It Don’t Come Easy

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove to It Don’t Come Easy, Ringo Starr’s 1971 solo hit that’s got that classic rock soul! This tune, a non-album single, was a banger, hitting number 1 in Canada and number 4 in the UK and US charts. What’s wild is that Ringo didn’t do it alone—his Beatles bandmate George Harrison co-wrote and produced it, though Ringo took the sole writing credit with George’s blessing. During a 1998 VH1 Storytellers session, Ringo spilled the tea, saying, “I wrote this song with the one and only George Harrison.” George wanted the last verse to be about God, but Ringo wasn’t feeling it. After George suggested Hare Krishna and Ringo pushed back again, they settled on “peace” as the vibe, giving the song its uplifting message. The recording, done at Trident Studios in March 1970 with overdubs in October, featured a killer lineup: Ringo on vocals and drums, George on guitar, Stephen Stills on piano, and Klaus Voormann on bass. Fun fact: the song went through three versions before they nailed it, with Ringo remaking it twice to get that perfect sound.

Another cool tidbit is the song’s cultural impact. It was the opening theme for the 1973-1975 ABC late-night talk show Good Night, America, hosted by Geraldo Rivera, with Don Imus as the announcer. In 1991, it even popped up in The Simpsons episode “Brush with Greatness,” where Marge paints Mr. Burns to Ringo’s inspirational tune. Fans on Reddit have called it a standout, with one user on r/ClassicRock sharing how it was “our song” for them and their spouse, gifted as a first-pressing Apple single alongside a Butch Cassidy poster at a 16th birthday party—46 years later, they’re still married! The song’s B-side, Early 1970, is a gem too, with Ringo musing on the likelihood of jamming with his ex-Beatles pals, featuring contributions from both John Lennon and George. A rare Norwegian single misprinted the title as I Don’t Come Easy, making it a collector’s holy grail.

Ringo Starr, born Richard Starkey on July 7, 1940, in Liverpool, England, kicked off his musical journey as a kid with a dream to drum. Despite serious childhood illnesses that landed him in hospitals for years, he found his rhythm early. At 13, he knew he wanted to be a drummer, and by 1957, he co-founded the Eddie Clayton Skiffle Group, riding the UK skiffle craze. In 1959, he joined the Raving Texans, later Rory Storm and the Hurricanes, and became a local star in Liverpool. His big break came in 1962 when he was tapped to replace Pete Best in The Beatles, joining John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison. Ringo’s steady beat and charisma helped make The Beatles the “biggest band in the land,” as he put it. Post-Beatles, he launched his solo career with 1970’s Sentimental Journey, followed by Beaucoups of Blues, but it was It Don’t Come Easy that cemented his solo stardom.

Stay connected with Ringo’s world! Check out his official site at www.ringostarr.com for tour dates and news, like his 2025 country album Look Up. Follow him on Facebook, where he’s got over 2.5 million fans spreading “Peace & Love,” or on Instagram for behind-the-scenes snaps. His X account keeps the vibes flowing with updates on his All-Starr Band tours. For die-hard Zoo Freaks, join fan communities like the Ringo Starr Fans Facebook Group or visit Internet Beatles Album for deep dives into his Beatles and solo work. Keep spinning those records, and let’s keep the peace and love alive!