Ringo Starr ... All Star so far

It was strange to watch Ringo Starr turn 70 years old yesterday.

Oh, he still looks great, and I can only wish I don't pass for 80 when I hit that same mile marker Ringo breezed passed on Wednesday.

All things must pass, and although no one could predict the strange twists of circumstance and mental misguidance that claimed two of the Four, Richard Starkey somehow didn't strike me as one to ever become the grand old man of music and culture.

But he did become just that, and more. For every Linlo and HoHan and SpenPratt and K-Fed and Tinkerbell out there, it's affirming to find someone with true talent not just surviving, but thriving, over the decades.

Perhaps the reason is that unlike the aforementioned contractions and nicknames, Ringo defines a sharp difference between celebrity and actual talent.

I had the opportunity to work professional with him, out in Los Angeles at Raleigh Studios about ten years ago, filming host segments for one of his many DVD music releases, "Ringo Starr, So Far."   He knew the business, he knew his lines (mostly) and he was willing to try something different in delivery or tone, as long as you could support your position and defend your decision.

Oh, sure, he'd grill you on the why and the wherefore of what you were asking from him. And then, professional to the core, he'd smile and just do it.

Well.  I cannot imagine Ringo in a tantrum or a SCRAM or leaving the scene of traffic accident -- all common occurrences among today's media celebrities.

And that's the difference with true professionals, far different from "famous just for being famous" and thank goodness some of them survive today.


Jim Furrer