John Lennon

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John Ono Lennon, MBE (born John Winston Lennon; 9 October 1940 – 8 December 1980) was an English rock musician who gained worldwide fame as one of the founders of The Beatles. In his solo career, Lennon wrote and recorded songs such as "Give Peace a Chance" and "Imagine".

Lennon revealed his rebellious nature and irreverent wit on television, in films such as A Hard Day's Night, in books such as In His Own Write, and in press conferences and interviews. He channelled his penchant for controversy into his work as a peace activist, artist, and author. Lennon had two sons: Julian, with his first wife Cynthia Lennon, and Sean, with his second wife, avant-garde artist Yoko Ono. During a separation from Ono, Lennon spent almost two years with May Pang in Los Angeles and New York from 1973 to 1975, before returning to Ono, even though Lennon called this period his "lost weekend".

www.rollingstone.com/news/story/5939214/the_immortals_the_first_fifty/ |title=The Immortals: The First Fifty |publisher=Rolling Stone |accessdate=2007-03-08}}</ref>//www.rollingstone.com/news/story/5939214/the_immortals_the_first_fifty/ |title=The Immortals: The First Fifty |publisher=Rolling Stone |accessdate=2007-03-08}}</ref>

Sommaire 1 Early years: 1940-1957 2 1957-1970: The Beatles 3 1970-1980: Solo Career 4 Marriages and relationships 4.1 Cynthia Lennon 4.2 Yoko Ono 4.3 May Pang and the "Lost Weekend" 5 Lifestyle 5.1 Political activism 5.2 Drugs, Meditation and Primal Therapy 5.3 Humour 6 Writing and art 7 Pseudonyms 8 Death 9 Memorials and tributes 10 Awards and critique 10.1 With The Beatles 10.2 Solo career 11 Discography 12 Notes 13 References 14 External links

Early years: 1940-1957

www.lennon.net/familytree/sub/julia_stanley.shtml |title= The Liverpool Lennons |publisher=lennon.net/familytree|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref><ref name="Spitzp24"> Spitz, Bob - Beatles: The Biography p24.</ref> He was named after his paternal grandfather, John 'Jack' Lennon, and Winston Churchill.<ref name="Spitzp24"/> Freddie was a merchant seaman during World War II, and sent regular pay cheques to Julia, who was living with Lennon in 9 Newcastle Road, Liverpool, although the cheques stopped when Freddie went AWOL.<ref name="Spitzp25"> Spitz - Beatles: The Biography p25.</ref><ref name=”TheBeatlesAnthologyDVD”> ”The Beatles Anthology” DVD 2003 (Episode 6 - 0:37:32) Lennon talking about living at 9 Newcastle Road in Liverpool.</ref> When Freddie eventually came home in 1944, he offered to look after Julia and Lennon, but Julia rejected him.<ref name="Spitzp27"> Spitz - Beatles: The Biography p27.</ref> After considerable pressure from her sister, Mary "Mimi" Smith—who contacted Liverpool's Social Services—Julia handed the care of Lennon over to Mimi.<ref name="CynthiaLennonJohnp55"> Cynthia Lennon - “John”. p55.</ref> In July 1946, Freddie visited Mimi and took Lennon to Blackpool, secretly intending to emigrate to New Zealand with him.<ref name="CynthiaLennonJohnp56"> Cynthia Lennon - “John” p56</ref> Julia followed them, but after a heated argument Freddie made the five-year-old Lennon choose between Julia or him. Lennon chose Freddie (twice) and then Julia walked away, but Lennon, crying, followed her. Freddie then lost contact with the family until Beatlemania, when father and son met again.<ref name="Spitzp30"> Spitz - Beatles: The Biography p30</ref>//www.lennon.net/familytree/sub/julia_stanley.shtml |title= The Liverpool Lennons |publisher=lennon.net/familytree|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref><ref name="Spitzp24"> Spitz, Bob - Beatles: The Biography p24.</ref> He was named after his paternal grandfather, John 'Jack' Lennon, and Winston Churchill.<ref name="Spitzp24"/> Freddie was a merchant seaman during World War II, and sent regular pay cheques to Julia, who was living with Lennon in 9 Newcastle Road, Liverpool, although the cheques stopped when Freddie went AWOL.<ref name="Spitzp25"> Spitz - Beatles: The Biography p25.</ref><ref name=”TheBeatlesAnthologyDVD”> ”The Beatles Anthology” DVD 2003 (Episode 6 - 0:37:32) Lennon talking about living at 9 Newcastle Road in Liverpool.</ref> When Freddie eventually came home in 1944, he offered to look after Julia and Lennon, but Julia rejected him.<ref name="Spitzp27"> Spitz - Beatles: The Biography p27.</ref> After considerable pressure from her sister, Mary "Mimi" Smith—who contacted Liverpool's Social Services—Julia handed the care of Lennon over to Mimi.<ref name="CynthiaLennonJohnp55"> Cynthia Lennon - “John”. p55.</ref> In July 1946, Freddie visited Mimi and took Lennon to Blackpool, secretly intending to emigrate to New Zealand with him.<ref name="CynthiaLennonJohnp56"> Cynthia Lennon - “John” p56</ref> Julia followed them, but after a heated argument Freddie made the five-year-old Lennon choose between Julia or him. Lennon chose Freddie (twice) and then Julia walked away, but Lennon, crying, followed her. Freddie then lost contact with the family until Beatlemania, when father and son met again.<ref name="Spitzp30"> Spitz - Beatles: The Biography p30</ref>

