How Many Number One Hits Did Ringo Starr Have?
Ringo Starr is a name most people instantly recognize—thanks not only to his legendary role as the drummer of The Beatles but also to his enduring solo career. While he was best known for keeping the beat, Ringo occasionally stepped into the spotlight as a lead vocalist, and many fans might not realize he also has some solid songwriting chops.
After The Beatles disbanded in 1970, Ringo didn’t slow down. He went on to release 20 studio albums and several successful singles over the decades. Though he’s the only Beatle who never reached #1 on the UK charts as a solo artist, he did score two #1 hits on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.
His first chart-topping single was “Photograph”, co-written with George Harrison. It hit #1 on November 24, 1973, and held the top spot for one week. The song came from his album RINGO, which became a massive success in both the U.S. and the UK.
His second U.S. #1 came just a few months later with a cover of “You’re Sixteen.” Also featured on the RINGO album, it climbed to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 on January 26, 1974, and stayed there for a week.
The RINGO album proved that Starr could hold his own as a solo artist, showcasing his charm, musical talent, and knack for picking great songs. And even decades later, Ringo isn’t ready to slow down—he’s still making music and recently announced plans to tour again.
Ringo may not have as many #1 hits as some of his Beatles bandmates, but with two chart-toppers and a career spanning over five decades, he’s clearly carved out his own impressive legacy.