Ringo Starr is about to cross a huge item off of his bucket list. The founding member of the Beatles will make his Grand Ole Opry debut on February 21.
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Starr was invited to perform at the Opry by Emmylou Harris, while at the Ryman Auditorium. Starr was performing the first of two headlining shows in support of his new country album, Look Up.
Harris was a surprise for Starr, who replied to her invitation with his own bit of comedy.
"When is that, July?" he asked, with Harris telling him his debut was to happen next month.
"I'd love to," he said. "It's an honor and a pleasure. Thank you."
Opry Executive Producer Dan Rogers praises Starr for his contribution in music. Starr will perform as part of the Grand Ole Opry's 100th anniversary celebration.
"What an honor that after all the extraordinary music he has made and all the incredible history he's been a part of, Ringo Starr will be making his Opry debut during this, the Opry's milestone 100th year," Rogers said. "It's going to be a night like no other."
Look Up
Few could have ever predicted Starr's segue from being part of arguably the biggest band of all time to making country music. But to Starr, it's an easy evolution, especially after joining forces with T Bone Burnett.
Starr first asked Burnett to produce what he thought was going to be another EP. But when Burnett brought him nine songs that he had written or co-written, the plans for Look Up fell into place.
"I had been making EPs at the time and so I thought we would do a country EP - but when he brought me nine songs I knew we had to make an album! And I am so glad we did," Starr says. "I want to thank, and send peace and love to T Bone and all the great musicians who helped make this record. It was a joy making it and I hope it is a joy to listen to."
Look Up features guest appearances by Molly Tuttle, Billy Strings, Lucius, Larkin Poe and Alison Krauss. Tickets for Starr's Grand Ole Opry debut are available at Opry.com.
