John Lennon (October 9, 1940 – December 8, 1980) was an English singer, songwriter, and peace activist who co-founded the Beatles, the most commercially successful band in the history of popular music. His work as a solo artist and with the Beatles continues to influence musicians and music lovers worldwide.
Timeline of Career Highlights
1940: Born in Liverpool, England.
1957: Formed the Quarrymen, which later evolved into the Beatles.
1960: The Beatles officially formed with Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Pete Best.
1962: Ringo Starr joined the Beatles, finalizing the classic lineup.
1964: The Beatles appeared on "The Ed Sullivan Show," marking their breakthrough in the United States.
1967: Released "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band," often cited as one of the greatest albums of all time.
1969: Married Yoko Ono and began solo projects.
1970: The Beatles disbanded; Lennon released "John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band."
1971: Released "Imagine," his most famous solo album with arguably the greatest pop single ever..
1975: Retired from music to focus on family life after the birth of his son, Sean.
1980: Returned to music with the album "Double Fantasy"; tragically murdered in New York City.
Albums and Discography
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With The Beatles:
- Please Please Me (1963)
- With the Beatles (1963)
- A Hard Day's Night (1964)
- Beatles for Sale (1964)
- Help! (1965)
- Rubber Soul (1965)
- Revolver (1966)
- Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967)
- The Beatles ("White Album") (1968)
- Yellow Submarine (1969)
- Abbey Road (1969)
- Let It Be (1970)
Solo Albums:
- John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band (1970)
- Imagine (1971)
- Some Time in New York City (1972)
- Mind Games (1973)
- Walls and Bridges (1974)
- Rock 'n' Roll (1975)
- Double Fantasy (1980)
- Milk and Honey (1984, posthumous)
Grammy Awards
1971: Grammy Award for Album of the Year for "Let It Be" (with The Beatles).
1981: Grammy Award for Album of the Year for "Double Fantasy" (posthumously).
Lifetime Achievement Award: Received posthumously in 1991.
Famous Songs or Compositions
The Beatles:
- "Help!"
- "A Day in the Life"
- "All You Need Is Love"
- "Come Together"
- "Strawberry Fields Forever"
Solo Career:
- "Imagine"
- "Instant Karma!"
- "Give Peace a Chance"
- "Jealous Guy"
- "Watching the Wheels"
Collaborations and Cover Versions
Collaborated with: Yoko Ono on various projects.
Covered by: Artists such as Elton John, David Bowie, and Oasis.
"Imagine" Covers: Performed by artists like Madonna, Lady Gaga, and A Perfect Circle.
Quotes
Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans.
Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one.
Gossip and Trivia
Relationship with Paul McCartney: The Lennon-McCartney partnership is one of the most famous and successful songwriting duos in history. Their relationship had its ups and downs, with periods of both close collaboration and tension but as Paul said..
You must remember I am the #1 John Lennon fan. He’s been my best friend since school and always will be
Activism: John and Yoko's "Bed-Ins for Peace" were iconic protests against the Vietnam War.
Lasting Influence: His assassination in 1980 shocked the world, and he continues to be remembered and celebrated as a symbol of peace and creativity.
John Lennon's Legacy
John Lennon's legacy as a musician and peace activist continues to resonate. His innovative contributions to music, his fearless political activism, and his enduring influence on pop culture make him a legendary figure whose impact remains significant to this day.
John Lennon ratings
John Lennon Albums
See also John Lennon Discography
Gear: Fender Telecaster