Monday 14 June 1976 | Recording Session | Cherokee Studios, Los Angeles, California, USA
On Monday 14 June 1976, Ringo Starr recorded 'Just a Dream' at Cherokee Studios in Los Angeles during the sessions for his fifth studio album, Ringo's Rotogravure. The session was produced by Arif Mardin.
Although recorded during the Ringo's Rotogravure sessions, 'Just a Dream' was not included on the album. It was instead held back and used as a B-side on two subsequent singles:
- The B-side of 'Wings', the lead US single from Ringo the 4th, released in August 1977
- The B-side of 'Drowning in the Sea of Love', the UK single from Ringo the 4th, released in September 1977
Ringo's Rotogravure
Ringo's Rotogravure was Ringo Starr's fifth studio album, released on 17 September 1976 on Atlantic Records in the US and Polydor Records in the UK. Produced by Arif Mardin, it was recorded at Cherokee Studios in Los Angeles and featured contributions from all three of Ringo's former Beatles bandmates ā John Lennon contributed 'Cookin' (In the Kitchen of Love)', Paul McCartney contributed 'Pure Gold', and George Harrison contributed 'I'll Still Love You' ā making it the last album on which all four Beatles contributed material.
The album reached number 28 in the UK and number 28 in the US. It was a modest commercial success but marked the beginning of a decline in Ringo's chart fortunes through the late 1970s.
Ringo the 4th
Ringo the 4th was Ringo Starr's sixth studio album, released on 26 September 1977 on Atlantic Records. Also produced by Arif Mardin, it was a commercial disappointment, reaching only number 162 in the US. The lead US single 'Wings' ā with 'Just a Dream' as its B-side ā failed to chart significantly. The UK single 'Drowning in the Sea of Love', also backed with 'Just a Dream', similarly underperformed.
Arif Mardin
Arif Mardin (1932ā2006) was a Turkish-American record producer and arranger widely regarded as one of the most gifted producers of his generation. He worked with an extraordinary range of artists including Aretha Franklin, Bette Midler, Chaka Khan, the Bee Gees, Norah Jones, and many others. His work with Ringo Starr on Ringo's Rotogravure and Ringo the 4th represented a deliberate attempt to give Ringo's solo career a more sophisticated, polished sound. Mardin won multiple Grammy Awards during his career.
Cherokee Studios
Cherokee Studios was a celebrated recording facility located at 751 North Fairfax Avenue in West Hollywood, Los Angeles. One of the most sought-after studios in the city during the 1970s and 1980s, it hosted sessions for artists including Michael Jackson, Fleetwood Mac, Elton John, and many others. The studio closed in 2009.
Key Facts: 14 June 1976
- Date: Monday 14 June 1976
- Location: Cherokee Studios, Los Angeles, California
- Producer: Arif Mardin
- Song recorded: 'Just a Dream'
- Sessions: Ringo's Rotogravure (released 17 September 1976)
- Album inclusion: Not included on Ringo's Rotogravure
- B-side use 1: 'Wings' (US single, Ringo the 4th, August 1977)
- B-side use 2: 'Drowning in the Sea of Love' (UK single, Ringo the 4th, September 1977)
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Ringo Starr record 'Just a Dream'?
Ringo Starr recorded 'Just a Dream' on 14 June 1976 at Cherokee Studios in Los Angeles, during the sessions for his fifth studio album Ringo's Rotogravure. The session was produced by Arif Mardin.
Was 'Just a Dream' released on Ringo's Rotogravure?
No ā although recorded during the Ringo's Rotogravure sessions, 'Just a Dream' was not included on the album. It was used as a B-side in 1977: backing the US single 'Wings' from Ringo the 4th (August 1977) and the UK single 'Drowning in the Sea of Love' (September 1977).
What is Ringo's Rotogravure?
Ringo's Rotogravure was Ringo Starr's fifth studio album, released on 17 September 1976. Produced by Arif Mardin, it featured contributions from all three of Ringo's former Beatles bandmates ā John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison ā making it the last album on which all four Beatles contributed material.
Who produced Ringo's Rotogravure?
Arif Mardin (1932ā2006), a Turkish-American producer and arranger who worked with Aretha Franklin, Bette Midler, Chaka Khan, the Bee Gees, Norah Jones, and many others. He also produced Ringo's subsequent album Ringo the 4th (1977).
What is Ringo the 4th?
Ringo the 4th was Ringo Starr's sixth studio album, released on 26 September 1977 on Atlantic Records. Also produced by Arif Mardin, it was a commercial disappointment, reaching only number 162 in the US. 'Just a Dream' appeared as a B-side on two of its singles.
What was Cherokee Studios?
Cherokee Studios was a celebrated recording facility at 751 North Fairfax Avenue in West Hollywood, Los Angeles, active through the 1970s and 1980s. It hosted sessions for Michael Jackson, Fleetwood Mac, Elton John, and many others before closing in 2009.
ā 14 June in Beatles History
ā Ringo Starr | John Lennon | Paul McCartney | George Harrison
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