Ringo and his fondness for New Orleans music
Although the Beatles were heavily influenced by New Orleans R&B music, the group did not record any songs written by New Orleans songwriters or recording artists for any of their albums. After the group broke up, three of the Beatles recorded songs written by New Orleans songwriter/performers. Today’s question deals with Ringo and his fondness for New Orleans music.
Name two songs recorded by Ringo in the 1970s that were written by New Orleans songwriter/producer/pianist/singer Allen Toussaint and the Ringo album each song appears on.
Bonus: Name the artists who first recorded each song.
Ringo recorded Allen Toussaint’s “Occapella” for his second rock ’n’ roll solo album, “Goodnight Vienna.” He also recorded Toussaint’s “Sneakin’ Sally Through The Alley” for “Ringo the 4TH.” Allen Toussaint’s “Sneakin’ Sally Through The Alley” was the title track to Robert Palmer’s first album. The song was recorded in New Orleans with Palmer backed by the New Orleans R&B group the Meters (Art Neville, Leo Nocentelli, George Porter, Jr. and Joseph Modeliste). Toussaint’s “Occapella” was first recorded by Lee Dorsey, who had hits with “Ya Ya,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Ride Your Pony,” “Get Out My Life Woman,” “Working In A Coal Mine,” “Holly Cow” and “Yes We Can“ (which was later recorded by the Pointer Sisters).
Allen Toussaint performing at the 2012 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (Photo copyright 2012 by Bruce Spizer)