A Day in the Life Blog

On this date, Ringo Starr had a session in the studio working on two songs for his debut solo album Sentimental Journey.

He recorded a mono demo of Whispering Grass, a 1940 hit for The Ink Spots. Several takes were recorded, and an edit of takes three and five was taken away by George Martin and given to arranger Ron Goodwin.

Ringo Starr added lead vocals to Elmer Bernstein’s new arrangement of the 1945 song Have I Told You Lately That I Love You.

Starr’s vocals were added simultaneously with a tape reduction mix; it took 18 attempts before everyone was happy with the results. Between 6pm and 7pm the completed recording was mixed into stereo.

ON THIS DAY IN 1964

John Lennon and Yoko Ono appear on British TV for the first time since cutting off their long hair. They tape an appearance on this date, to be broadcast the following day, on London Weekend TV's "The Simon Dee Show." Michael X, the British Black Power leader who was the beneficiary of the auctioning of John and Yoko's hair, appears with them.

And....Joe Cocker's version of The Beatles' classic, She Came In Through The Bathroom Window, peaks at #30 on the pop chart.

Today John and Yoko Ono gave an interview to David Wigg for the BBC radio show at Apple Headquarters in Savile Row, London.

Even though The Beatles had split up, and Lennon had no intention to work with them again, he was still reluctant to draw a line under the group in public. Although he admitted there were no plans to work together until the release of the Let It Be album and film, he said he “wouldn’t destroy it [the group] out of hand”, and that the current hiatus could be “a rebirth or a death”.

He did, however, reveal plans to record an album with Ono and Phil Spector, and that Paul McCartney was planning his own solo release (Lennon was unaware that McCartney had been working on the McCartney album since late 1969.)

Challenged by Wigg on The Beatles’ lack of activity, Lennon pointed out that a similar lull had taken place before the release of Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. He explained further that the discussions over appointing a manager to run Apple had caused a great deal of friction, as had the failure to retain control over Northern Songs.

Back on this date - February 5, 1963

The Beatles at the Shapiro package tour at Gaumont Cinema, Hallgate, Doncaster, Yorkshire

In a publicity stunt on a London rooftop, the newly-shorn John Lennon and Yoko Ono give Michael X a bag of their cut hair in return for a pair of Muhammad Ali's boxing trunks. The British press ignore the latest Lennon escapades, a sign that they have grown weary of the couple’s constant quest for media attention. One thing does not go ignored however: it was at this event that it became evident from John’s ragged physical appearance that he was on heroin.

Cover of Rolling Stone

Today Ringo recorded the eighth session for his debut studio album, Sentimental Journey.

On this date in 1963....The Beatles headed an eight hour eight band "Rhythm and Blues Marathon" at the Cavern Club (where else?) in Liverpool.

Today Ringo and Maureen returned to London from New York. Ringo would be back in the recording studio, to begin a session for his debut solo album Sentimental Journey.

Back on February 1, 1963

Ringo Starr and his wife Maureen Starkey returned to Los Angeles after their meeting with Elvis Presley in Las Vegas. They had arrived in LA on 26 January to attend the US premiere of The Magic Christian, which starred Ringo.

This was a short stop in the city. The following day they flew to New York, returning to England the day after.