Throughout the rest of his childhood and adolescence, Lennon lived with his Aunt Mimi and her husband George Smith—who had no children of their own—in a middle class area of Liverpool at 'Mendips' (251 Menlove Avenue). Mimi bought volumes of short stories, and George—who was a dairyman at a local farm—engaged Lennon in solving crossword puzzles and bought him a harmonica.<ref name="Spitzp32"> Spitz - Beatles: The Biography p32.</ref><ref name="CynthiaLennonJohnp56"> Cynthia Lennon - “John” p56.</ref> Julia Lennon visited 'Mendips' almost every day and Lennon often visited her at 1 Blomfield Road, Liverpool. Julia taught Lennon how to play the banjo, and played Elvis Presley's records to him.<ref name="CynthiaLennonJohnp40"> Cynthia Lennon - “John” p40.</ref><ref name="CynthiaLennonJohnp41"> Cynthia Lennon - “John”. p41.</ref> www.nndb.com/people/294/000026216/ |title= Lennon’s religion |publisher=nndb.com/people|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref><ref name=”LiverpoolCathedral"> Liverpool Cathedral

. icons.org.uk  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-20. </ref> From September 1952 to 1957, he attended the Quarry Bank Grammar School in Liverpool, where he was known as a "happy-go-lucky" pupil, known for drawing comical cartoons and making fun of his teachers by mimicking their odd characteristics.<ref name="MilesPage107"> Miles p107</ref><ref name="Spitzpp32-33"> Spitz - Beatles: The Biography pp32-33</ref><ref name=”Quarry BankHomePage"> Quarry Bank/Calderstones school home page

. calderstones.co.uk  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-20. </ref>//www.nndb.com/people/294/000026216/ |title= Lennon’s religion |publisher=nndb.com/people|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref><ref name=”LiverpoolCathedral"> Liverpool Cathedral

. icons.org.uk  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-20. </ref> From September 1952 to 1957, he attended the Quarry Bank Grammar School in Liverpool, where he was known as a "happy-go-lucky" pupil, known for drawing comical cartoons and making fun of his teachers by mimicking their odd characteristics.<ref name="MilesPage107"> Miles p107</ref><ref name="Spitzpp32-33"> Spitz - Beatles: The Biography pp32-33</ref><ref name=”Quarry BankHomePage"> Quarry Bank/Calderstones school home page

. calderstones.co.uk  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-20. </ref>

www.solcomhouse.com/johnlennon.htm |title= John Lennon biography |publisher=solcomhouse.com|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref> On 15 July 1958, when Lennon was 17, Julia was killed on Menlove Avenue (close to Mimi's house) when struck by a car driven by an off-duty police officer.<ref name="MilesPage31"> Miles. p31.</ref><ref>Keith Badman The Beatles Off The Record p18</ref> Her death was a factor in Lennon's friendship with McCartney, who had lost his own mother to breast cancer in 1956.<ref name="MilesPage20"> Miles. p20.</ref>//www.solcomhouse.com/johnlennon.htm |title= John Lennon biography |publisher=solcomhouse.com|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref> On 15 July 1958, when Lennon was 17, Julia was killed on Menlove Avenue (close to Mimi's house) when struck by a car driven by an off-duty police officer.<ref name="MilesPage31"> Miles. p31.</ref><ref>Keith Badman The Beatles Off The Record p18</ref> Her death was a factor in Lennon's friendship with McCartney, who had lost his own mother to breast cancer in 1956.<ref name="MilesPage20"> Miles. p20.</ref>

Lennon failed all his GCE O-level examinations, and was only accepted into the Liverpool College of Art with help from his school's headmaster and Mimi. Lennon met his future wife there, Cynthia Powell, when Lennon was a Teddy Boy. <ref name="CynthiaJohnp22"> Cynthia Lennon – “John”. p22.</ref> Lennon was often disruptive in class, and ridiculed his teachers by mimicking them, resulting in teachers refusing to have him as a student.<ref name="Colemanp93"> Coleman - Lennon: The Definitive Biography p93.</ref><ref name="Colemanp97"> Coleman - Lennon: The Definitive Biography p97.</ref> Lennon failed his annual Art College exams despite help from Powell, and dropped out before the last year of college.<ref name="CynthiaJohnp67"> Cynthia Lennon – “John”. p67.</ref>

