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In 1973, Ringo Starr released a classic. By 2002, the song had forever changed
Ringo Starr’s 1973 single ‘Photograph’, co-written with George Harrison, became one of his best-known solo songs. Its meaning changed for Starr after Harrison died in 2001, turning a song about remembering a lost love into a reminder of his friend and collaborator.
The pair began writing it while sailing off the coast of France in 1971. ‘Photograph’ reached number one in the US and the UK top 10; at the 2002 Concert for George, Starr told the audience it now had a different meaning because Harrison had died. Starr later said he still enjoyed performing it.
In short
- Harrison helped Starr write ‘Photograph’.
- The song became a tribute to Harrison after his death.
- It reached number one in the US.
Explained simply
Ringo Starr and George Harrison were members of the Beatles before both made music as solo artists. Starr released “Photograph” in 1973, after writing it with Harrison; the song is about remembering someone who is no longer part of a relationship.
Harrison died in 2001, changing what the song meant to Starr: it became a way to remember his friend and former bandmate. Its success as a solo hit and its later association with Harrison help explain why the song has remained important in Starr’s career.