ON THIS DAY: LP RELEASE “RINGO THE 4th”

ByBeatles Magazine

Sep 20, 2023 #Ringo Starr

Ringo the 4th was released on 20 September in the UK, and 10 days later in the US. The album managed to make it to No. 162 in the US.

Ringo Starr’s sixth solo album, Ringo The 4th, was recorded and released in 1977 through Atlantic (US) and Polydor Records (UK) with 70s soul-pop and hints of disco music. Ringo was accompanied by New York studio pros, and he wrote most of the songs with Vini Poncia, while using the input of different musicians.

Sessions began on 5 February 1977, at Cherokee Studios in Los Angeles, produced by Arif Mardin. The first songs recorded were two unreleased tracks: “Lover Please” and “Wild Shining Stars”. Near the end of the month, Ringo recorded “Out on the Streets”, “It’s No Secret” and “Gypsies in Flight”.

In June, recording sessions were held at Atlantic Studios in New York where the tracks that ended up on the album were recorded. In addition, the B-side “Just a Dream”, as well as an unreleased track, “By Your Side”, were recorded. Ringo moved back to Cherokee Studios, where he held more sessions towards the end of the month, where a few more unreleased tracks were recorded: “Birmingham”, “This Party” and a different version of “Just a Dream”. David Foster played keyboards on a couple of songs, while Melissa Manchester, Luther Vandross, and Bette Midler occasionally appeared on backing vocals.

The album cover was designed by John Kosh, with cover photography by Nancy Andrews and Lew Hahn.

Track Listing

Drowning In The Sea Of Love
Tango All Night
Wings
Gave It All Up
Out On The Streets
Can She Do It Like She Dances
Sneakin’ Sally Through The Alley
It’s No Secret
Gypsies In Flight
Simple Love Song