1957-1970: The Beatles

Main articles: The Quarrymen, Lennon/McCartney, and The Beatles

Modèle:See

www.john-lennon.com/playboyinterviewwithjohnlennonandyokoono.htm |title= Playboy Interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono - 1980 |publisher=john-lennon.com/|accessdate=2007-12-15}}</ref> McCartney's father later allowed the Quarrymen to rehearse in his front room at 20 Forthlin Road.<ref name="CynthiaJohnp46"> Cynthia Lennon – “John” p46</ref><ref name="MilesPage38"> Miles p38</ref> During their early friendship Lennon encouraged McCartney to steal cigarettes, sweets, or books from shops, and they found a shared interest in playing jokes on the other band members and on their teachers.<ref name="MilesPage107"> Miles p107</ref><ref name="SpitzPage113"> Spitz p113</ref> It was around this time that Lennon and McCartney started writing songs with each other. The first song Lennon completed was "Hello Little Girl" when he was 18-years-old, which later became a hit for the Fourmost.//www.john-lennon.com/playboyinterviewwithjohnlennonandyokoono.htm |title= Playboy Interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono - 1980 |publisher=john-lennon.com/|accessdate=2007-12-15}}</ref> McCartney's father later allowed the Quarrymen to rehearse in his front room at 20 Forthlin Road.<ref name="CynthiaJohnp46"> Cynthia Lennon – “John” p46</ref><ref name="MilesPage38"> Miles p38</ref> During their early friendship Lennon encouraged McCartney to steal cigarettes, sweets, or books from shops, and they found a shared interest in playing jokes on the other band members and on their teachers.<ref name="MilesPage107"> Miles p107</ref><ref name="SpitzPage113"> Spitz p113</ref> It was around this time that Lennon and McCartney started writing songs with each other. The first song Lennon completed was "Hello Little Girl" when he was 18-years-old, which later became a hit for the Fourmost. members.tripod.com/~taz4158/macint.htm |title=Paul McCartney 1984 Playboy Interview |publisher=members.tripod.com|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref><ref name="CynthiaJohnp45-46"> Cynthia Lennon - “John” pp45-46</ref>//members.tripod.com/~taz4158/macint.htm |title=Paul McCartney 1984 Playboy Interview |publisher=members.tripod.com|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref><ref name="CynthiaJohnp45-46"> Cynthia Lennon - “John” pp45-46</ref>

images.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://webs.wichita.edu/mschneegurt/hamburg/kaiserkeller.gif&imgrefurl=http://webs.wichita.edu/mschneegurt/hamburg/hamburg.html&h=254&w=355&sz=65&hl=en&start=1&tbnid=XuBKiGVW2CiqFM:&tbnh=87&tbnw=121&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dkaiserkeller%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26sa%3DG |title=Photos of Clubs in Hamburg |publisher=images.google.co.uk|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref> Lennon's Aunt Mimi was horrified when Lennon told her about Hamburg. She pleaded with him to continue his studies, but was ignored.<ref name="CynthiaJohnp70-71"> Cynthia Lennon - “John” pp70-71</ref> Koschmider reported McCartney and Best for arson after the two attached a condom to a nail in the 'Bambi' and set fire to it.<ref name="MilesPage72"> Miles p72</ref> They were deported, as was George Harrison for working under-age.<ref name="MilesPage72-73"> Miles pp72-73</ref> A few days later Lennon's work permit was revoked and he went home by train.<ref name="CynthiaLennonJohnp79"> Cynthia Lennon “John” p79</ref> The Beatles went back to Hamburg in April 1961, and recorded 'My Bonnie' with Tony Sheridan.<ref name="CynthiaLennonJohnp97"> Cynthia Lennon “John” p97</ref>//images.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl= |title=Photos of Clubs in Hamburg |publisher=images.google.co.uk|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref> Lennon's Aunt Mimi was horrified when Lennon told her about Hamburg. She pleaded with him to continue his studies, but was ignored.<ref name="CynthiaJohnp70-71"> Cynthia Lennon - “John” pp70-71</ref> Koschmider reported McCartney and Best for arson after the two attached a condom to a nail in the 'Bambi' and set fire to it.<ref name="MilesPage72"> Miles p72</ref> They were deported, as was George Harrison for working under-age.<ref name="MilesPage72-73"> Miles pp72-73</ref> A few days later Lennon's work permit was revoked and he went home by train.<ref name="CynthiaLennonJohnp79"> Cynthia Lennon “John” p79</ref> The Beatles went back to Hamburg in April 1961, and recorded 'My Bonnie' with Tony Sheridan.<ref name="CynthiaLennonJohnp97"> Cynthia Lennon “John” p97</ref>//images.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://webs.wichita.edu/mschneegurt/hamburg/kaiserkeller.gif&imgrefurl=http://webs.wichita.edu/mschneegurt/hamburg/hamburg.html&h=254&w=355&sz=65&hl=en&start=1&tbnid=XuBKiGVW2CiqFM:&tbnh=87&tbnw=121&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dkaiserkeller%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26sa%3DG |title=Photos of Clubs in Hamburg |publisher=images.google.co.uk|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref> Lennon's Aunt Mimi was horrified when Lennon told her about Hamburg. She pleaded with him to continue his studies, but was ignored.<ref name="CynthiaJohnp70-71"> Cynthia Lennon - “John” pp70-71</ref> Koschmider reported McCartney and Best for arson after the two attached a condom to a nail in the 'Bambi' and set fire to it.<ref name="MilesPage72"> Miles p72</ref> They were deported, as was George Harrison for working under-age.<ref name="MilesPage72-73"> Miles pp72-73</ref> A few days later Lennon's work permit was revoked and he went home by train.<ref name="CynthiaLennonJohnp79"> Cynthia Lennon “John” p79</ref> The Beatles went back to Hamburg in April 1961, and recorded 'My Bonnie' with Tony Sheridan.<ref name="CynthiaLennonJohnp97"> Cynthia Lennon “John” p97</ref>

