RINGO

'It Don't Come Easy'

I think I have posted this before and I don't care! I love Ringo and bought his first two albums and have said what I think about his signature drumming style but this for me was his peak for singles. You know it don't come easy . . . . . . 

On this day in music history: April 16, 1971 - “It Don’t Come Easy” by Ringo Starr is released (UK release date is on April 9, 1971). Written by Richard Starkey, it is the second solo single by the former Beatle drummer. Less than three weeks prior to the official announcement that The Beatles are breaking up, Ringo Starr issues his first solo release, the pop standards album “Sentimental Journey”. Before sessions wrap on that album, Ringo writes “It Don’t Come Easy” (originally titled “You Gotta Pay Your Dues”) with assistance from his band mate George Harrison, though does not take a co-writing credit. The first recording of the track with George Martin producing takes place in Studio Two at Abbey Road Studios on February 18, 1970, with Ringo on drums, Harrison on acoustic and electric guitars, Klaus Voorman on bass and Stephen Stills (who happens to be present at the session) on piano. The band run through twenty takes of “Easy”, before another ten with take thirty being considered the best. The first version is shelved when Ringo feels that it can be improved upon and to this day remains unreleased. On March 8, 1970, they record a re-make of “It Don’t Come Easy” at Trident Studios in London, this time with George Harrison handling the production duties. The second recording session features the same musicians, plus Ron Cattermole (saxophone, trumpet) and long time Beatles roadie Mal Evans playing tambourine. The basic track is cut, with further overdubs recorded the following day. After this, the song is still unfinished, and the recording does not resume again until final overdubs and mixing are completed in October of 1970. During the final sessions for “Easy”, the B-side “Early 1970” is recorded. Also written by Starr, the song is the drummer’s account of The Beatles after they split, expressing his hope that he’ll see his mates and play music with them again. With Ringo’s second album, the country and western flavored “Beaucoups Of Blues” being released in late September of 1970, the two songs are held back for release until after the new year. Issued as a stand alone single in April of 1971, “It Don’t Come Easy” is an instant smash. Entering the Hot 100 at #49 on May 1, 1971, it streaks into the top five just five weeks later, peaking at #4. It becomes Ringo’s first million selling single, and one of his most popular and beloved songs. “It Don’t Come Easy” is certified Gold in the US by the RIAA. 

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