Video: 'Sunshine Life For Me (Sail Away Raymond)'

(Thursday, March 15, 1973) — Former Beatle Ringo Starr concluded initial recording sessions for his third studio album tonight at Sunset Sound Recorders in Hollywood, California, with backing tracks for eight tracks completed, six of which had rough vocals at the time.

The initial set of sessions had begun on Mar. 5, 1973, and concluded tonight with fellow ex-Beatle George Harrison’s “Sunshine Life for Me (Sail Away Raymond).”

Ringo would be noted for the participation of all four former Beatles (including John Lennon and Paul McCartney), and for its numerous guest stars, something which would become a signature for Starr on many of his subsequent albums and tours.

Taking part in the sessions produced by Richard Perry were Marc Bolan, four members of The Band (except Richard Manuel), Billy Preston, Klaus Voormann, Nicky Hopkins, Harry Nilsson, Jim Keltner, and James Booker.

Sessions for the album would continue through mid-July 1973 in various studios and locations, including London. It was mixed at Sunset Sound in late July 1973, and released on Nov. 2, 1973, in the U.S. (Nov. 9, 1973, in the UK).