Photograph

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic tune "Photograph" by Ringo Starr from his 1973 album Ringo, and Zoo Freaks, you’re in for some groovy trivia! This song, a heartfelt ballad about lost love, was co-written by Ringo and his former Beatles bandmate George Harrison in 1971 while they were chilling on a luxury yacht, the Marala, during the Cannes Film Festival in the South of France. Ringo shared in interviews that the song came together during an evening jam session with their wives, Maureen Starkey and Pattie Boyd, and singer Cilla Black, who all tossed in lyrical ideas. The track was first recorded in late 1972 during sessions for Harrison’s Living in the Material World but got its final polish in March 1973 at Sunset Sound Recorders in Los Angeles with producer Richard Perry. Fun fact: the song features a stellar lineup, including Bobby Keys on tenor sax, Nicky Hopkins on piano, and Jack Nitzsche’s lush orchestral arrangements, giving it that signature Wall of Sound vibe. Ringo and Jim Keltner shared drumming duties, and Harrison’s 12-string acoustic guitar and backing vocals added that Beatles magic. The song’s nostalgic tone hit home in the U.S., where it topped the Billboard Hot 100, resonating with a nation still reeling from the Vietnam War.

Here’s a cool story from the Zoo Crew’s deep dive into Ringo’s archives: when "Photograph" was performed live, it became a staple of Ringo’s All-Starr Band shows starting in 1989, often closing out his sets before an encore. A 1990 live version from the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, featuring legends like Billy Preston, Joe Walsh, and Clarence Clemons, was released on the album Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band. Ringo’s 2014 Grammy performance of the song was a standout, with old Beatles photos projected behind him, turning the song’s melancholic vibe into a joyful nod to his Fab Four days. Fans on Ringo’s Facebook have shared how the song’s lyrics, like “Every time I see your face, it reminds me of the places we used to go,” hit them hard after Harrison’s passing in 2001, making it a bittersweet tribute to their friendship. The song’s universal appeal led to covers by artists like Engelbert Humperdinck and the Ray Conniff Singers in 1974, and even Adam Sandler recorded a version for the Funny People soundtrack in 2009.

Now, let’s rewind to how Ringo Starr, born Richard Starkey on July 7, 1940, in Liverpool, England, got his start. Growing up in a working-class neighborhood, Ringo faced serious health challenges as a kid, including a year-long hospital stay at age six due to a ruptured appendix and two years in a sanatorium for tuberculosis at 14. It was during this time that he discovered percussion through hospital therapy, sparking his love for drumming. By 1957, he co-founded the Eddie Clayton Skiffle Group, riding the UK’s skiffle craze. A year later, he joined Rory Storm and the Hurricanes, adopting the stage name Ringo Starr, inspired by his love for rings and a nod to his cowboy-inspired style. The band gained local fame and played gigs in Hamburg, where Ringo met the Beatles. In August 1962, after a stint with the Hurricanes, he was invited to replace Pete Best as the Beatles’ drummer, a move that caused a stir among fans but cemented his place in history. His steady beat and charismatic personality helped propel the Beatles to global stardom, and he occasionally sang lead on hits like “Yellow Submarine” and “With a Little Help from My Friends.” After the Beatles split in 1970, Ringo launched a solo career with hits like “It Don’t Come Easy” and “Photograph,” while also acting in films like The Magic Christian.

Zoo Freaks can stay connected with Ringo’s latest vibes through his official website, where you’ll find tour dates, new releases like his 2025 country album Look Up, and peace-and-love merch. Follow him on Facebook, where he’s got over 2.5 million fans grooving to his posts about his All-Starr Band and charity work with the Lotus Foundation. His Instagram is a colorful mix of throwback photos, art, and updates on his “Peace & Love” birthday celebrations. On X, Ringo shares quick updates and interacts with fans, often signing off with his signature ☮️✌️ emojis. For the ultimate Zoo Freak experience, check out fan communities like the Ringo Starr Fans Facebook group, where devotees share rare photos, concert stories, and vinyl finds. You can also explore Ringo Starr Art for his vibrant artwork and limited-edition prints, or dive into Genesis Publications for exclusive books like Photograph, showcasing his photography from the Beatles era.