Ringo Sings! Facts and Trivias on “Act Naturally”

This song was written by Johnny Russell and Voni Morrison. Russell was a prolific Country music songwriter, and Morrison was a member of Owens’ backup band. Russell’s lyrics were inspired by what he told his girlfriend when she asked why he went to Los Angeles: “They’re gonna put me in the movies, they’re gonna make a big star out of me.” (thanks, Bertrand – Paris, France)

Ringo Starr sang lead on this. He was a fan of Country music, and this became his showcase song.

The Beatles played this on their third live Ed Sullivan Show appearance. It gave Ringo a chance to sing on the show.

Recorded shortly after the filming of Help!, the lyrics are about appearing in movies. Ringo went on to act in many films, fulfilling what he sang about on this.

This was used as the B-side of “Yesterday.”

In 1989, Buck Owens re-recorded this as a duet with Ringo. (thanks, Bertrand – Paris, France)

The thing that really bothers me about people that bring down Ringo’s ability. In Anthology Paul says: “But when we first got Ringo into the band it really gelled. We played GOOD.” This means something, guys. Also Ringo once said about his drumming, which I think is appropriate: “The work is the joy. The results are just something you have to deal with. You resent the catcalls and don’t trust the ones who overpraise.”
- Tiffany, San Diego, CA

This is my fourth favorite Ringo tune. Not many people realize it, but Ringo’s vocals are pretty darn good.
- Steven, West Carrollton, OH

Ernie!! You are totally ripping off McCartney point of views and Ringo’s own interpretation of his drumming! If anybody reads McCartney’s memoir ‘Many Years From Now’, they will see that Ringo mentions that his drumming on ‘Rain’ was indeed in peak form there.
- Brian, Sydney, Canada

Rest In Peace, Buck Owens….
- Ross, St. Leo, MN

Yesterday is not an Beatles album, both of them (Yesterday and Act Naturally) are on HELP! Album
- Ricardo, Mexico, Mexico

Luna, don’t go overboard! Ringo was not as good as Mitch and Keith, but he is still very good adn deserves more credit then he gets.
- Johnny, Los Angeles, CA

There isn’t infinite room for every instrument on a particular song. With all the instrumentation of McCartney, Lennon and Harrison (Not to mention all the harmonies), it doesn’t leave alot of room for Ringo to bang on the drums like Mitchel or Moon. When he has too, he can and will very well, but he never felt the need to stand out. Might I add he is a much better singer than both of those other drummers.
- Robb, Hamburg, NY

Bookmark It

Hide Sites