**Ringo Starr Reflects on His Return to Country Music at 85**
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Music legend Ringo Starr has returned to his roots with the release of his new album, *Long Long Road*, a heartfelt exploration of country music that serves as a follow-up to his previous acclaimed work, *Look Up*. The 85-year-old former Beatle recently opened up about his musical journey, his enduring love for country music, and the serendipitous meeting that reignited his creative spark.
Starr’s love for country music can be traced back to his youth in Liverpool. The musician, born Richard Starkey, once dreamed of moving to Texas, driven by his passion for American country sounds. However, a mountain of paperwork derailed those aspirations, prompting him to stay in the UK. The young Starr adopted the stage name “Ringo,” inspired by Western characters like Johnny Ringo, reflecting his affinity for the genre. His early work with The Beatles featured covers of country classics, laying the groundwork for a lifelong connection with the style.
Despite a successful career with The Beatles, Starr’s deep dive into country music did not come until 1970 with *Beaucoups of Blues*, his solo debut that embraced the genre. For over five decades, it appeared as though his country explorations had largely ended. Yet, a chance meeting with producer T-Bone Burnett in 2022, at a gathering in Los Angeles, changed that trajectory.
That serendipitous encounter rekindled Starr’s connection to country music, leading to a creative collaboration that flourished with the release of *Look Up* in 2025. The album featured many prominent Nashville musicians and garnered praise as one of Starr’s finest works, even reaching the top of the UK country charts. The duo’s rapport continued to blossom, resulting in the release of *Long Long Road*, which was recorded in a guest house studio on Starr’s Beverly Hills property.
This new album carries a similar feel to its predecessor and enlists the help of musicians like Billy Strings, Molly Tuttle, Sheryl Crow, and St. Vincent. With its blend of modern instrumentation and traditional storytelling, the album resonates with Starr’s warm and inviting personality. The light-heartedness of the project is further emphasized by its cover art, featuring Starr in a purple shirt reminiscent of his Beatle days, a fashion choice that stirred excitement among fans.
Rather than delve into morose themes, *Long Long Road* showcases a more upbeat perspective, allowing Starr to reflect on his life with a sense of humour. As he revisits the themes of his iconic song “Choose Love,” he demonstrates that the journey is as significant as the destination, with lyrics that champion openness and resilience.
In an interview with *People* magazine, Starr recounted the beginnings of his collaboration with Burnett, crediting the initial meeting as a pivotal moment in his career. “If he hadn’t been there, I’d been on some other road!” he remarked, underscoring the importance of recognising life’s coincidences.
When discussing his approach to selecting songs, Starr emphasised the need for personal connection. “It has to be something I can feel,” he noted, highlighting the emotional depth he seeks in music. This sentiment is evident in the choice of covers and original tracks on the album, where he maintains the spirit of country music while adding his unique flavour.
One of the standout moments in the album is Starr’s rendition of Carl Perkins’ “I Don’t See Me in Your Eyes Anymore.” The emotional gravity of the song had a lasting impact on him. “I love Carl. I just felt him,” he shared, reflecting on the poignant nature of country music.
Addressing the themes of heartbreak and healing in country music, Starr offered a comforting yet cheeky piece of advice for those experiencing tough times. “Play it a bit faster!” he joked, advocating for moving forward rather than dwelling on past pain. His philosophy of resilience is woven throughout the album as he reflects on his own journey.
Starr, who has been mindful of his health through meditation and a vegetarian diet, credits these practices with helping him remain grounded and focused creatively. He recalls his introduction to meditation years ago and how it has shaped his perspective, both musically and personally.
As he embarks on this new chapter, Starr acknowledges that country music holds a significant place in his heart. He sees *Long Long Road* not only as a continuation of his musical legacy but also as a homecoming to a genre that has always been a part of him. “I’ve always loved country,” he says, emphasizing the cyclical nature of his career and the joy of returning to his musical roots.
Overall, *Long Long Road* exemplifies Starr’s enduring passion for music and his ability to find inspiration at any age. As Ringo Starr embraces new adventures in his artistic journey, fans can surely expect more heartfelt and soulful contributions from the famed musician in the years to come.