In 1962 Ringo Starr replaced Pete Best as the drummer of the Beatles, who were one of the most popular bands of the 1960's and continue to be so even today. Pete Best was dismissed from the Beatles - despite being a favorite with the fans - because the band's record label (EMI) had issues with Best's drumming ability. The other members of the Beatles have since claimed that the decision was also caused by Best having difficulties in fitting in with the rest of the group.
When Ringo Starr joined the Beatles, he wasn't aware of how much success and fame was going to come his way. However, he came to be seen as one of the best and most innovative drummers that the music industry has ever seen. Paul McCartney once sent Ringo a postcard telling him that he was the best drummer in the world and John Lennon described Starr as the 'heart' of the band. Some music critics even believe that one can identify a Beatles track simply by listening to Ringo's drumming. Although it is often said that Ringo Starr was one of the most underrated musicians in the industry, musicians such as Phil Collins, Max Weinberg and Liberty DeVitto count him among their primary influences.
