John Lennon
John Winston Lennon was born on the 9th of October 1940 at Liverpool Maternity Hospital. His father Alfred worked as a merchant seaman and was away during the birth. The family lived at 9 Newcastle Road while his mother Julia sent regular pay cheques until February 1944. When her sister Mimi complained to Social Services twice, Julia gave custody of John to Mimi and her husband George Toogood Smith. They moved into Mendips at 251 Menlove Avenue in Woolton. Mimi bought short stories for him while his uncle George bought a mouth organ and puzzles. Julia visited regularly and played Elvis Presley records for him at 1 Blomfield Road. She taught him the banjo and showed him how to play Ain't That A Shame by Fats Domino. In September 1980 he commented about his rebellious nature stemming from these early years. He frequently visited cousin Stanley Parkes who took him to Blackpool Tower Circus. They saw artists like Dickie Valentine and Arthur Askey there. Parkes recalled that John particularly liked George Formby. After Parkes's family moved to Scotland they spent holidays together at Durness croft from age nine to sixteen. His uncle George died of liver haemorrhage on the 5th of June 1955 aged fifty-two. Lennon attended Quarry Bank High School from September 1952 to 1957. Teachers described him as happy-go-lucky yet known to fight and disrupt classes. He drew comical cartoons for his self-made school magazine called Daily Howl. In 1956 Julia bought him an inexpensive Gallotone Champion acoustic guitar. She lent him five pounds ten shillings with the condition it be delivered to her house not Mimi's. Mimi was sceptical telling him The guitar's all very well but you'll never make a living out of it. On the 15th of July 1958 at age forty-four Julia was struck and killed by a car while walking home after visiting the Smiths' house. Her death traumatised the teenage Lennon who drank heavily and fought frequently for two years. He consumed blind rage throughout this period. Julia's memory later inspired songs such as the 1968 Beatles track Julia.
At fifteen Lennon formed a skiffle group named the Quarrymen in September 1956. By summer 1957 they played spirited sets mixing half skiffle and half rock and roll. He first met Paul McCartney at the band's second performance held on the 6th of July at St Peter's Church garden fête. McCartney said Aunt Mimi patronised him when he arrived because she knew his friends were lower class. McCartney's father disapproved declaring that Lennon would get his son into trouble. They rehearsed in the family front room at 20 Forthlin Road. During this time Lennon wrote Hello Little Girl which became a UK top ten hit for the Fourmost in 1963. McCartney recommended George Harrison become lead guitarist though Lennon thought Harrison then fourteen was too young. An audition occurred on the upper deck of a Liverpool bus where Harrison played Raunchy for Lennon. Stuart Sutcliffe joined as bassist after meeting from art school. The group became The Beatles in early 1960. In August they secured a forty-eight night residency in Hamburg West Germany needing a drummer urgently. Pete Best joined them temporarily. After the first Hamburg stint another residency began in April 1961 followed by a third in April 1962. As with other members Lennon took Preludin regularly during long overnight performances to stay awake. Brian Epstein managed the band from 1962 until his death in 1967. Epstein had no prior experience managing artists but strongly influenced their dress code and stage attitude. Lennon initially resisted professional appearance demands saying I'll wear a bloody balloon if somebody's going to pay me. McCartney took over bass when Sutcliffe stayed in Hamburg while Ringo Starr replaced Best completing the four-piece lineup that remained until 1970. Their first single Love Me Do released October 1962 reached number seventeen on British charts. They recorded Please Please Me under ten hours on the 11th of February 1963 despite Lennon suffering cold effects evident in Twists And Shout vocals. The Lennon-McCartney partnership yielded eight of fourteen tracks though words felt almost irrelevant initially. In an 1987 interview McCartney said others idolised Lennon calling him our own little Elvis who was older quickest wit and smartest.
