Home Buzzing Celebrity Trends 02

8 Shocking Moments And The Full Star-Studded Lineup From Ringo & Friends At The Ryman CBS Special

• minute read
Contents

Ringo Starr, the legendary drummer of The Beatles, once again proved his enduring star power and universal appeal with the recent, highly-anticipated "Ringo & Friends at the Ryman" CBS special, which has captivated music fans globally. Airing in late December 2025, this two-hour television event was more than just a concert; it was a celebratory fusion of rock history and country music, taped at the historic Ryman Auditorium—often called the "Mother Church of Country Music"—in Nashville, Tennessee.

The special served a dual purpose: to showcase Ringo's unique connection to the country genre, following the release of his twenty-first studio album, *Look Up*, and to raise awareness and funds for the L.A. Wildfire Relief efforts. The sheer magnitude of the guest list, featuring a diverse array of music icons and contemporary stars, solidified the event as a once-in-a-lifetime musical gathering.

Sir Richard Starkey: A Complete Biography and Profile

Sir Richard Starkey, known universally as Ringo Starr, is an English musician, singer, songwriter, and actor who rose to global fame as the drummer for The Beatles. His distinctive drumming style, characterized by a steady, powerful beat and innovative fills, played a crucial role in shaping the sound of one of the most influential bands in history.

  • Full Name: Sir Richard Starkey, MBE
  • Born: July 7, 1940, in Liverpool, Merseyside, England
  • Age: 85 (as of July 2025)
  • Primary Role: Drummer for The Beatles (1962–1970)
  • Solo Career: Began in 1970 with the album *Sentimental Journey*. He has released 21 studio albums, including the recent country-leaning album, *Look Up*.
  • Signature Songs (Solo): "It Don't Come Easy," "Photograph," "You're Sixteen," and "Back Off Boogaloo."
  • Honors: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice (as a member of The Beatles in 1988 and as a solo artist in 2015); Knighted (MBE) in 2018 for services to music.
  • Current Project Focus: His All-Starr Band tours and his recent foray into country music with the *Look Up* album, produced by T Bone Burnett.

The Unprecedented Lineup: All the Friends at the Ryman

The two nights of taping on January 14 and 15, 2025, at the Ryman Auditorium were a testament to Ringo Starr's legacy and his deep connections across the music industry. The lineup for the "Ringo & Friends at the Ryman" special was a staggering mix of rock royalty, country legends, and contemporary Americana stars, all coming together to celebrate Ringo's solo hits, Beatles classics, and new tracks from *Look Up*.

The sheer diversity of the performers—spanning multiple genres and generations—is what made the event truly special.

Key Performers and Musical Entities

The following is a list of the confirmed "Friends" who joined Ringo Starr on the Ryman stage for the special:

  • Jack White: The rock icon and White Stripes frontman, adding a powerful, unexpected rock edge to the Nashville show.
  • Emmylou Harris: A legendary figure in country and folk music, whose presence underscored the special's connection to the Ryman's history.
  • Sheryl Crow: The multi-platinum singer-songwriter and rock veteran, a long-time friend of Ringo's.
  • Billy Strings: The Grammy-winning bluegrass sensation, who also features on Ringo's *Look Up* album, notably on the track "Breathless."
  • Mickey Guyton: The contemporary country music star, adding her powerful voice to the celebration.
  • Rodney Crowell: The esteemed country music singer and songwriter.
  • Sarah Jarosz: The acclaimed Americana singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist.
  • T Bone Burnett: The celebrated producer, who helmed Ringo’s new country album, *Look Up*.
  • Molly Tuttle: Another contemporary bluegrass/country star featured on the *Look Up* album track "Look Up."
  • Alison Krauss: The bluegrass and country music superstar, also featured on Ringo's new album.

Additionally, the CBS special featured commentary and tributes from two other music titans: Paul McCartney and Dolly Parton, who discussed their favorite Ringo-sung Beatles tunes, adding a powerful emotional layer to the broadcast.

The Hidden Intentions: Country Music and Charity

While Ringo Starr is synonymous with British rock and The Beatles' legacy, the "Ringo & Friends at the Ryman" special was fundamentally a celebration of his recent pivot into the country music genre. The choice of the Ryman Auditorium, a sacred space in country music, was deliberate, connecting Ringo's new sound with the genre's spiritual home.

The special highlighted tracks from his 2025 album, *Look Up*, which has been praised for its authentic, roots-driven sound, largely due to the production work of T Bone Burnett. The album features collaborations that seamlessly bridge the gap between rock and country, including Billy Strings, Molly Tuttle, and Alison Krauss.

Beyond the music, a significant focus was placed on charity. Proceeds from the performance of the iconic song "With a Little Help from My Friends," a staple of Ringo's shows, were specifically earmarked for the L.A. Wildfire Relief efforts. This humanitarian element showcased Ringo's commitment to using his platform for positive change, a consistent theme throughout his career.

The Legacy of the All-Starr Band vs. "Ringo & Friends"

For decades, Ringo Starr has toured with his renowned All-Starr Band, a rotating supergroup featuring musicians who were successful in their own right, such as Steve Lukather and Colin Hay. However, the "Ringo & Friends" format at the Ryman was a distinct, one-off event, separate from his traditional touring band.

The Ryman show focused less on a fixed band structure and more on a series of collaborative duets and ensemble performances, allowing the "Friends" to interpret Ringo's music through a country and Americana lens. This unique structure allowed for the inclusion of deep-cut solo hits and unexpected genre mashups, creating a truly unique viewing and listening experience that celebrated the breadth of Ringo's musical journey. The enthusiasm from the audience and the critical success of the CBS special confirm that Ringo Starr continues to be a unifying force in the world of music.

ringo and friends at the ryman
ringo and friends at the ryman

Detail Author:

  • Name : Elijah O'Keefe
  • Username : bailey.francesco
  • Email : georgiana54@yahoo.com
  • Birthdate : 1995-06-21
  • Address : 47821 Mraz Locks North Jennifer, WY 13476-4898
  • Phone : 386.453.7245
  • Company : Kautzer, Blick and Roob
  • Job : Teacher
  • Bio : Ea qui maxime itaque sed ipsum. Qui quisquam velit dolor necessitatibus nemo nihil exercitationem.

Socials

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/bgoldner
  • username : bgoldner
  • bio : Cupiditate modi aut illo quibusdam sunt. Quia laborum et omnis. Quos rerum quo aspernatur non.
  • followers : 4786
  • following : 1174

facebook:

  • url : https://facebook.com/baby_id
  • username : baby_id
  • bio : Et inventore eos quia temporibus non repellat.
  • followers : 5931
  • following : 93

linkedin:

Random Posts