This week, Ringo Starr channeled a rugged cowboy vibe, performing blues-infused selections during a star-studded tribute in Nashville, which highlighted his country-inspired new album titled “Look Up.”

The former Beatles drummer, who rose to fame back in the 1960s, attracted enthusiastic crowds composed of musical legends and dedicated fans throughout the course of two nights.

A special called “CBS presents Ringo and Friends at The Ryman” is scheduled to air this spring as a two-hour feature on CBS, also available for streaming on Paramount+. The proceeds from this unique all-star performance of “With a Little Help from My Friends” will benefit the American Red Cross and those affected by the California wildfires.

The former Beatles drummer, who rose to fame back in the 1960s, attracted enthusiastic crowds composed of musical legends and dedicated fans throughout the course of two nights. He even received an invitation to perform at the Grand Ole Opry.

Emmylou Harris made the request on stage.

Starr paused, chuckled, and responded, “When is that, July?”

Harris replied: “February,” leading him to say, “I’d love to. It’s a pleasure and an honor. Thank you.”

Starr is set to make his debut at the Opry on February 21.

T Bone Burnett, a collaborator on “Look Up” and an established figure in American music, joyfully served as an emcee while 20 songs were performed over two hours on Wednesday night.

The event solidified in the hearts of both music icons and ardent fans that Starr has truly mastered the art of making music with a little help from his friends.

Notable artists who graced the stage included guitar legend Jack White, Country Music Hall of Famers Paul Franklin, Emmylou Harris, and Brenda Lee, as well as acclaimed modern artists like Sheryl Crow, Rodney Crowell, Mickey Guyton, Sarah Jarosz, Jamey Johnson, Larkin Poe, Billy Strings, and The War and Treaty.

Here are five standout moments from the shows:

Carl Perkins’ influence shines brightly

Starr’s enduring musical legacy fits effortlessly into the rich mix of blues, country, and folk, which forms the roots of rock and roll ingrained in American culture.

Thus, it was only fitting that the event honored Carl Perkins, the Sun Records legend and the original performer of “Blue Suede Shoes” in 1955.

Billy Strings and Jack White brought their laid-back confidence to Perkins’ classic tracks, embodying the moment while elevated above the steady rhythms crafted by their skill.

When stepping up to perform his album tracks like “Time On My Hands,” Perkins presented a unique vibe that mirrored both legendary bluesman Lightnin’ Hopkins and Canadian country star Hank Snow, who achieved mainstream success before Perkins did by a handful of years.

Jack White kicked off the evening with “Matchbox,” dressed in a Western-style sport coat in black and white.

Perkins, Starr, and Eric Clapton had recorded this song for “Blue Suede Shoes: A Rockabilly Session” in 1985. Therefore, what the audience witnessed onstage at The Ryman was a continuation of a song and genre that carries a legacy beyond its individual performers.

Strings dazzled with his ability to echo Perkins’ vocal style, infusing a lively, juke joint feel into his rendition of “Honey Don’t.” It wouldn’t have seemed out of place if the audience had broken out into a lively dance party.

Celebrating the presence of women in music

The evening also served as a tribute to the significant contributions of women in popular music through the ages.

Echoes of beloved country stars from the late 1950s to early 1960s, like Maybelle Carter and Patsy Cline, mingled with the legendary pop-soul group The Shirelles. With Brenda Lee and Emmylou Harris in attendance, they effortlessly connected with the spirits of those pioneering women.

Sheryl Crow revisited her 1980s role as a backing vocalist, performing alongside Grammy-winner Molly Tuttle and Grammy-nominee Mickey Guyton, with Starr leading on The Beatles’ country-influenced “It Don’t Come Easy.” This combination of talents highlighted a rich legacy that brought together various generations of female artists, icons, and torchbearers.

As Starr took to the drums to back Crow, Tuttle, and Larkin Poe on The Shirelles’ 1960 hit “Boys,” the experience felt crisp, polished, and joyful.

The War and Treaty honor Harry Nilsson

The War and Treaty’s rendition of Harry Nilsson’s “Without Her” was memorable for showcasing their remarkable skill in conveying the essence of a song directly to the audience’s soul, almost bypassing thought entirely. Hall of Fame producer Al Kooper once referred to Nilsson’s voice as “fearlessly, unflinchingly virtuosic.” More than sixty years later, this sentiment rings true for the iconic singer-songwriter.

The live band for the event featured Dennis Crouch on slap bass, Jim Keltner on drums, guitarists David Mansfield and Daniel Tashian, Mike Rojas on piano, and Paul Franklin on steel guitar. Many prominent artists, including Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Elton John, and Kacey Musgraves, have enjoyed performing with this talented ensemble.

Emmylou Harris leads “With a Little Help From My Friends”

As the event concluded, Emmylou Harris grinned widely, introducing nearly every performer present on stage, including Starr’s long-time friend and chart-topping Country and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Brenda Lee — joining in to sing The Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine” and “With a Little Help from My Friends.”

In that moment, Harris’ joyous presence and Starr’s whimsical demeanor — his fingers raised in a peace sign — infused the evening with a cosmic feeling of wonder.

Ultimately, the event conveyed an important message: when harmonies bring smiles and rhythm, a sense of calm and warmth emerges, making everything feel right in the universe.

Ticket information for Ringo Starr at the Grand Ole Opry

Tickets for many upcoming Opry events in 2025 can be purchased at http://opry.com. Prices start at $59.

CBS presents RINGO & FRIENDS AT THE RYMAN, Setlist, 1/16/25

• “Matchbox” (Carl Perkins cover) (w/ Jack White)
• “It Don’t Come Easy” (w/ Sheryl Crow, Mickey Guyton, Molly Tuttle)
• “Time On My Hands”
• “Octopus’ Garden” (The Beatles cover) (w/ Molly Tuttle)
• “Don’t Pass Me By” (The Beatles cover) (w/ Jack White)
• “Thankful”
• “Honey Don’t” (Carl Perkins cover) (w/ Billy Strings)
• “Without Her” (w/ The War and Treaty)
• “I Don’t Want to Spoil the Party” (The Beatles cover) (w/ Sheryl Crow, Molly Tuttle)
• “Boys” (The Shirelles cover) (Ringo on vocals and drums, w/ Sheryl Crow, Larkin Poe, Molly Tuttle)
• “Have You Seen My Baby” (w/ Jamey Johnson)
• “You Don’t Know Me at All” (w/ Mickey Guyton)
• “Act Naturally” (The Beatles cover) (with Rodney Crowell, Sarah Jarosz)
• “I Wanna Be Your Man” (The Beatles cover) (with Larkin Poe) (Ringo offstage)
• “What Goes On” (The Beatles cover) (w/ Billy Strings, Molly Tuttle, Ringo on drums)
• “Look Up” (w/ Molly Tuttle)
• “Photograph”
• “Yellow Submarine” (The Beatles cover) (w/ Emmylou Harris, everyone)
• With a Little Help From My Friends (The Beatles cover) (with everyone)