After the final concert on the 29th of August 1966 Lennon filmed How I Won The War before rejoining recording sessions starting November. His LSD use increased continuously bringing him close to erasing identity according to Ian MacDonald. Time magazine hailed Strawberry Fields Forever released June 1967 for its astonishing inventiveness. Sgt Pepper Lonely Hearts Club Band revealed lyrics contrasting sharply with early simple love songs. Late June saw them perform All You Need Is Love as Britain's contribution to Our World satellite broadcast reaching up to 400 million viewers. Intentionally simplistic its message formalized pacifist stance providing anthem for Summer Of Love. After meeting Maharishi Mahesh Yogi they attended weekend instruction at Transcendental Meditation seminar in Bangor Wales. During seminar Epstein died shocking them into realizing trouble had arrived. McCartney organized Magical Mystery Tour television film released December that year proving critical flop while soundtrack featuring Lewis Carroll inspired I Am The Walrus succeeded. They traveled to India February 1968 composing most songs for double album The Beatles though mixed experiences signaled divergence in camaraderie. Back in London Apple Corps formed multimedia corporation including Apple Records subsidiary companies. Lennon described venture achieving artistic freedom within business structure. Released amid 1968 protests debut single included Revolution calling plan rather than Maoist revolution leading ridicule from New Left press tensions mounting during sessions. Lennon insisted Japanese artist Yoko Ono sit beside him contravening band policy regarding wives girlfriends studio. He identified double album superior work compared to Sgt Pepper. End 1968 he participated Rolling Stones Rock And Roll Circus television special un broadcast until 1996 film version release. Performed with Dirty Mac supergroup composed Eric Clapton Keith Richards Mitch Mitchell backing vocal performance by Ono.
Between April 1 and the 15th of September 1970 Lennon underwent primal therapy with Arthur Janov at Tittenhurst London then Los Angeles clinic. Therapy entailed two half days weekly six months releasing emotional pain childhood origin. American visa expired forcing return UK despite Janov wanting longer treatment. His debut solo album John Lennon Plastic Ono Band released 1970 received praise critics yet highly personal lyrics stark sound limited commercial performance. Album featured Mother confronting feelings childhood rejection alongside Dylanesque Working Class Hero attacking Western social systems falling foul broadcasters due lyrics you're so fucking crazy still fucking peasants. January 1971 Tariq Ali expressed revolutionary political views when interviewing Lennon immediately responding writing Power To The People reversing non-confrontational approach espoused Revolution though later disowned born guilt desire approval radicals like Ali. Involved protest prosecution Oz magazine denouncing proceedings disgusting fascism releasing God Save Us Do The Oz single joining marches supporting magazine. Eager major commercial success adopted accessible sound next album Imagine 1971 Rolling Stone reported containing substantial portion good music warning posturings soon seem dull irrelevant. Title track became anthem anti-war movements while song How Do You Sleep musical attack McCartney response lyrics Ram felt directed him Ono confirmed McCartney later. Jealous Guy addressed demeaning treatment women acknowledging past behavior result long-held insecurity. Gratitude guitar contributions Imagine initially agreed perform Harrison Concert Bangladesh benefit shows New York. Harrison refused allow Ono participate resulting heated argument pulling event. Moved New York August 1971 embracing US radical left politics releasing Happy Xmas War Is Over December. Nixon administration took strategic counter-measure against anti-war anti-Nixon propaganda embarking four-year attempt deport him. Lennon embroiled continuing legal battle immigration authorities denied permanent residency US issue resolved until 1976.
