Ringo: With a Little Help is the first in-depth biography of iconic Beatles drummer Ringo Starr. This book traces the entire are of Starr's remarkable life and career, from his sickly childhood to his life as The World's Most Famous Drummer-and to his triumphs, addictions, and emotional battles following the breakup of The Beatles as he came to terms with his legacy. Born in 1940 as Richard "Richy" Starkey in the Dingle, one of Liverpool's toughest neighborhoods, he was raised after the age of three by a single mother, who worked hard to keep food on the table. He rose from a hardscrabble childhood to a post, against all odds, as a locally renowned drummer in the late 1950s with Rory and the Hurricanes, adopting the stage name Ringo Starr. His success with Rory triggered a life-altering decision, much to his family's dismay: to leave his work as an apprentice engineer and declare himself a career drummer. He quickly earned a reputation as one of Liverpool's top stickmen, and in 1962, he would make another pivotal decision-leaving the Hurricanes to join The Beatles as their new drummer. Ringo Starr's big break with The Beatles rocketed him to the pinnacle of worldwide acclaim in a remarkably short time. "I'm here because it happened," Ringo once said.

"But I didn't do anything to make it happen apart from saying 'Yes.'" He was the last member of The Beatles to join the group but also the most vulnerable. Following the group's breakup in 1970, his life has had its highs and lows: chart-topping successes as a solo act; a checkered acting career; a jet-setting ride of excess and alcohol abuse; a split from hometown bride Maureen Cox; finding lasting love with his second wife, Barbara Bach; and, ultimately, his, rebirth as one of rock's revered elder statesmen. Thoroughly researched and thoughtfully written, featuring interviews with childhood friends, industry colleagues, and Beatles insiders, and including reflections from drumming greats Phil Collins, Kenny Aronoff, Max Weinberg, and John Densmore, this is the long-overdue story of Ringo Starr. Book jacket.