I'm the Greatest

The Zoo Crew is spinning "I'm the Greatest" by Ringo Starr from his 1973 album Ringo, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it! This track is a gem with a fascinating backstory. Written by John Lennon, the song was inspired by Muhammad Ali’s famous catchphrase, but Lennon felt it would come off as too arrogant if he sang it himself. Instead, he tailored it for Ringo, tweaking lyrics to include a nod to "With a Little Help from My Friends" and handing it over with a playful, tongue-in-cheek vibe. Ringo’s delivery as his Sgt. Pepper alter ego, Billy Shears, adds a layer of ironic charm that makes the song a fan favorite. In a 2007 interview, Ringo shared a lighthearted memory of recording with his mate Harry Nilsson, mentioning how they were indulging in a "large bottle of Jack Daniel’s" during the session, which captures the loose, fun spirit of the era.

What makes "I'm the Greatest" extra special is its near-Beatles reunion status. Recorded in March 1973 at Sunset Sound in Los Angeles, the session featured John Lennon on piano and backing vocals, George Harrison on guitar, and Ringo on drums and lead vocals. Billy Preston added organ, and Klaus Voormann played bass, rounding out a lineup that was once slated to form a post-Beatles band called The Ladders. As @GeorgeHarrison posted on X in 2018, this was the first time John, George, and Ringo had reunited in the studio since The Beatles’ breakup in 1970, making it a historic moment. Fans on Songfacts have speculated whether the song was a subtle jab at Paul McCartney, who was absent from the session due to a marijuana-related travel ban, but Ringo’s warm delivery keeps it from feeling mean-spirited.

Ringo Starr, born Richard Starkey on July 7, 1940, in Liverpool, England, got his start in music amidst a challenging childhood marked by life-threatening illnesses that led to prolonged hospitalizations. His passion for music ignited during the UK skiffle craze of the 1950s, a genre that blended jazz, blues, and folk. At 17, he co-founded the Eddie Clayton Skiffle Group, which gained local traction before the rise of American rock and roll shifted the scene. By 1960, Ringo was drumming for Rory Storm and The Hurricanes, one of Liverpool’s top bands, where he honed his craft and built a following. His big break came in 1962 when he was invited to replace Pete Best in The Beatles, a move that catapulted him to global fame. Ringo’s steady beat and charismatic personality became integral to the band’s success, and he occasionally sang lead on hits like "Yellow Submarine" and wrote songs like "Octopus’s Garden."

After The Beatles disbanded in 1970, Ringo launched a solo career with albums like Sentimental Journey and Beaucoups of Blues, showcasing his versatility. His 1973 album Ringo, featuring "I'm the Greatest," was a high point, with contributions from all former Beatles. Since 1989, he’s toured with Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band, a rotating supergroup of musical luminaries. Ringo’s official website, ringostarr.com, is a hub for his latest projects, including his 2025 country album Look Up. You can follow him on Facebook, where he has over 2.5 million likes, Instagram for tour updates and peace-and-love vibes, and X for fan interactions. Fans also gather at sites like The Beatles Story and join groups such as The Beatles Fans on Facebook to celebrate his legacy.