Following impact Give Peace A Chance Happy Xmas War Is Over anti-war movement Nixon administration heard rumors involvement concert San Diego simultaneous 1972 Republican National Convention tried deport him. Nixon believed activities could cost reelection Strom Thurmond suggested February 1972 memo deportation strategic counter measure. Next month United States Immigration Naturalization Service began proceedings arguing 1968 misdemeanor conviction cannabis possession London made ineligible admission. Spent years in out hearings until the 8th of October 1975 court appeals barred attempt stating courts condone selective deportation based secret political grounds. While legal battle continued attended rallies television appearances co-hosted Mike Douglas Show week February 1972 introducing Jerry Rubin Bobby Seale mid-America. Bob Dylan wrote letter INS defending Lennon stating John Yoko add great voice drive country's so-called art institution inspire transcend stimulate helping others see pure light ending dull taste petty commercialism passed artist art overpowering mass media Hurray John Yoko Let stay live breathe country got plenty room space. the 23rd of March 1973 ordered leave US within sixty days Ono granted permanent residence response announced formation state Nutopia place no land boundaries passports people waving white flag two handkerchiefs asked political asylum press conference filmed appeared 2006 documentary U.S. vs. John Lennon. Soon after Watergate hearings began Washington D.C. leading president resignation fourteen months later December 1974 Harrison Gerald Ford Nixon successor intercede matter Ford administration showed little interest continuing battle overturned 1975 following year received green certifying permanent residency Jimmy Carter inaugurated January 1977.
As recording Mind Games 1973 decided separate ensuing eighteen-month period apart called lost weekend spent Los Angeles New York company May Pang. Mind Games credited Plastic U.F.Ono Band released November 1973 contributed I'm Greatest Starr album Ringo same month marking only occasion three former Beatles recorded together between break-up death. Early 1974 drinking heavily alcohol fueled antics Harry Nilsson made headlines. Two widely publicized incidents occurred Troubadour club first sticking unused menstrual pad forehead scuffling waitress second two weeks later ejected heckling Smothers Brothers. Decided produce Nilsson album Pussy Cats renting beach house musicians month further debauchery sessions chaos returning New York finish work April produced Mick Jagger song Too Many Cooks Spoil Soup contractual reasons remain unreleased thirty years included Very Best Of Mick Jagger 2007. Settled back New York recorded Walls Bridges October 1974 including Whatever Gets You Thru Night featuring Elton John backing vocals piano became only single solo artist top US Billboard Hot 100 lifetime. Second single Number Nine Dream followed end year. Starr Goodnight Vienna 1974 again saw assistance Lennon wrote title track played piano. November 28 surprise guest appearance Elton John Thanksgiving concert Madison Square Garden fulfilling promise join singer live show if Whatever Gets You Thru Night reached number one performed along Lucy Sky Diamonds I Saw Her Standing There introduced old estranged fiancé called Paul. January February Elton topped US Billboard Hot 100 singles chart cover Lucy Sky Diamonds featuring guitar backing vocals credited moniker Dr Winston O Boogie. February released Rock N Roll album covers Stand By Me taken hit US UK last single five years final stage appearance ATV special Salute Lew Grade recorded the 18th of April televised June playing acoustic guitar backed eight piece band performing two songs Stand By Me Slippin Slidin Imagine wearing masks behind heads dig Lennon thought Grade two-faced.
Began five-year hiatus music industry later said baked bread looked baby devoted new son Sean rising six am daily plan prepare meals spend time wrote Cookin Kitchen Love Starr Ringo Rotogravure 1976 performing track June last recording session until 1980. Sean Ono Lennon born the 9th of October 1975 father thirty-fifth birthday after three miscarriages attempt child agreed role househusband agreed do. Following birth subsequent hiatus spanned five years created drawings published posthumously Real Love Drawings For Sean proudly declared didn't come belly God made bones attended every meal sleeps swims fish. Emerged October 1980 releasing single Just Like Starting Over November released Double Fantasy including songs written Bermuda. June chartered forty-three foot sailboat embarking sailing trip Bermuda encountering storm rendering everyone seasick except took control sailed through experience reinvigorated creative muse spent three weeks Bermuda home Fairylands writing refining tracks upcoming album reflected fulfillment new found stable family life. Sufficient additional material recorded planned follow-up Milk Honey issued posthumously 1984. Double Fantasy not well received initially drawing comments Melody Maker indulgent sterility godawful yawn.