www.britishbeatlesfanclub.co.uk/features/2007/0821_book_imaginethis.html |title=Growing Up with My Brother John Lennon |publisher=britishbeatlesfanclub.co.uk|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref> In April 1962, The Beatles returned to Hamburg to play at the Star-Club, and were told that Sutcliffe had died a few hours before they arrived.<ref name="CynthiaLennonJohnp109"> Cynthia Lennon “John” p109</ref> This was another shock for Lennon, after losing Uncle George and Julia.<ref name="CynthiaLennonJohnp109"> Cynthia Lennon “John” p109</ref>//www.britishbeatlesfanclub.co.uk/features/2007/0821_book_imaginethis.html |title=Growing Up with My Brother John Lennon |publisher=britishbeatlesfanclub.co.uk|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref> In April 1962, The Beatles returned to Hamburg to play at the Star-Club, and were told that Sutcliffe had died a few hours before they arrived.<ref name="CynthiaLennonJohnp109"> Cynthia Lennon “John” p109</ref> This was another shock for Lennon, after losing Uncle George and Julia.<ref name="CynthiaLennonJohnp109"> Cynthia Lennon “John” p109</ref>

All Lennon-McCartney songs on the first pressing of Please Please Me album (recorded in one day on 11 February 1963)<ref name="MilesPage93"> Miles p93</ref> as well as the single "From Me to You", and its B-side, "Thank You Girl", are credited to "McCartney-Lennon", but this was later changed to "Lennon-McCartney".<ref name="Cross"> Cross “The Beatles: Day-by-Day, Song-by-Song, Record-by-Record“ 2005</ref> Lennon and McCartney usually needed an hour or two to finish a song; most of which were written in hotel rooms after a concert, at Wimpole Street—Jane Asher's home—or at Cavendish Avenue; McCartney's home<ref name="MilesPage149"> Miles. p149</ref> or at Kenwood (Lennon's house).<ref name="MilesPage171"> Miles. p171</ref>

At the end of 1968, Lennon performed as part of the group Dirty Mac, in The Rolling Stones' Rock and Roll Circus film. The supergroup, made up of Lennon, Eric Clapton, Keith Richards and Mitch Mitchell, also backed Yoko Ono's performance.

Lennon left The Beatles in September 1969 (Starr had left and returned during 1968, and Harrison had left on 10 January 1969 during the filming for Let It Be, but returned after a Beatles' meeting at Starr's house two days later).<ref name="Spitzp809"> Spitz 2005 p809</ref> Lennon agreed not to make an announcement while the band renegotiated their recording contract, but McCartney released a question and answer interview that he had written himself in April 1970, declaring that he was no longer a member of The Beatles.<ref name="Spitzp853"> Spitz 2005 p853</ref> Lennon's reaction when told was, "Jesus Christ! He [McCartney] gets all the credit for it!" Lennon later told Rolling Stone: "I was a fool not to do what Paul did, which was use it to sell a record," (McCartney's first solo album) and later wrote, "I started the band. I finished it."<ref>John Lennon 1987 Skywriting by Word of Mouth : And Other Writings, Including "The Ballad of John and Yoko" Harper Paperbacks</ref>

www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2005/11_november/17/lennon.shtml |title=John Lennon season on BBC Radio to mark the 25th anniversary of his death |publisher=bbc.co.uk/pressoffice|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref> Lennon later expressed his displeasure with the scant credit he was given as an influence on George Harrison in his autobiography, I Me Mine, and unhappy that McCartney's Beatles songs, such as "Yesterday", "Hey Jude" and "Let It Be" were more covered than his own contributions, but Lennon also stated his true feelings about his former band members by saying: "I still love those guys. The Beatles are over, but John, Paul, George and Ringo go on."<ref name="LennonPlayboyInterview1980"/>//www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2005/11_november/17/lennon.shtml |title=John Lennon season on BBC Radio to mark the 25th anniversary of his death |publisher=bbc.co.uk/pressoffice|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref> Lennon later expressed his displeasure with the scant credit he was given as an influence on George Harrison in his autobiography, I Me Mine, and unhappy that McCartney's Beatles songs, such as "Yesterday", "Hey Jude" and "Let It Be" were more covered than his own contributions, but Lennon also stated his true feelings about his former band members by saying: "I still love those guys. The Beatles are over, but John, Paul, George and Ringo go on."<ref name="LennonPlayboyInterview1980"/>

www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=/arts/2005/10/05/bmlennon05.xml |title=The John Lennon I Knew |publisher=telegraph.co.uk|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref>//www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=/arts/2005/10/05/bmlennon05.xml |title=The John Lennon I Knew |publisher=telegraph.co.uk|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref>

Five months later, an American teen magazine called Datebook reprinted part of the quote on its front cover. The American Bible Belt protested in the South and Midwest, and conservative groups staged public burnings of Beatles records and memorabilia. Many radio stations banned The Beatles' music, and some concert venues cancelled performances. At a press conference in Chicago, on 11 August 1966, Lennon addressed the growing controversy:

