Monday 29 July 1974 | Sunset Sound Recorders, Los Angeles, California
Producer: Richard Perry
Engineer: Bill Schnee
On 29 July 1974, Ringo Starr began recording ‘Husbands And Wives’ for his fourth studio album, Goodnight Vienna, at Sunset Sound Recorders in Los Angeles. The session was the first of several for the track: further work on the backing track took place on 30 July and 1 August, with overdubs added on 14 August, 20 August, and 1 October 1974.
Husbands And Wives
‘Husbands And Wives’ is a song written by Roger Miller — the American country singer-songwriter best known for ‘King of the Road’ — and originally recorded by Miller in 1966. Ringo’s version for Goodnight Vienna was one of several covers on the album, reflecting his affection for American country and pop songwriting of the 1960s. The extended recording timeline — backing tracks across three days in late July and early August, overdubs spread across August and into October — suggests a track that received careful attention despite the album’s generally relaxed, commercial character.
Goodnight Vienna
Goodnight Vienna was Ringo Starr’s fourth studio album, released in November 1974. It was the follow-up to Ringo (1973), which had been a major commercial success — reaching number two in the US and featuring contributions from all three other former Beatles. Goodnight Vienna was produced by Richard Perry, who had also produced Ringo, and recorded primarily at Sunset Sound Recorders in Los Angeles.
The album continued the formula that had made Ringo successful: a mix of original songs and well-chosen covers, with high-profile guest appearances and Perry’s polished production. It reached number eight in the US and spawned the hit single ‘Only You (And You Alone)’, a cover of the Platters’ 1955 classic, which reached number five in the US charts.
Richard Perry
Richard Perry was one of the most successful record producers of the early 1970s, with credits including Carly Simon’s No Secrets, Harry Nilsson’s Nilsson Schmilsson, and Barbra Streisand’s Stoney End. His work with Ringo on Ringo (1973) and Goodnight Vienna (1974) represented a peak period for both artist and producer — Perry’s instinct for commercial pop production perfectly suited Ringo’s warm, unpretentious performing style.
Sunset Sound Recorders
Sunset Sound Recorders on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood was one of the most celebrated recording studios in Los Angeles, with a client list that included The Rolling Stones, The Doors, Led Zeppelin, and Prince. Its warm, distinctive room sound made it a favourite for rock and pop sessions throughout the 1970s. Ringo’s use of Sunset Sound for the Goodnight Vienna sessions reflected his deep roots in the Los Angeles music scene of the early 1970s.
Recording Timeline: Husbands And Wives
| 29 Jul 1974 | Backing track begins ★ This session |
| 30 Jul 1974 | Further backing track work |
| 1 Aug 1974 | Further backing track work |
| 14 Aug 1974 | Overdubs |
| 20 Aug 1974 | Overdubs |
| 1 Oct 1974 | Overdubs |
Key Facts: 29 July 1974
| Date | Monday 29 July 1974 |
| Studio | Sunset Sound Recorders, Los Angeles |
| Producer | Richard Perry |
| Engineer | Bill Schnee |
| Track | Husbands And Wives (written by Roger Miller) |
| Album | Goodnight Vienna (released November 1974) |
Sunset Sound Recorders, Hollywood, Los Angeles — where Ringo Starr began recording ‘Husbands And Wives’ on 29 July 1974.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Goodnight Vienna by Ringo Starr?
Goodnight Vienna was Ringo Starr’s fourth studio album, released in November 1974. Produced by Richard Perry at Sunset Sound Recorders in Los Angeles, it reached number eight in the US and included the hit single Only You (And You Alone), a cover of the Platters’ 1955 classic.
Who wrote Husbands And Wives?
Husbands And Wives was written by Roger Miller, the American country singer-songwriter best known for King of the Road, and originally recorded by Miller in 1966. Ringo Starr recorded a cover version for his Goodnight Vienna album in 1974.
Who produced Goodnight Vienna?
Goodnight Vienna was produced by Richard Perry, who had also produced Ringo’s previous album Ringo (1973). Perry was one of the most successful producers of the early 1970s, with credits including Carly Simon, Harry Nilsson, and Barbra Streisand.
Where was Goodnight Vienna recorded?
Goodnight Vienna was recorded primarily at Sunset Sound Recorders on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, Los Angeles — one of the most celebrated recording studios in the city, with a client list including The Rolling Stones, The Doors, Led Zeppelin, and Prince.
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