Ringo Starr has always had a love for country music, as evidenced by his latest album, Look Up, released in January. The Beatles drummer brought that love to the stage with two concerts recorded at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on January 14 and 15, which CBS and Paramount+ will broadcast tonight (March 10) as Ringo & Friends at the Ryman. In this exclusive clip, Starr, with a little help from friends like Jack White, performs Carl Perkins’ classic rockabilly song “Matchbox,” which The Beatles covered on their 1964 EP, Long Tall Sally. Other “friends” in the special include Sheryl Crow, Emmylou Harris, Mickey Guyton, Jamey Johnson, Rodney Crowell, The War and Treaty, and Billy Strings and Molly Tuttle, both of whom appear on Starr’s album. The artists join the drummer to perform songs from the new album, Starr’s solo hits, and Beatles classics.
“I liked country music before I was in [The Beatles],” Starr told Billboard earlier this year. “A lot of it came to Liverpool because the guys in the merchant navy not only brought rock and roll, but also country music, and when country bands toured England, they always played in Liverpool.” In addition to the performances, luminaries like Dolly Parton and former Beatle Paul McCartney share stories about Starr’s impact on their music. Gunpowder & Sky’s Van Toffler produced the special with Starr and T Bone Burnett, who also produced Look Up.
“Producing Ringo & Friends at the Ryman with T Bone has been another wild adventure: some of the best musicians playing with all their heart on Ringo’s songs, including some Beatles classics,” Toffler tells Billboard. “We handpicked a lineup of artists who not only have a deep respect for Ringo’s legacy, but could also bring their own unique twist to these songs, highlighting the great stories and messages behind them. Seeing them reinterpret his music, whether with full-throttle rock energy or a stripped-down, soulful version, was a testament to how timeless his songs are. And having Dolly, Lainey Wilson, and his fellow Beatle, Paul, talking about their love for country artists really brought the whole thing full circle, making the night even more meaningful.”
Working with Burnett elevated the production, Toffler says. “T Bone is one of the greats: his encyclopedic knowledge of music and deep roots in so many legendary projects helped shape this into something truly special.” Other Gunpowder & Sky productions include their documentary about Crow, Sheryl (Showtime); the soft rock history Sometimes When We Touch (Paramount+); and Lil Peep: Everybody’s Everything. Their audio series Words + Music features Beck, Eddie Vedder, Sia, and more.