reform. Standing in for Paul was bassist Klaus Voormann, and old friend of the Beatles from Hamburg who also played on Lennon's first two albums, as well as creating the famous Revolver cover in 1966. This lineup of musicians was referred to as The Ladders in the press which would be the reformed Beatles with Voormann replacing McCartney.

Overdubs were added which included Starr's lead vocal, with Lennon's guide vocal still present, additional guitar parts from George, keyboards from Billy Preston and an audience applause appearing when Ringo references Billy Shears, similar to what you hear in "Sgt. Pepper/With A Little Help". Although Paul does not appear on this particular song, he does make an appearance later in the album on "You're Sixteen" and wrote "Six O'Clock". Lennon had stated that if McCartney was in LA at the time of recording, he probably would have played on the track.

It should be no surprise that my favorite Beatle is Ringo. I think his solo music is very underrated and should be taken more seriously from fans. He may not be as strong of a writer as the other three, but there's something about his music that is very enjoyable. If you enjoy his Ringo album, you may also enjoy his follow up Goodnight Vienna. If you want to go deeper, listen to his country release Beaucoups of Blues, or his first release Sentimental Journey. If you really want to dig deeper, listen to his 21st century releases like 2008's Liverpool 8, or Y Not from 2010. All great albums that I enjoy listening to very much. But that's all just my opinion.

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