Richard Henry Parkin Starkey: Who Was Ringo Starrs Father?

Richard Henry Parkin Starkey is the father of Ringo Starr. Richard Henry Parkin Starkey’s son Ringo Starr is an English musician, songwriter, and actor and a former member of the English rock band, the Beatles who are one of the best-selling music acts of all time. He is also a successful solo artist. As an actor, he appeared in the Beatles’ films such as A Hard Day’s Night (1964), Help! (1965), Magical Mystery Tour (1967), Yellow Submarine (1968) and Let It Be (1970).

Richard Henry Parkin Starkey: Bio Summary

Who Was Ringo Starr’s Father, Richard Henry Parkin Starkey?

Richard Henry Parkin Starkey also known as Big Ritchie was born on 1 October 1913, in West Derby, Metropolitan Borough of Liverpool, Merseyside, England. John George Parkin Starkey and Annie Elisabeth Bower were his parents. He was the brother of John Alfred Parkin Starkey. The information regarding his early life and relatives is very few. His educational details are not available.

Richard Starkey was a confectioner for a large bakery and an avid fan of swing. He met and fell in love with Elsie Gleave (1914–1987), the woman he would marry. How the two met is unknown. Details of their dating history haven’t been made public. They got married on 24 October 1936, in Liverpool, Lancashire, England. They used to live with Richard’s parents until they managed to get their own home.

Richard Starkey and Elsie Gleave regularly did some outings and they both enjoyed singing and dancing. They often spent time at the Liverpool Ballroom circuit. The couple welcomed a son Richard “Ringo Starr” Starkey, Jr., whom they also called “Ritchie”. Richard Jr was born on 7 July 1940, in Liverpool, England. He is the only child of Richard and Elsie. Richard and Elsie stopped their regular outings after Ritchie was born.

Richard Starkey aka “Big Ritchie” lost interest in his family. He spent long hours drinking and dancing in pubs, sometimes for several consecutive days. In the year 1940s, he left home and he and his wife ended their marriage. After the divorce, he visited occasionally and didn’t have a close relationship with his son. His son later mentioned that he has “no real memories” of his father.

ALSO, READ: Elsie Starkey: What Happened To Ringo Starr’s Mother?

Richard Henry Parkin Starkey’s ex-wife Elsie Gleave married Harry Graves on 17 April 1954, at the register office on Mount Pleasant, Liverpool. Richard was also married to Margaret Starkey. He lived a private life away from the spotlight. His son became Ringo Starr, a musician, songwriter, and actor. He achieved international fame as the drummer for the Beatles.

Ringo Starr was aware of what he wanted to do “at a very young age”. He recalled: “When I was 13, I only wanted to be a drummer”. In the year 1962, Ringo Starr officially joined Paul McCartney, John Lennon, and George Harrison in what would become one of the most important popular music acts of all time, or as Ringo says, “the biggest band in the land.”

Ringo Starr is widely admired for his songs and contributions to the music world. He is known for the songs, With A Little Help From My Friends, Don’t Pass Me By, Octopus’ Garden, Photograph, It Don’t Come Easy, Back Off Boogaloo, You’re Sixteen (You’re Beautiful and You’re Mine), Don’t Go Where the Road Don’t Go, The No No Song, and Never Without You, to name a few.

Ringo Starr has been inducted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame. In 2011, Rolling Stone readers named him the fifth-greatest drummer of all time. He was inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as a Beatle and as a solo artist. He was also appointed a Knight Bachelor in the 2018 New Year Honours for services to music.

Ringo Starr is also an acclaimed actor. He appeared in the Beatles’ films and directed and appeared in the concert film, Born to Boogie (1972). He played Larry the Dwarf in Frank Zappa’s 200 Motels (1971). His voice is also featured in Harry Nilsson’s animated film The Point! (1971). He co-starred in That’ll Be the Day (1973) as a Teddy Boy. He played ‘The Pope’ in Lisztomania (1975).

ALSO, READ: Lee Starkey: What Happened To Ringo Starr And Maureen Starkey’s Daughter?

What Happened To Ringo Starr’s Father?

Richard Henry Parkin Starkey died on 5 December 1981, at age 68, in Crewe, Cheshire East Unitary Authority, Cheshire, England. The cause of his death is unknown. He was buried at Middlewich Cemetery, Middlewich, Cheshire East Unitary Authority, Cheshire, England. He was the grandfather of Ringo Starr’s three children: Zak Starkey (b. 13 September 1965), Jason Starkey (b. 19 August 1967) and Lee Starkey (b. 11 November 1970).

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