I'm The Greatest by Ringo Starr

Album: Ringo (1973)

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John Lennon wrote this song about himself, based on the famous Muhammad Ali line. But he realized that it wouldn't be seen as tongue-in-cheek as he intended it if he recorded it, so he changed some of the words ("Yes, my name is With A Little Help From My Friends") and gave it to Ringo. John played piano and sang backup on Ringo's recording. >>
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Ken - Louisville, KY
George Harrison added his guitar prowess to the mix. It was the first time that John, George and Ringo had reunited in the studio since the breakup of The Beatles in 1970. Sadly, it would be the only collaboration between the three before John Lennon's tragic death in 1980.
Recorded at Sunset Sound in Los Angeles in March 1973, the session also featured longtime Beatles associates Klaus Voormann on bass and Billy Preston on organ. The project was helmed by producer Richard Perry.
On August 2, 2024, "I'm The Greatest" (Ultimate Mix) was released with John's guide vocal from the original session as the lead vocal. This updated version was overseen by Sean Ono Lennon and executed by mixer Paul Hicks and engineer Sam Gannon. It's one of two bonus tracks, alongside "Rock 'N' Roll People," included on the digital-only release of Mind Games (Ultimate Mixes).

Comments: 7

Rhayzza from Bayonne, NjI'm reading a book about Keith Moon and on his drums (pre-Who) were the words I Am The Greatest. Immediately I thought of this song, wondered if it was an inside joke and had to come look. I like to imagine all the band boys were friends.
Michael from Kissimmee, FlI've often wondered if this song was another jab at Paul via John. After all, Paul wrote "With a Little Help From My Friends" and Boogaloo was Ringo's pet name for Paul. Also, the line about the wife and kids; at the time John's only son, Julian, was living in England with his mother. I think this song may be about Paul.
Ken from Louisville, KyTo answer the question about Paul, this was during the time when he was prohibited from entering the U.S. because of a marijuana bust in England in 1972. Ringo and Richard Perry went to London for Paul's contribution to the "Ringo" album. John joked "I can't get out of the U.S. (because of his immigration battle), and Paul can't get in!" Paul was allowed to enter the U.S. the next year.
Ken from Louisville, KyThe line-up on this song: John, George, Ringo, Billy Preston and Klaus Voorman, were to have been the line-up for the "mystery band" that was to record as "The Ladders" in 1970, until the idea was scrapped in favor of individual albums. George remembered this idea and 17 years later used it to form "The Traveling Wilburys", with all members performing under assumed names.
Kevin from Reading , PaThere is a version of Lennon singing it on the "John Lennon Anthology" release. Same arrangement (probably the same backing track) Giving it to Ringo turned out to be a good idea, as the song works much better as a sort of novelty record for Ringo as opposed to a statement of ego from Lennon ("If there is such thing as a genius, then yes, I am one. Or something like that.)
Chris from Charleston, ScThe closest thing to a Beatles Reunion. John on piano and vocals, Ringo on drums/singing, george on guitar....where the hell was Paul? Who cares.
Ken from Louisville, KyThe story is that John was in a Los Angeles recording studio working on the song with Ringo (John played piano and sang backup), when producer Richard Perry got a phone call from George, asking if he could stop by (George was in LA at the time). Perry then asked John, and John said "Hell, yes! Tell him to get down here and help me finish this bridge!" George ended up playing guitar on the song.

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