Lennon: I wasn't saying whatever they're saying I was saying. I'm sorry I said it really. I never meant it to be a lousy anti-religious thing. I apologise if that will make you happy. I still don't know quite what I've done. I've tried to tell you what I did do, but if you want me to apologise, if that will make you happy, then OK, I'm sorry.<ref name="Milesp293-295"> Miles 1997 pp293-295</ref>

music.aol.com/feature/famous-quote-john-lennon |title=AOL Music's Infamous Rock Quotes |publisher=music.aol.com|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref> Lennon later wrote, "I always remember to thank Jesus for the end of my touring days; if I hadn't said that The Beatles were 'bigger than Jesus' and upset the very Christian Ku Klux Klan, well, Lord, I might still be up there with all the other performing fleas! God bless America. Thank you, Jesus."<ref> Cleave , Maureen

     (2005-05-10)
   
.     |title=Photos of Clubs in Hamburg |publisher=images.google.co.uk|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref> Lennon's Aunt Mimi was horrified when Lennon told her about Hamburg. She pleaded with him to continue his studies, but was ignored.<ref name="CynthiaJohnp70-71"> Cynthia Lennon - “John” pp70-71</ref> Koschmider reported McCartney and Best for arson after the two attached a condom to a nail in the 'Bambi' and set fire to it.<ref name="MilesPage72"> Miles p72</ref> They were deported, as was George Harrison for working under-age.<ref name="MilesPage72-73"> Miles pp72-73</ref> A few days later Lennon's work permit was revoked and he went home by train.<ref name="CynthiaLennonJohnp79"> Cynthia Lennon “John” p79</ref> The Beatles went back to Hamburg in April 1961, and recorded 'My Bonnie' with Tony Sheridan.<ref name="CynthiaLennonJohnp97"> Cynthia Lennon “John” p97</ref>

www.britishbeatlesfanclub.co.uk/features/2007/0821_book_imaginethis.html |title=Growing Up with My Brother John Lennon |publisher=britishbeatlesfanclub.co.uk|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref> In April 1962, The Beatles returned to Hamburg to play at the Star-Club, and were told that Sutcliffe had died a few hours before they arrived.<ref name="CynthiaLennonJohnp109"> Cynthia Lennon “John” p109</ref> This was another shock for Lennon, after losing Uncle George and Julia.<ref name="CynthiaLennonJohnp109"> Cynthia Lennon “John” p109</ref>//www.britishbeatlesfanclub.co.uk/features/2007/0821_book_imaginethis.html |title=Growing Up with My Brother John Lennon |publisher=britishbeatlesfanclub.co.uk|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref> In April 1962, The Beatles returned to Hamburg to play at the Star-Club, and were told that Sutcliffe had died a few hours before they arrived.<ref name="CynthiaLennonJohnp109"> Cynthia Lennon “John” p109</ref> This was another shock for Lennon, after losing Uncle George and Julia.<ref name="CynthiaLennonJohnp109"> Cynthia Lennon “John” p109</ref>

All Lennon-McCartney songs on the first pressing of Please Please Me album (recorded in one day on 11 February 1963)<ref name="MilesPage93"> Miles p93</ref> as well as the single "From Me to You", and its B-side, "Thank You Girl", are credited to "McCartney-Lennon", but this was later changed to "Lennon-McCartney".<ref name="Cross"> Cross “The Beatles: Day-by-Day, Song-by-Song, Record-by-Record“ 2005</ref> Lennon and McCartney usually needed an hour or two to finish a song; most of which were written in hotel rooms after a concert, at Wimpole Street—Jane Asher's home—or at Cavendish Avenue; McCartney's home<ref name="MilesPage149"> Miles. p149</ref> or at Kenwood (Lennon's house).<ref name="MilesPage171"> Miles. p171</ref>

At the end of 1968, Lennon performed as part of the group Dirty Mac, in The Rolling Stones' Rock and Roll Circus film. The supergroup, made up of Lennon, Eric Clapton, Keith Richards and Mitch Mitchell, also backed Yoko Ono's performance.

Lennon left The Beatles in September 1969 (Starr had left and returned during 1968, and Harrison had left on 10 January 1969 during the filming for Let It Be, but returned after a Beatles' meeting at Starr's house two days later).<ref name="Spitzp809"> Spitz 2005 p809</ref> Lennon agreed not to make an announcement while the band renegotiated their recording contract, but McCartney released a question and answer interview that he had written himself in April 1970, declaring that he was no longer a member of The Beatles.<ref name="Spitzp853"> Spitz 2005 p853</ref> Lennon's reaction when told was, "Jesus Christ! He [McCartney] gets all the credit for it!" Lennon later told Rolling Stone: "I was a fool not to do what Paul did, which was use it to sell a record," (McCartney's first solo album) and later wrote, "I started the band. I finished it."<ref>John Lennon 1987 Skywriting by Word of Mouth : And Other Writings, Including "The Ballad of John and Yoko" Harper Paperbacks</ref>

