US single release: Matchbox

Ringo Starr gained his first lead vocal on a Beatles single, with the US release of their version of Carl Perkins’ Matchbox.

The group had been performing the song since 1961, with Pete Best originally taking lead vocals. John Lennon briefly sang it in 1962, and Ringo took over after joining in August 1962.

The single, released as Capitol 5255, reached number 17 on the Billboard singles chart. Its b-side was ‘Slow Down’, originally a 1958 hit for Larry Williams.

Last updated: 29 November 2011
The Beatles live: Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles
Day off in Bel Air, Los Angeles
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