Ringo Starr’s Stellar Country Collaboration Lights Up the Ryman Auditorium
In a delightful fusion of rock and country, Sir Ringo Starr graced Nashville’s iconic Ryman Auditorium with a stellar performance that featured an intriguing lineup of musical talent, including Sheryl Crow, Mickey Guyton, and Molly Tuttle. The 84-year-old Beatles drummer brought his classic 1971 hit “It Don’t Come Easy” to life in a lively rendition that showcased not only his enduring charisma but also the collaborative spirit of country music. This performance is part of the upcoming CBS special ‘Ringo & Friends at the Ryman,’ which promises to be a two-hour celebration of Starr’s legendary career through a country lens.
The event, which took place in January, included an impressive 19-song setlist that spanned genres and decades, a testament to Starr’s versatility and influence over the years. The Ryman’s storied history as a country music venue added an extra layer of charm to the evening, making it a one-of-a-kind experience for attendees. The special, set to air on March 10 at 8 p.m. on CBS and Paramount+, is not just a showcase of Starr’s hits but also features tracks from his latest country album, ‘Look Up,’ produced by T Bone Burnett. This album, released in January 2023, marks Starr’s first foray into country music since 2019 and reflects his ongoing evolution as an artist.
Among the other notable artists joining Starr were the likes of Jack White, Brenda Lee, and bluegrass sensation Jamey Johnson, further solidifying the event as a gathering of musical legends. In a world where collaborations often feel contrived, Starr’s partnerships appeared genuine and invigorating, causing many to ponder whether this cross-genre blend could be the future of music itself.
As T Bone Burnett aptly put it, the show was about “peace, love, and country music.” With a backing band of A-list musicians, including Jim Keltner, whom Starr affectionately refers to as his “favorite drummer,” the performance was set to be a joyous celebration of musical heritage. So mark your calendars and prepare for an evening of nostalgia and new beginnings, as Ringo Starr proves once again that age is merely a number in the world of music.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, CBS News, Rolling Stone
Image Credit: Title: Untitled, Author: No author info, License: [‘cc_attribute’, ‘cc_nonderived’, ‘cc_publicdomain’]
