Final answer:
The drummer who replaced Pete Best in 1962 and played with the Beatles during their performance with Little Richard, leading to their sensational breakthrough, was Ringo Starr.
Step-by-step explanation:
In 1962, having replaced their early drummer Pete Best with the already popular Ringo Starr, the Beatles shared a London performance with Little Richard, recently returned to rock and roll, and became an overnight sensation. Therefore, the correct answer is a)Ringo Starr.
The Beatles, who started off in 1960, quickly rose to embody the spirit of suburban youth culture in the mid-1960s. Their rise came during a time when musicians like Little Richard and others brought rock and roll to an incredibly high level of popularity. The Beatles' popularity continued to surge throughout the decade, culminating in events like the iconic Woodstock concert of 1969, which marked a cultural shift towards a more rebellious youth.