Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
The legendary music figure spoke with PEOPLE about his journey back to country music, reflecting on the unexpected path that brought him there and expressing that, at 85, he remains excited about what lies ahead.
Ringo Starr reflected on his long journey back to country music in an interview with PEOPLE, explaining how his new project Long Long Road is rooted in looking back on his life while still staying open to what comes next at age 85.
The music legend traced his connection to country sounds all the way back to his youth in late-1950s Liverpool, when he was still known as Richard Starkey. As a teenager, he once even tried to pursue a move to the United States, hoping to settle in Texas and fully immerse himself in the music he loved, though the plan fell apart due to complicated paperwork. He later embraced the nickname “Ringo,” inspired by Western outlaw imagery, which reflected his growing fascination with American roots music.
Country music has remained a core influence throughout his career. Early on, he performed songs by artists like Buck Owens and Carl Perkins with The Beatles, and even contributed his own country-influenced writing on tracks such as “Don’t Pass Me By.” After the band’s breakup, he further explored the genre with his Nashville-recorded 1970 solo album Beaucoups of Blues, though he would not return to a full country project for decades.
That changed in 2022, when a chance meeting with producer T-Bone Burnett led to a creative partnership. Burnett helped guide Starr back into the roots-driven style he had long admired, resulting in the 2025 album Look Up, which received strong critical praise and topped the UK country charts.
Their collaboration continues with Long Long Road, described as a natural follow-up that expands on the same musical spirit while introducing new directions. Although much of the instrumentation was recorded in Nashville, Starr’s vocals were laid down in a home studio in Beverly Hills, where he lives with his wife, actress Barbara Bach.
The album features contributions from several notable musicians, blending traditional storytelling with modern textures while maintaining a light, upbeat tone that reflects Starr’s personality. Rather than focusing on heavy themes, he approaches reflection with warmth and curiosity, revisiting his past without being weighed down by it.
In his conversation with PEOPLE, Starr emphasized that this stage of his career is less about closing chapters and more about continuing the journey, expressing gratitude for where he has been while remaining excited for what may still come.
