Daddy Ringo

 

Back when they used to smoke during a meal

 September 21, 1983 

Not Your Father's Oldsmobile

 

In 1989 Ringo and his daughter, Lee made a great commercial for Oldsmobile.  These photos from the shoot show that Maureen and Jason were also there on the set. 

Playboy Party 1978

 July 18, 1978

In 1974, Ringo and Keith Moon were banned from the Playboy Club in Los Angeles.  I guess they weren't banned from all Playboy properties because on this date in 1978, Ringo brought his children and his ex-wife, Maureen along with Keith Moon to a big Playboy family party.   It looks like everyone had a good time -- playing pool, watching hot air balloons, playing pinball,  eating and drinking fancy drinks and it looks like Lee got ahold of a party balloon (which when you are a kid, it is pretty exciting to get to play with a balloon from a grown up party).  

All part of the family

 

Ringo and Lee

 

April 6, 1992 

The Extended Starkey Family

 

June 29, 1996 

Just Ask Alice

 

May 1991 -- Lee Starkey opens up a boutique called Alice 

Piggyback

 

Happy Belated 50th birthday Lee!

 

November 11, 1970 --   Lee Starkey was born.  Lee is the only daughter of Ringo and Maureen.   They had picked the name "Lee" for a girl's name since before Zak was born in 1965.      Lee is an amazing woman that has been through major health issues and is the mother of triplets.    Happy belated  birthday Lee!

The Lady is a Champ

Photo taken by Zak Starkey 

Thinking of the sweet Maureen on her birthday today.   This is such an adorable photo taken by her oldest son. 

Ringo and two of his kids

Ringo and his extended family

I always love how Ringo includes the daughter Maureen had with her second husband with the rest of the family.    Although isn't this incorrect?  Augusta is Lee and Zak's half-sister -- not their step-sister.

The happiest place on Earth!

Photo by Nancy Andrews

By the time you all see this, I will be at Disney World in Florida!   I am setting the scheduler to post some things while  I am gone including some Beatles photos with a Disney theme.   If you have been following this blog since the beginning, you will remember that I love the Beatles and Disney, so you know I am having a great time. 

I am kicking things off with two photos of Ringo at Disneyland in the late 1970s.   I have had these photos in my files for very long time, but just recently figured out that they were taken on the same day. 

Father Ringo

Ringo comes across as a pretty awesome Dad.      I am sure there were some rocky times when Ringo was living the party life in L.A. and his kids were at home in London, but overall he has raised three great kids and he always seems so proud of them. 

The Starkey family

Some of Ringo's favorite people

Dad's weekend

All in the family

One thing that I love about the Beatles that I never really thought would happen, is how all of the kids and family members are super supportive of one another.    Zak Starkey's new band, SSHH, had a gathering last night in London for the release of their album and for the Teenage Cancer Trust and look who came out to support him.   No surprises that little sis Lee Starkey was there and step-sister  Francesca Gregorin.   Dad Ringo and step-mom Barbara ended their beach vacation for the event.   Mary and James McCartney also came out for "cousin" Zaks party.       It warms my heart to see the Starkey's and the McCartney's supporting one another at events like this.     They seem to  be a lot closer than some families that I know.

Thank Mo! -- We still love you 21 year later!

It was on this date in 1994 that Ringo's former wife, Maureen Cox lost her battle with leukemia  and passed away in a Seattle hospital with her entire family (including Ringo) by her side.   Maureen was and still is a much loved "Beatle girl" not only because of her beauty and style but for her dedication and devotion to her husband, Ringo during the Beatle years.     Maureen first met Ringo at the Cavern Club while he was a drummer for Rory Storm and the Hurricanes.   The couple dated for several years until Maureen found out she was pregnant and Ringo proposed to her.    Maureen was the ideal wife in many ways.  She was very supportive of her husband's career.   When Ringo came home from the recording studio in the middle of the night, Maureen would have diner waiting for her husband.   And of course who on the rooftop was applauding and cheering the loudest?   Maureen!    And while their romance was rocky and did end in divorce, Maureen and Ringo had three children together and they did an amazing job of co-parenting.  Ringo included his ex-wife in parties and events and never once spoke badly about her.     Ringo went on to marry Barbara and Maureen married Isaac Tigrett,  the former couple still remained friend.  Ringo even included the daughter Maureen and Issac had together whenever there was a family gathering.  

Because of Maureen's class and kindness Beatle fans all around the world were devastating when learning that Maureen had passed away.   Paul McCartney wrote the beautiful song, "Little Willow" in memory of his friend, Maureen.    And 21 years after her death, fans still adore Maureen.