DAILY DIRT: Ringo was ‘responsible for making drumming look cool’

He’s closing in on birthday No. 84, but he’s still an integral part of the music scene … Welcome to today’s three thoughts that make up Vol. 1,031 of The Daily Dirt.

1. For much of his life, Ringo Starr has been a global icon.

That’s what being the drummer of the Beatles can do for a guy’s career.

Ringo, who will turn 84 in July, is also the richest drummer in history, and a fellow who has never seemed to take life that seriously. Ringo’s tremendous success, both as a member of the Fab Four and in a solo career that has gone on now for more than 50 years looks to have been one crazy — and successful — ride for the guy whose real name is Richard Starkey and once served as the butt of jokes played by John, Paul and George.

But who has had the last laugh? None other than our boy Ringo.

“Drummer, singer, songwriter, bandleader, rock ‘n’ roll pioneer … Ringo is responsible for making drumming look cool and inspiring countless people to take up the instrument,” wrote Brandon Toews on drumeo.com in 2023. 

Here are some thoughts from Ringo himself:

• “I’ve never been able to sit around on my own and play drums, practice in the back room, never been able to. I’ve always played with other musicians. It’s how I play, there’s no joy for me in playing on my own, bashing away. I need a bass, a piano, guitar, whatever, and then I can play.”
• “I’d like to end up sort of unforgettable.” (Mission accomplished.)
• “I couldn’t put my finger on one reason why we broke up. It was time, and we were spreading out. They were spreading out more than I was. I would’ve stayed with the band.”

Isn’t than an interesting thought? What if the Beatles had never broken up?

RICHEST DRUMMERS IN MUSIC HISTORY

• Gold medal: Ringo Starr, Beatles, $390 million … and a global icon.
• Silver medal: Dave Grohl, Nirvana and Foo Fighters, $350 million. 
• Bronze medal: Lars Ulrich, Metallica, $330 million.

Honorable mention: Larry Mullen Jr., U2, $320 million; Charlie Watts, Rolling Stones, $250 million; Phil Collins, whose fame began with Genesis, $250 million; Don Henley, Eagles, $250 million; Nick Mason, Pink Floyd, $180 million.

(Note: Tomorrow we’ll look at the richest guitar players.)

2. Did you know (Part 93)

• That more than 97 percent of all clothing sold in America was not made in the U.S.
• That not one member of the Beatles was able to read or write sheet music. (Yeah, we kind of have a Beatles theme going here today … )
• That the Beatles used the word “love” 613 times in their songs.
• That astronauts are permitted to vote while in space.
• That more than 40 percent of all U.S. roads are considered to be in poor condition.

3. Here’s our updated MLB power rankings heading into the weekend:

• 1. Baltimore Orioles: Jackson Holliday was just what the baseball doctor ordered for these guys. 
• 2. New York Yankees: I can’t imagine being opposing pitchers and having to face both Aaron Judge and Juan Soto a combined eight times each night.
• 3. Cleveland Guardians: They’ve got the best record in MLB, and all of a sudden that pitching staff looks much better with the return of Tanner Bibee, additions of Matthew Boyd and Alex Cobb, continued development of Gavin Williams and the best closer on the planet in Emmanuel Clase. Oh, and throw in MVP candidate Jose Ramirez.
• 4. Philadelphia Phillies: It has not been a good second half in Philadelphia.
• 5. Los Angeles Dodgers: For a team that was all but handed a ticket to the World Series in April the Dodgers now find themselves in a pennant race in the NL West. Arizona and San Diego are both just two games back.

Steve Thought O’ The Day — If you happen to like investing in baseball cards, let me be Capt. Obvious for a moment. Concerning Jackson Holliday (yeah, the Orioles’ young phenom mentioned above), there is only one thought needed: Buy, buy, buy.

Steve Eighinger writes daily for Muddy River News and needlessly uses the word “that” more than any writer in American history?