www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2005/11_november/17/lennon.shtml |title=John Lennon season on BBC Radio to mark the 25th anniversary of his death |publisher=bbc.co.uk/pressoffice|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref> Lennon later expressed his displeasure with the scant credit he was given as an influence on George Harrison in his autobiography, I Me Mine, and unhappy that McCartney's Beatles songs, such as "Yesterday", "Hey Jude" and "Let It Be" were more covered than his own contributions, but Lennon also stated his true feelings about his former band members by saying: "I still love those guys. The Beatles are over, but John, Paul, George and Ringo go on."<ref name="LennonPlayboyInterview1980"/>//www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2005/11_november/17/lennon.shtml |title=John Lennon season on BBC Radio to mark the 25th anniversary of his death |publisher=bbc.co.uk/pressoffice|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref> Lennon later expressed his displeasure with the scant credit he was given as an influence on George Harrison in his autobiography, I Me Mine, and unhappy that McCartney's Beatles songs, such as "Yesterday", "Hey Jude" and "Let It Be" were more covered than his own contributions, but Lennon also stated his true feelings about his former band members by saying: "I still love those guys. The Beatles are over, but John, Paul, George and Ringo go on."<ref name="LennonPlayboyInterview1980"/>

www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=/arts/2005/10/05/bmlennon05.xml |title=The John Lennon I Knew |publisher=telegraph.co.uk|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref>//www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=/arts/2005/10/05/bmlennon05.xml |title=The John Lennon I Knew |publisher=telegraph.co.uk|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref>

Five months later, an American teen magazine called Datebook reprinted part of the quote on its front cover. The American Bible Belt protested in the South and Midwest, and conservative groups staged public burnings of Beatles records and memorabilia. Many radio stations banned The Beatles' music, and some concert venues cancelled performances. At a press conference in Chicago, on 11 August 1966, Lennon addressed the growing controversy:

Lennon: I wasn't saying whatever they're saying I was saying. I'm sorry I said it really. I never meant it to be a lousy anti-religious thing. I apologise if that will make you happy. I still don't know quite what I've done. I've tried to tell you what I did do, but if you want me to apologise, if that will make you happy, then OK, I'm sorry.<ref name="Milesp293-295"> Miles 1997 pp293-295</ref>

music.aol.com/feature/famous-quote-john-lennon |title=AOL Music's Infamous Rock Quotes |publisher=music.aol.com|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref> Lennon later wrote, "I always remember to thank Jesus for the end of my touring days; if I hadn't said that The Beatles were 'bigger than Jesus' and upset the very Christian Ku Klux Klan, well, Lord, I might still be up there with all the other performing fleas! God bless America. Thank you, Jesus."<ref> Cleave , Maureen

     (2005-05-10)
   
.    The John Lennon I knew 
. Telegraph.co.uk 
   

.</ref>//music.aol.com/feature/famous-quote-john-lennon |title=AOL Music's Infamous Rock Quotes |publisher=music.aol.com|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref> Lennon later wrote, "I always remember to thank Jesus for the end of my touring days; if I hadn't said that The Beatles were 'bigger than Jesus' and upset the very Christian Ku Klux Klan, well, Lord, I might still be up there with all the other performing fleas! God bless America. Thank you, Jesus."<ref> Cleave , Maureen

     (2005-05-10)
   
.    The John Lennon I knew 
. Telegraph.co.uk 
   

.</ref>

1970-1980: Solo Career

Modèle:See

Whilst still a Beatle, Lennon and Ono recorded three albums of experimental music, Unfinished Music No.1: Two Virgins, Unfinished Music No.2: Life with the Lions, and Wedding Album. His first 'solo' album was Live Peace in Toronto 1969—recorded prior to the breakup of The Beatles—recorded at the Rock 'n' Roll Festival in Toronto with The Plastic Ono Band. He also recorded three solo singles: the anti-war anthem, "Give Peace a Chance", "Cold Turkey", and "Instant Karma!". Following The Beatles' split in 1970, Lennon released the John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band album. It included "Working Class Hero", which was banned by WBCN for its use of the word "fucking".<ref name=" Schechterp106"> Schechter “The Beatles: Day-by-Day, Song-by-Song, Record-by-Record“ 2005 p106</ref>

www.superseventies.com/lennon2.html |title=Lennon - Imagine Review |publisher=superseventies.com |accessdate=2007-01-20}}</ref><ref name="LennonMcCartneyMelodyMaker"> Lennon and McCartney in Melody Maker magazine

. geocities.com  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-20. </ref> On 31 August 1971, Lennon left England for New York, and released the Happy Xmas (War Is Over) single in December of 1971.<ref name="LennonSingles"> Lennon's singles

. allmusic.com  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-20. </ref> To advertise the single, and to make a statement about war, Lennon and Ono paid for a billboard in Times Square, New York, which read, "WAR IS OVER, if you want it".<ref name="JPRInstitute"/> Some Time in New York City was released in 1972. Recorded with Elephant's Memory, it contained songs about women's rights, race relations, Britain's role in Northern Ireland, and Lennon's problems obtaining a United States Green Card. Lennon had been interested in left-wing politics since the late 1960s, and reportedly donated money to the Trotskyist Workers Revolutionary Party.<ref name="MI5Agent"> "Was there a high-level MI5 agent in the British Workers Revolutionary Party?"