New York approximately five pm the 8th of December 1980 autographed copy Double Fantasy Mark David Chapman leaving Dakota Ono recording session Record Plant. Session returned limousine around ten fifty pm EST walked archway building Chapman shot twice back twice shoulder close range rushed police cruiser emergency room Roosevelt Hospital pronounced dead arrival eleven fifteen pm EST age forty. Ono issued statement next day saying no funeral later week set time silent vigil pray soul invite participate wherever time. Requested flowers donate Lennon personal charitable foundation Spirit Foundation John loved prayed human race please pray same Love Yoko Sean. Remains cremated Ferncliff Cemetery Hartsdale New York scattered ashes Central Park Strawberry Fields memorial created later. Chapman avoided trial ignoring lawyer advice pleading guilty second-degree murder sentenced twenty years life. Weeks following murder Just Like Starting Over Double Fantasy topped charts UK US Imagine hit number one January 1981 Happy Xmas peaked number two. Imagine succeeded top UK chart Woman second single Double Fantasy. Later year Roxy Music cover Jealous Guy recorded tribute also UK number one. Personal relationships Cynthia Powell met 1957 fellow students Liverpool College Art though intimidated heard obsessed French actress Brigitte Bardot dyed hair blonde asked out shouted didn't ask fuckin marry did she often accompanied Quarrymen gigs traveled Hamburg McCartney girlfriend visit jealous nature eventually grew possessive terrifying Powell anger recalled memoir John when dating struck observed dancing Stuart Sutcliffe ended relationship three months apologized reunited never again physically abusive verbally cutting unkind. Said until met Ono questioned chauvinistic attitude women used cruel woman physically any woman hitter couldn't express fought men hit always peace. Recalling July 1962 reaction learning pregnant said only thing Cyn get married couple wed August 23 Mount Pleasant Register Office Brian Epstein best man began Beatlemania taking off across UK performed evening wedding day continue almost daily then Epstein feared fans alienated idea married Beatle asked keep secret Julian born the 8th of April 1963 touring time saw infant son three days later attributed start marriage breakdown LSD use slowly lost interest resulting group train Bangor Wales 1967 policeman didn't recognize stopped boarding symbolized end marriage. After holiday Greece arrived home Kenwood finding sitting floor terrycloth robes left house stay friends shocked humiliated weeks Alexis Mardas informed seeking divorce custody Julian received letter stating adultery Italian hotelier Roberto Bassanini accusation denied Powell negotiations capitulated agreed let divorce same grounds adultery case settled court November 1968 giving £100,000 small annual payment custody Julian.
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Common questions
When was John Winston Lennon born and where?
John Winston Lennon was born on the 9th of October 1940 at Liverpool Maternity Hospital. His father Alfred worked as a merchant seaman and was away during the birth.
Who killed John Lennon and when did it happen?
Mark David Chapman shot John Lennon twice close range outside the Dakota building in New York on the 8th of December 1980. He died at Roosevelt Hospital at eleven fifteen pm EST that same day.
What caused John Lennon to leave the United States for five years?
The Nixon administration initiated deportation proceedings against John Lennon due to his anti-war activities and a 1968 cannabis possession conviction. The legal battle concluded on the 8th of October 1975 when court appeals barred the attempt stating courts condone selective deportation based secret political grounds.
How did John Lennon die and what happened to Mark David Chapman?
John Lennon died after being shot by Mark David Chapman who pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and received twenty years life sentence. Lennon's remains were cremated at Ferncliff Cemetery Hartsdale New York and ashes scattered in Central Park Strawberry Fields memorial created later.
When did John Lennon form the Quarrymen and who joined them first?
John Lennon formed the skiffle group named the Quarrymen in September 1956. Paul McCartney joined the band after meeting him at the band's second performance held on the 6th of July at St Peter's Church garden fête.