Recording: Occapella by Ringo Starr – 30 May 1974

Q: What is 'Occapella' by Ringo Starr?

A song written by Allen Toussaint, originally recorded by Lee Dorsey in 1970. Ringo Starr recorded it for his 1974 album Goodnight Vienna.

Q: Who wrote 'Occapella'?

Allen Toussaint. It was originally recorded by Lee Dorsey for his 1970 album Yes We Can.

Q: What album is 'Occapella' on?

Goodnight Vienna, Ringo Starr's fourth solo studio album, released in November 1974.

Q: Who produced Goodnight Vienna?

Richard Perry, who had also produced Ringo Starr's self-titled 1973 album.

Q: What is Sunset Sound Recorders?

A legendary recording studio in Los Angeles, California, where many classic albums were recorded across the 1960s, 70s, and beyond.

May 31, 2026

Recording: Occapella by Ringo Starr – 30 May 1974

Thursday 30 May 1974 | Ringo Starr, Studio
Sunset Sound Recorders, Los Angeles, California, USA
Producer: Richard Perry | Engineer: Bill Schnee

On Thursday 30 May 1974, the first recording session for Ringo Starr's fourth studio album, Goodnight Vienna, was held at Sunset Sound Recorders in Los Angeles. The session focused on 'Occapella'.

The Song

'Occapella' was written by Allen Toussaint and originally recorded by Lee Dorsey for his 1970 album Yes We Can. Toussaint was one of the most celebrated figures in New Orleans rhythm and blues, and his songs were widely covered throughout the 1960s and 1970s.

The recording was completed with additional overdubs on 26 September 1974.

Goodnight Vienna

Goodnight Vienna was Ringo Starr's fourth solo studio album, released in November 1974. Produced by Richard Perry — who had also produced Ringo's hugely successful self-titled 1973 album — it continued the commercial momentum of that record, featuring contributions from John Lennon, Elton John, and Harry Nilsson.

Key Facts: 30 May 1974

Studio: Sunset Sound Recorders, Los Angeles, California
Producer: Richard Perry
Engineer: Bill Schnee
Song: 'Occapella'
Written by: Allen Toussaint
Originally recorded by: Lee Dorsey (Yes We Can, 1970)
Album: Goodnight Vienna (Ringo Starr's fourth solo album)
Session occasion: First Goodnight Vienna recording session
Overdubs completed: 26 September 1974

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 'Occapella' by Ringo Starr?

'Occapella' is a song written by Allen Toussaint, originally recorded by Lee Dorsey in 1970. Ringo Starr recorded it for his 1974 album Goodnight Vienna, with the first session taking place on 30 May 1974 at Sunset Sound Recorders in Los Angeles.

Who wrote 'Occapella'?

Allen Toussaint, the celebrated New Orleans songwriter and producer. It was originally recorded by Lee Dorsey for his 1970 album Yes We Can.

What album is 'Occapella' on?

Goodnight Vienna, Ringo Starr's fourth solo studio album, released in November 1974.

Who produced Goodnight Vienna?

Richard Perry, who had also produced Ringo Starr's hugely successful self-titled 1973 album.

What is Sunset Sound Recorders?

Sunset Sound Recorders is a legendary recording studio in Los Angeles, California, where many classic albums were recorded across the 1960s, 70s, and beyond.