Ringo at Shea Stadium in 1965
Here’s the song that I performed at last night’s Vinebranch Coffee House. I first heard it when I was about 11 years old, during a PBS fundraising broadcast of the Beatles live at Shea Stadium. Ringo sang this song behind the drum kit. At the time I had never seen a drummer sing and play at the same time. (I didn’t know about Phil Collins back then.) Originally, “Act Naturally” was a #1 country hit by Capitol label-mates Buck Owens and the Buckaroos. The Beatles were fans of the Buckaroos. Whenever the Beatles did country-ish songs (for example, “I’m a Loser,” “Baby’s in Black,” and “What Goes On”), they always sounded a lot like Buck Owens.
Lead guitarist Gary Wilder, to my left, probably channels George Harrison more than the Buckaroos’ great Don Rich, but either way he sounds amazing.
There was a large and enthusiastic crowd at Coffee House. The newly renovated chapel was the perfect place for it. But most importantly, the band was outstanding. We’ll do it again in the spring!
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