Paul McCartney says country music was always a part of | Music News

Rock icon Paul McCartney opened up about why his fellow Beatle Ringo Starr is completely suited to creating country music forward of the legendary drummer‘s upcoming music particular.

Starr launched a country album known as Look Up, which is basically an ode to his long-time love of the style, in January and shortly after introduced that like to life with two concert events taped at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium that CBS and Paramount+ will air on March 10 as Ringo & Friends on the Ryman.

While the 84-year-old has defined his style pivot, McCartney has additionally revealed why he wasn’t shocked that his former bandmate launched a country album.

Speaking to Mojo in January, shortly after Starr launched Look Up, McCartney spoke about what’s it about Starr’s persona – and singing voice – that’s so completely suited to country music.

The musician defined: “He always loved country from the first minute I met him. He liked the old country singers like George Jones and people like that, and he was a big fan of that.  

“So I believe, , possibly, it fits his persona. He’s a very honest, simple man, and I believe that’s the type of theme behind a lot of country music.”

Starr will celebrate his longtime love for country music alongside country icons like Emmylou Harris and Sheryl Crow at the world-famous Ryman Auditorium in Nashville in a new 2-hour concert special called Ringo & Friends at the Ryman, which airs Monday, March 10 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.

“When I was a teenager with Hank Williams and people like that the identify of the sport was to get right here,” he told CBS Mornings while walking backstage at the Ryman, once home of the Grand Ole Opry. 

“It was two nights of peace, love and country music,” Starr reflected on the concert in a CBS news release.

Starr has always loved country, even before he made waves with The Beatles.

As a teenager, he applied to emigrate from Liverpool to Houston, Texas, where his favorite blues singer Lightnin’ Hopkins was.

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Ultimately, he had to scrap the plan, but his failed cross-continent move allowed him to stay in Liverpool where The Beatles were born. 

Still, Starr brought his country roots to The Beatles on several occasions.

One of his first lead vocals for The Beatles was Carl Perkins’ country classic Honey Don’t and he also wrote the country rock tune Don’t Pass Me By, which appeared on The Beatles’ 1968 White Album.

“I imply, from the start you have been variety of the country man in The Beatles actually,” CBS News senior culture correspondent Anthony Mason said to Starr.

“I was,” he replied.

“I did love country music before I was in [the Beatles],” Starr told Billboard earlier this year. “We got plenty of it in Liverpool, because the lads who were in the merchant navy would bring not only rock and roll over, but country — and when country bands went on tour in England, they always played Liverpool.”

Taking to his Instagram to post a sneak peek of his music special, Starr wrote: “I had such a great time in Nashville in January enjoying the Ryman with so many good buddies, right here’s some behind the scenes from rehearsals.

“The show is out on @cbstv Monday, March 10 at 8pm – hope you tune in and enjoy. Peace and love, Ringo.”

Fans took to the feedback to reward the music legend, with one individual writing: “i love you ringo.”

Another added: “Hands down two of the best nights in the history of the ryman auditorium.”

A 3rd raved: “So glad I finally got to your concert!” as a fourth added: “It was an amazing show! I Can’t wait to relive it this Monday!”