Ringo Announces Country Album Two

Ringo's foray into country music is a long-standing passion, not a recent trend. His first full country album, *Beaucoups of Blues*, was his second solo release back in 1970, recorded in Nashville with local session players. This deep-rooted affection was also evident during his time with The Beatles, where he sang lead on the Buck Owens hit "Act Naturally" and wrote the country-tinged "Don't Pass Me By." The collaboration with producer T Bone Burnett began when Starr asked him to write a single song for an EP. Burnett, a Grammy-winning producer known for the "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" soundtrack and his work with artists like Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, returned with nine country songs, which evolved into the 2025 album *Look Up*. *Look Up* was met with generally positive reviews, praised for its timeless Americana feel and avoiding modern country trends. The album featured a lineup of contemporary Americana and country artists, including Molly Tuttle, Alison Krauss, and Billy Strings, who lent their talents to the project. *Long Long Road* continues this partnership, with Burnett writing or co-writing six of the ten tracks. The album was recorded in both Nashville and Los Angeles with a core band dubbed "The Texans," a nod to a Liverpool group Starr played with in 1959. The new album promises an expanded roster of guest artists, including Sheryl Crow, St. Vincent, and a returning Billy Strings. The lead single, "It's Been Too Long," features vocals from Molly Tuttle and Sarah Jarosz, signaling a continuation of the collaborative spirit from the previous record. The tracklist for *Long Long Road* includes a cover of Carl Perkins' "I Don't See Me In Your Eyes Anymore," connecting Ringo's rock and roll roots with his current country explorations. Ringo co-wrote two songs for the album, including one with his longtime collaborator Bruce Sugar.