Does Ringo Starr Get Royalties on Beatles Songs He Did Not Perform On?

Many assume that Ringo Starr, like the other members of The Beatles, would only receive royalties from the band's songs in which he actively participated. However, the reality is more nuanced and complex. Ringo does indeed benefit from the collective ownership of The Beatles' catalog, but the distribution of royalties is based on songwriting contributions and agreements within the band.

The Truth Behind Royalties in The Beatles

It's important to note that Ringo Starr, despite not writing many of the Beatles' songs, still benefits from their financial success. The majority of the band's songs were created by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, but Ringo's participation in the band entitles him to a share of the profits. This includes earnings from album sales, merchandise, and licensing deals.

Understanding Royalty Distribution

The specifics of royalty distribution can vary based on contracts and agreements. In general, The Beatles shared in the financial success of their collective works, regardless of who performed on each song. However, there are several types of royalties involved, and these are distributed differently:

Songwriting Royalties

Songwriting royalties are derived from the gross sales of records and are typically referred to as mechanical royalties. These royalties are a small percentage of the total sales and are split evenly between the publisher and the songwriter. The songwriter can also be a co-publisher, which can lead to them receiving a larger share.

Performance Royalties

Performance royalties, collected in the USA by organizations such as ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC, are also a type of songwriting royalty. These royalties are based on the performance of the song through radio plays, concert performances, and other public uses. The royalties are split as noted between the songwriter and the publisher.

Record Company's Share

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Specifics of Ringo Starr's Earnings

Interestingly, Ringo Starr's earnings from The Beatles' music extend beyond just performance royalties. The band signed record contracts that pay a percentage of record sales based on net profits by the record company. This money is also collected by the record company. This is one of the primary ways in which Ringo gets paid for his involvement in The Beatles.

Notable Facts

For instance, if Frank Sinatra records a Beatles song, both songwriting royalties and performance royalties are due. However, the songwriter receives the same payment regardless of who is recording or performing the song. In the case of "Something," the song's royalties would be claimed by both John Lennon and Paul McCartney, even though it is primarily associated with George Harrison's vocals.

Furthermore, Ringo Starr's current wealth is substantial. According to The Sunday Times, his estimated wealth is ￡280 million, with a yearly income of ￡20 million. This wealth is a testament to the enduring popularity and financial success of The Beatles.

Conclusion

In summary, Ringo Starr does benefit from The Beatles' catalog, receiving royalties for his contribution to the band's financial success. This is a reflection of the complex and collaborative nature of their organization and the various forms of royalties available in the music industry. Understanding the specifics of these royalties can provide valuable insight into the behind-the-scenes workings of one of the world's most iconic musical groups.