Ringo Starr Announces New Country Album Long Long Road

Ringo Starr, 85, is set to release his 22nd solo album, Long Long Road, on April 24, 2025. The lead single, "Choose Love," drops this Friday.

The album, produced by T Bone Burnett, marks Starr's second foray into country music, following 1970's Beaucoups of Blues. It was recorded in Nashville and Los Angeles, with the decision to produce it coming just three days after he and Burnett completed their previous collaboration, Look Up.

Album Details

Long Long Road features six tracks written by Burnett and three original songs by Starr. The album also includes a cover of Carl Perkins' 1959 classic "I Don't See Me in Your Eyes Anymore" and a re-recorded version of Starr's 2005 song "Choose Love."

Starr has noted that the album's title was inspired by the phrase "The long and winding road" from The Beatles' catalog.

Collaborators

The album boasts an impressive lineup of guest artists, including:

Molly Tuttle
Billy Strings
Sheryl Crow
St. Vincent (Annie Clark)
Sarah Jarosz

Burnett personally facilitated the inclusion of Billy Strings and Molly Tuttle, adding a fresh bluegrass and Americana dimension to the project.

Historical Context

Starr's love for country and blues began in his Liverpool upbringing, where the port city gave him access to American records.

In 1970, he famously recorded Beaucoups of Blues in just two days in Nashville alongside pedal-steel legend Pete Drake.

Paul McCartney has noted that Starr was instrumental in introducing country music to The Beatles. Burnett further described the band's foundational influences as Americana and characterized Starr's drumming style as incorporating elements from both Texas and New Orleans music.

Recent Engagements

Last year, Starr performed at the Grand Ole Opry at the invitation of Emmylou Harris. He also filmed the special Ringo & Friends at the Ryman, which featured artists including Brenda Lee, Rodney Crowell, and Jack White.

Touring

Starr continues to tour with his All-Starr Band, which has featured a rotating lineup since 1990. However, he has stated he has no plans to tour Australia in 2025.