Recording: Stormy Weather by Ringo Starr

Wessex Sound Studios, Highbury New Park, London
Producer: George Martin

The second recording session for Ringo Starr’s debut studio album, Sentimental Journey, took place on 6 November 1969. He taped the song ‘Stormy Weather’ with George Martin producing.

The session took place at Wessex Sound Studios, at 106 Highbury New Park in London. Starr had never previously recorded in the studio, but several of the Sentimental Journey sessions were held there, and George Harrison also used it in the 1970s.

‘Stormy Weather’ was written by Ted Koehler and Harold Arlen, and had been a 1943 hit for Lena Horne. Starr’s version was recorded with 18 musicians, conducted by George Martin, on four-track tape.

Although the arranger is unknown, the musicians included saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, electric guitar, bass guitar and drums. Their parts were recorded from 7-9pm, and Starr added his vocals from 9-10pm.

‘Stormy Weather’ was left off Sentimental Journey, but bootleg copies circulate.