"Beaucoups of Blues" is the second studio album by Ringo Starr, released in September 1970, just five months after his debut solo album, Sentimental Journey. This album marked a significant stylistic shift, embracing country and western influences instead of the pop-based sound of its predecessor.
Starr, a long-time fan of country music, recorded Beaucoups of Blues over three days in Nashville, working with producer Pete Drake and a talented group of local session musicians. While the album did not chart in the UK, it found moderate commercial success in the United States, reaching number 35 on the Billboard Country Albums chart and number 65 on the Billboard Top LPs chart. The project showcased Starr's versatility as an artist and his willingness to explore different musical genres.
During his time with The Beatles, Ringo Starr had already shown an affinity for country music. He sang lead on their cover of Buck Owens's "Act Naturally," co-wrote "What Goes On," and wrote "Don't Pass Me By." His love for the genre even influenced The Beatles' shift toward country sounds in their 1964 album Beatles for Sale.
In 1970, while participating in sessions for George Harrison's All Things Must Pass, Starr met American pedal steel guitarist Pete Drake. Drake had been flown in to play on some tracks, and during the airport pickup, he noticed the number of country albums Starr owned. Recognizing Starr's passion for the genre, Drake suggested they collaborate on an album. He confidently stated that his musician friends could come up with more than enough material in just a week, a claim Starr initially found hard to believe. Nonetheless, excited by the idea, Starr flew to Nashville on June 22 to start the project. This collaboration resulted in Beaucoups of Blues, showcasing Starr's commitment to exploring his musical roots in country music.