. wsws.org/articles  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-20. </ref>//www.superseventies.com/lennon2.html |title=Lennon - Imagine Review |publisher=superseventies.com |accessdate=2007-01-20}}</ref><ref name="LennonMcCartneyMelodyMaker"> Lennon and McCartney in Melody Maker magazine

. geocities.com  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-20. </ref> On 31 August 1971, Lennon left England for New York, and released the Happy Xmas (War Is Over) single in December of 1971.<ref name="LennonSingles"> Lennon's singles

. allmusic.com  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-20. </ref> To advertise the single, and to make a statement about war, Lennon and Ono paid for a billboard in Times Square, New York, which read, "WAR IS OVER, if you want it".<ref name="JPRInstitute"/> Some Time in New York City was released in 1972. Recorded with Elephant's Memory, it contained songs about women's rights, race relations, Britain's role in Northern Ireland, and Lennon's problems obtaining a United States Green Card. Lennon had been interested in left-wing politics since the late 1960s, and reportedly donated money to the Trotskyist Workers Revolutionary Party.<ref name="MI5Agent"> "Was there a high-level MI5 agent in the British Workers Revolutionary Party?"

. wsws.org/articles  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-20. </ref>

www.dvdverdict.com/reviews/cavettlennon.php |title=DVD Reviews, The Dick Cavett Show |publisher=dvdverdict.com|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref> On 30 August 1972 Lennon and Elephant's Memory gave two benefit concerts at Madison Square Garden in New York to benefit the patients at the Staten Island mental facility, Willowbrook State School. These were to be Lennon's last full-length concert appearances.<ref name="RockHallFame"> Rock 'n' Roll hall of Fame

. rockhall.com  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-20. </ref> In November 1973, Lennon released Mind Games, which was credited to "the Plastic U.F.Ono Band". He also wrote "I'm the Greatest" for Ringo Starr's album Ringo; his own demo-version of the song appears on the John Lennon Anthology and produced "Too many Cooks (Spoil The Soup) with Mick Jagger on lead vocal. In September 1974, Lennon released Walls and Bridges in September and the single, "Whatever Gets You Thru the Night" (a duet with Elton John). Both rocketed to the top of charts; it was his only #1 single in his lifetime. A second single from the album, #9 Dream, was released in December. He also wrote and recorded "Goodnight Vienna" for Starr.<ref name=”GoodnightVienna"> Goodnight Vienna

. jpgr.co.uk  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-17. </ref>//www.dvdverdict.com/reviews/cavettlennon.php |title=DVD Reviews, The Dick Cavett Show |publisher=dvdverdict.com|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref> On 30 August 1972 Lennon and Elephant's Memory gave two benefit concerts at Madison Square Garden in New York to benefit the patients at the Staten Island mental facility, Willowbrook State School. These were to be Lennon's last full-length concert appearances.<ref name="RockHallFame"> Rock 'n' Roll hall of Fame

. rockhall.com  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-20. </ref> In November 1973, Lennon released Mind Games, which was credited to "the Plastic U.F.Ono Band". He also wrote "I'm the Greatest" for Ringo Starr's album Ringo; his own demo-version of the song appears on the John Lennon Anthology and produced "Too many Cooks (Spoil The Soup) with Mick Jagger on lead vocal. In September 1974, Lennon released Walls and Bridges in September and the single, "Whatever Gets You Thru the Night" (a duet with Elton John). Both rocketed to the top of charts; it was his only #1 single in his lifetime. A second single from the album, #9 Dream, was released in December. He also wrote and recorded "Goodnight Vienna" for Starr.<ref name=”GoodnightVienna"> Goodnight Vienna

. jpgr.co.uk  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-17. </ref>

On 28 November Lennon made a surprise guest appearance at Elton John's Thankgiving concert at Madison Square Garden after he loses a bet with Elton that "Whatever Gets You" would reach #1. Lennon performed "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds", "Whatever Gets You Thru the Night" and "I Saw Her Standing There". Lennon rush-released his Rock 'n' Roll album of cover songs, in February 1975—with Spector as producer—before John Lennon Sings The Great Rock N Roll Hits: ROOTS was released (issued by Morris Levy on the Adam VIII label). www.hollywoodusa.co.uk/GravesOutofLA/johnlennon.htm |title=Final Resting Place of John Lennon - The Lost Weekend |publisher=hollywoodusa.co.uk|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref> Dick James—The Beatles' publisher—had sold his majority share in Maclen Music (Lennon's and McCartney's publishing company) to Grade in 1969. During "Imagine," Lennon interjected the line "and no immigration too" - a reference to his battle to remain in the United States. In October 1975, Lennon fulfilled his contractual obligation to EMI/Capitol for one more album by releasing "Shaved Fish," a greatest hits compilation. On 9 October 1975 – Lennon's 35th birthday – his son Sean Ono Lennon was born, and Lennon retired from the music business to care for him.//www.hollywoodusa.co.uk/GravesOutofLA/johnlennon.htm |title=Final Resting Place of John Lennon - The Lost Weekend |publisher=hollywoodusa.co.uk|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref> Dick James—The Beatles' publisher—had sold his majority share in Maclen Music (Lennon's and McCartney's publishing company) to Grade in 1969. During "Imagine," Lennon interjected the line "and no immigration too" - a reference to his battle to remain in the United States. In October 1975, Lennon fulfilled his contractual obligation to EMI/Capitol for one more album by releasing "Shaved Fish," a greatest hits compilation. On 9 October 1975 – Lennon's 35th birthday – his son Sean Ono Lennon was born, and Lennon retired from the music business to care for him. Lennon interrupted his retirement briefly for Ringo Starr. He wrote and recorded "Cookin' (In The Kitchen of Love)" in June 1976. This was his last recording session until his 1980 comeback.<ref>Eight Arms To Hold You: The Solo Beatles Compendium, Madinger/Easter, 44.1 Publishing, 2000</ref>

