Video: 'Night And Day'

(Monday, October 27, 1969, 2:30-5:00 p.m./7:00-9:30 p.m. BST) — Ringo Starr of The Beatles began recording his first solo studio album today at EMI Studio 3 in London, capturing “Night and Day” in two sessions.

The plan was to create an album of standards that would reflect some favorite songs of his mother Elsie Starkey and step-dad Harry, even asking them and other members of his family to choose the tracks.

Starr engaged the services of Beatles producer George Martin to helm his solo debut, shortly after the Beatles’ Abbey Road came out.

Although Starr was the third member of the group to issue solo work (after George Harrison and John Lennon), Sentimental Journey was the first non-avant-garde studio album by a member of the band.

“Night And Day” was written by Cole Porter, and had been a 1937 hit for Tommy Dorsey. Starr’s version had an arrangement by Chico O’Farrill and was conducted by Martin.

In the first session, which took place from 2:30-5:00 p.m., the orchestra recorded the backing track. The 17-strong band featured saxophone, trumpet, trombone, bass guitar, piano and drums.

Following a two-hour break for dinner, Starr added his lead vocals in the evening session from 7:00-9:30 p.m.

With recording complete, Night And Day was mixed into stereo between 9:30 and 10:45 p.m.