Ringo Starr has opened up about his new Americana album 'Long Long Road', the growing resurgence of country music, and the vibrant energy it injected into The Beatles. In an interview with NME, the legendary drummer discussed his third foray into the genre, following his 1970 classic 'Beaucoups Of Blues' and last year's acclaimed 'Look Up'. The 10-song album, co-written and produced by T Bone Burnett, features collaborations with Billy Strings, Sheryl Crow, and St Vincent.
Reflecting on his love for vinyl, Starr shared a personal anecdote about moving to LA in 2014. He had planned to distribute his album collection among his three children but couldn't part with his favorites. "I said, 'I'm just going to give them to my three kids at random'. One by one, whatever they get, they get, but I looked and went, 'I'm not giving them these, I love these!' I've still got them in storage."
Starr also recalled a moment with his son Zak, former drummer for The Who and Oasis, who excitedly introduced him to Ray Charles. "He came running up to me and says, 'Dad, you've got to hear this record. It's this guy, Ray Charles'. I did the whole father thing, 'Oh, you kids. I've been listening to him for years!'"
When asked if his children ever forced him to listen to bad music, Starr credited his stepfather for his open-minded approach. "He never once said, 'Get that crap off!' He'd say, 'Oh, what are you listening to, son?' I did that with my three children. They've changed as the years have gone on, just like I did."
'Long Long Road' is available now.