Thursday 6 November 1969 · Ringo Starr · Recording · Wessex Sound Studios, London · By Beatles Fabdom
Ringo Starr recorded “Stormy Weather” at Wessex Sound Studios on 6 November 1969, during the second recording session for his debut solo album, Sentimental Journey. George Martin produced the session and conducted an ensemble of 18 musicians, with Phil McDonald and Geoff Emerick engineering.
The musicians recorded their backing between 7pm and 9pm. Starr then added his vocals from 9pm to 10pm. Despite the completed recording work, the song was not included on the album.
Session facts
| Date | Thursday 6 November 1969 |
|---|---|
| Artist | Ringo Starr |
| Song | Stormy Weather |
| Songwriters | Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler |
| Studio | Wessex Sound Studios, Highbury New Park, London |
| Producer and conductor | George Martin |
| Engineers | Phil McDonald and Geoff Emerick |
| Ensemble | 18 musicians |
| Recording medium | Four-track tape |
| Backing session | 7pm–9pm |
| Vocal session | 9pm–10pm |
| Album project | Sentimental Journey; this song was omitted |
The second Sentimental Journey session
Starr had begun the album with the recording and mixing of “Night and Day” on 27 October 1969. The project brought him together with George Martin to record standards from an earlier generation of popular music.
“Stormy Weather” continued that approach. Written by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler, the song had become particularly associated with Lena Horne, whose 1943 performance was one of its best-known interpretations.
The recording took place while Starr was still a member of The Beatles. His first solo album would be released in 1970, but its sessions had begun in the autumn of 1969.
Ringo’s first recording visit to Wessex
This was Starr’s first recording session at Wessex Sound Studios. Further sessions for Sentimental Journey would also be held there.
Wessex occupied a converted church hall adjoining St Augustine’s Church in Highbury. Session histories give the address as 106 Highbury New Park; the former studio building is also identified as 106A Highbury New Park, London N5 2DW.
The studio provided the setting for the instrumental session and Starr’s subsequent vocal recording. George Harrison would also use Wessex during the 1970s.
Eighteen musicians and a four-track recording
Martin conducted 18 musicians for the backing track. The ensemble included saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, electric guitar, bass guitar and drums.
The instrumental parts were recorded between 7pm and 9pm on four-track tape. Starr’s singing followed in the final hour of the booked session.
The arrangement’s author has not been established. Martin’s credited role as conductor should not be confused with a confirmed arrangement credit.
George Martin, Phil McDonald and Geoff Emerick
Martin combined production with directing the ensemble. Phil McDonald and Geoff Emerick handled the engineering, bringing familiar Beatles recording personnel into Starr’s solo project.
The three-hour session was divided into two clear stages: the instrumental recording first, then the lead vocal. Starr recorded the song as a singer accompanied by the assembled musicians.
Why Stormy Weather is not on the album
“Stormy Weather” was left off the released Sentimental Journey album. No documented reason for its exclusion is established in the available session history.
Copies of the recording have circulated on bootlegs. Its place in the album’s recording chronology is therefore separate from its absence from the finished record’s tracklist.
Starr returned to Wessex on 7 November to work on “Stardust”, using an arrangement by Paul McCartney. The project continued through further sessions before completion in March 1970.
The Sentimental Journey sleeve
The album artwork features the Empress pub in Liverpool’s Dingle district, where Starr grew up. The cover photograph was taken by Richard Polak, with a tuxedo-clad image of Starr superimposed at the doorway and family photographs incorporated into the windows.
The sleeve accompanied the released album in 1970. “Stormy Weather” belongs to the sessions behind that record rather than its released running order.
Where was Wessex Sound Studios?
The former studio site is at 106A Highbury New Park, London N5 2DW, behind St Augustine’s Church. Wessex closed in 2003 and the building was converted to residential use.
The map identifies the former recording-studio site, now private residences.
Open the former Wessex Sound Studios site in Google Maps.
Explore the Ringo Starr collection
Browse our Ringo Starr collection for designs celebrating his solo career.
Frequently asked questions
When did Ringo Starr record Stormy Weather?
He recorded it on 6 November 1969 during the second session for Sentimental Journey.
Where was the song recorded?
At Wessex Sound Studios in Highbury New Park, London.
Who produced the recording?
George Martin produced it and conducted the 18 musicians. Phil McDonald and Geoff Emerick were the engineers.
What time did Ringo record his vocals?
His vocals were recorded from 9pm to 10pm, after the backing session from 7pm to 9pm.
Who wrote Stormy Weather?
Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler wrote the song.
Was Stormy Weather included on Sentimental Journey?
No. It was omitted from the released album, although copies of the recording have circulated on bootlegs.
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