Ringo Starr - I'm the Greatest Lyrics

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who wrote 'I'm the Greatest'?

   'I'm the Greatest' was written by John Lennon. He crafted the song as a wry comment on his rise to fame and later tailored the lyrics for Ringo Starr to sing.

2. Which Beatles members participated in the recording of 'I'm the Greatest'?

   The recording featured three former Beatles members: Ringo Starr, John Lennon, and George Harrison. It was the only time these three collaborated between the Beatles' breakup in 1970 and Lennon's death in 1980.

3. Where and when was 'I'm the Greatest' recorded?

   'I'm the Greatest' was recorded in March 1973 at Sunset Sound Recorders in Los Angeles, during a time when the former Beatles members' tensions had eased.

4. What notable musicians contributed to the 'I'm the Greatest' session?

   In addition to Ringo Starr, John Lennon, and George Harrison, the session featured Klaus Voormann on bass and Billy Preston on organ. The project was produced by Richard Perry, adding another layer of musical expertise to the track.

5. What notable references are in 'I'm the Greatest' lyrics?

   The lyrics reference Ringo Starr's alter ego 'Billy Shears' from the Beatles' 1967 album 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.' It also includes a nod to the phrase 'boogaloo,' a pet phrase of Marc Bolan, inspiring Starr's earlier hit 'Back Off Boogaloo.'

6. Has 'I'm the Greatest' been included in other albums or performances?

   Yes, 'I'm the Greatest' was included in Ringo Starr's compilations 'Blast from Your Past' (1975) and 'Photograph: The Very Best of Ringo Starr' (2007). Starr often performed it in concert with his All-Starr Band, notably on the album 'Live from Montreux' (1993).