Unreported John Lennon's Contributions to Ringo Starr: Songs Written Just for Him

Many are familiar with the iconic songs written and performed by the Beatles. However, what is often overlooked are the special songs that John Lennon wrote specifically for Ringo Starr. These songs were a testament to John's versatility as a songwriter and his appreciation for Ringo's unique talents and personality.

John Lennon's Personal Pieces for Ringo Starr

John Lennon, alongside Paul McCartney, was not only a member of the Beatles but also a meticulous songwriter who wrote songs tailored for each band member. Ringo Starr, known for his down-to-earth and humorous nature, received a few personal compositions from John. Let's delve into some of these songs.

Current List of John Lennon's Songs for Ringo

“Goodnight” from The White Album “I’m The Greatest” from the album of the same name “Goodnight Vienna” from the album Goodnight Vienna “Cookin’” from Ringo’s Rotogravure “Grow Old With Me” (unreleased at the time of Beatles)

Among these songs, the most notable is a record John Lennon wrote called “Nobody Told Me” which, despite Ringo's arrangement, would become a posthumous hit for Lennon.

Collaborative Efforts for Ringo

The Beatles, a band with a strategic vision, ensured that each member had a solo moment on every album. For Ringo, this meant writing songs that showcased his talents and, most importantly, his vocal range and personality. These songs were specifically crafted to enhance his performance and appeal to the fans, ensuring that Ringo had a standout moment with each Beatles album.

One of the most cherished pieces from a strategic collaboration was "With a Little Help from My Friends". This song was specifically written for Ringo to sing and was crafted to highlight his unique style. The process of creating this song, recorded by Joe Vinks, involved Hunter Davies providing detailed insights on how John and Paul wrote the song together, bouncing ideas off each other until they ended up with an inspired composition that celebrated Ringo's ability to inspire help from his friends.

"With a Little Help from My Friends" was not only a hit but also a showcase of John and Paul's ability to write songs that were uniquely tailored to Ringo's voice and his personality. This collaboration redefined what was possible for Ringo's solo work, setting a precedent for future bands to incorporate such strategies in their own music.

Other Notable Songs for Ringo

John Lennon also contributed several self-penned Beatles songs that he believed suited Ringo better than the band. Songs such as "Good Night" and "What Goes On" were handed over to Ringo, demonstrating John's trust and admiration for Ringo's unique vocal abilities and stage presence.

Beyond the Beatles, Ringo Starr showcased his solo talents with the songs "Don't Pass Me By" and "Octopus's Garden". Although George Harrison may have contributed to the latter, both songs solidified Ringo's status as a versatile and capable solo performer.

Conclusion

The contributions John Lennon made to Ringo Starr primarily through songwriting have been largely overshadowed by the larger collaborative efforts of the Beatles. However, these songs reveal a deep understanding and appreciation of Ringo's talents, showcasing John Lennon's talent as a songwriter and his commitment to elevating his bandmate's profiles.

Through these selective compositions and strategic collaborations, the Beatles ensured that each member received their moment in the spotlight, with Ringo's solo space being among the most cherished parts of each album. This not only reinforced his fan base but also set a blue print for future bands to prioritize individual member's strengths in their collaborative efforts.