April 1965: Ringo's Records

     In April 1965, Ringo Starr and his new bride, Maureen, were photographed by Henry Grossman in the lounge of their newly redecorated flat at 34 Montagu Square, London. Photos from this session first appeared in the 10 July 1965 issue of Woman's Own.

    Ringo and Maureen had a large record collection but, unfortunately, we cannot see any of the titles from the records on the shelves. There is, however, one visible record on the floor behind Ringo's left arm. This record is Grand Ole Opry star Ernest Tubb & His Texas Troubadours' 1962 album Midnight Jamboree. Released in February 1962 on Decca in the USA and in June 1962 on Brunswick in UK, Ringo was first introduced to this album by his childhood friend, Roy Trafford, who shared Ringo's love of country music.

    Roy Trafford had picked up the album and learned to play the song 'Pass Me By', which he showed off for Ringo and friends at a party at Ringo's house, 10 Admiral Grove, Liverpool. On the record, Tubb's band provided the backing for many guest singers including Patsy Cline. 'Pass Me By' was sung by Linda Flanagan and written by Barbara Miller. The song's lyrics may seem somewhat familiar:

Pass me by

Oh pass me by

Don't you stop and make me cry

Don't slow down to say hello

For my heart might lose control

    The song made a lasting impact on the 22-year-old drummer. Indeed, it was within the same year of hearing this record that Ringo would commence work on his first songwriting effort, 'Don't Pass Me By'. Considering how close the lyric of Ringo's song is to 'Pass Me By' it is hard to understand why it took him another six years to complete and record the song for The Beatles double LP. The Beatles' recording of 'Don't Pass Me By' is unashamedly country-influenced and features fiddle played by Jack Fallon.

    In various interviews in the intervening years, The Beatles made reference to Ringo's sole composition. For example, Paul recited the first line in a conversation with Brian Matthew on the debut of BBC's Top Gear radio program (recorded on 14 July 1964, broadcast on 18 July 1964).

    During a 23 November 1964 taping of Ready, Steady, Go! Ringo told host Keith Fordyce that he had written one song but "it was pinched off another one so we couldn't do it." Well, even though it was pinched, they did end up doing it on the White Album!