Ringo Starr plans to release a new album next year

The material will include albums Beaucoups of Blues from 1970 and Ringo from 1973.

A compilation album called Photograph: The Very Best of Ringo Starr, including hits such as Sentimental Journey and It Don't Come Easy, will be released too.

"It's good to be back," said Starr. The downloads will be available in August.

'Excited and privileged'

The 66-year-old is planning a solo album, due out early next year, called Liverpool 8 and six ringtones will also be on offer for Starr fans.

Ronn Werre, president of EMI music marketing said he was "excited and privileged" to work with Starr.

"We look forward to debuting his works in the digital format for the first time as well," he added.

His former bandmate Paul McCartney released his 21st solo album, Memory Almost Full, on 5 June.

The record, which is currently number three in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, has sold more copies in the US in its first week than any of his other studio albums.

The Beatles catalogue remains unavailable for downloading, although EMI has said it is working on a deal to put the songs online.