newfinland.blogspot.com/2007/12/remembering-john-lennon.html |title=Remembering John Lennon |publisher=newfinland.blogspot.com|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref>//newfinland.blogspot.com/2007/12/remembering-john-lennon.html |title=Remembering John Lennon |publisher=newfinland.blogspot.com|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref>

snltranscripts.jt.org/75/75rbeatles.phtml |title=SNL Transcripts: Beatles Offer 24 April 1976 |publisher=snltranscripts.jt.org|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref> They seriously considered going to the studio to appear on the show as a joke, but were too tired.<ref name="LennonPlayboyInterview1980"/> This event was fictionalized in the 2000 television film, Two of Us.//snltranscripts.jt.org/75/75rbeatles.phtml |title=SNL Transcripts: Beatles Offer 24 April 1976 |publisher=snltranscripts.jt.org|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref> They seriously considered going to the studio to appear on the show as a joke, but were too tired.<ref name="LennonPlayboyInterview1980"/> This event was fictionalized in the 2000 television film, Two of Us.

Marriages and relationships

members.tripod.com/~taz4158/macint.htm McCartney’s 1984 Playboy Interview] Retrieved: 14 November 2006 </ref>//members.tripod.com/~taz4158/macint.htm McCartney’s 1984 Playboy Interview] Retrieved: 14 November 2006 </ref>

Cynthia Lennon

Main article: Cynthia Lennon

Cynthia Powell met Lennon at the Liverpool Art College in 1957.<ref name="CynthiaJohnp22"/> Although the teddyboy with the rough exterior and cruel humor was "not her type," she was attracted to him immediately. After hearing Lennon comment favourably about another girl who looked like Brigitte Bardot, Powell changed the colour of her hair to blonde.<ref name="CynthiaJohnp25-26"> Cynthia Lennon – “John” pp25-26.</ref> Their relationship started after a college party before the summer holidays when Lennon asked Powell to go a pub with him and some friends.<ref name="CynthiaJohnp27"> Cynthia Lennon – “John” p27</ref> She pretended to be engaged (to Barry, in Hoylake) and Lennon stormed off, shouting, "I didn't ask you to fucking marry me, did I?"<ref name="Spitzp156"> Spitz 2005 p156</ref> Lennon was often jealous, as he once slapped Powell across the face (knocking her head against the wall) the day after he saw her dancing with Sutcliffe.<ref name="CynthiaJohnp48-49"> Miles pp48-49</ref> In mid-1962, Powell discovered she was pregnant with Lennon's child.<ref name="CynthiaLennonJohnp122"> Cynthia Lennon “John”. p122.</ref> They were married on 23 August at the Mount Pleasant Register office in Liverpool, and John Charles Julian Lennon was born in Sefton General Hospital on 8 April 1963.<ref name="CynthiaLennonJohnp128-129"> Cynthia Lennon “John” pp128-129</ref>

www.imdb.com/title/tt0104448/</ref>//www.imdb.com/title/tt0104448/</ref>

Lennon was distant to Julian, who felt closer to McCartney than to his father. Julian later said, "I've never really wanted to know the truth about how dad was with me. There was some very negative stuff talked about me ... like when he said I'd come out of a whiskey bottle on a Saturday night.<ref name="LennonPlayboyInterview1980"/> Stuff like that. You think, where's the love in that? Paul and I used to hang about quite a bit ... more than dad and I did. We had a great friendship going and there seems to be far more pictures of me and Paul playing together at that age than there are pictures of me and my dad."<ref name="EternalFlame"/>

Cynthia Lennon had become aware of Lennon's infidelities, but cites his increasing drug use for their growing apart. She was also aware of the presence of an avant-garde artist named Yoko Ono. At first, she thought nothing of it. Eventually, she actually suggested to Lennon that perhaps Ono was the woman for him.<ref>Cynthia Lennon: A Twist of Lennon, Avon 1978 p182</ref>

When Lennon and the Beatles went to India to meditate, Cynthia and Lennon were seperated on the train platform. A policeman, who didn't recognize her, kept her from boarding the train. As she watched Lennon pull out of the station, she broke into tears. In the documentary Imagine, she explained, "Normally I wouldn't have broken down, I'd have kept my cool... I knew I'd get there anyway. But at that point I felt so sad. This was symbolic of our life... I'm getting off at this station."<ref>Cynthia Lennon Interview, Imagine, Documentary, Warner Brothers 1988</ref>

Soon after, their marriage was over. Lennon refused to go on a family holiday and was later photographed with Ono. He then tried to sue Cynthia for divorce, claiming she had committed adultery.<ref name="Colemanp464"> Coleman - Lennon: The Definitive Biography p464</ref> But when it was discovered Ono had become pregnant, it was Cynthia who petitioned for divorce. In the ensuing court case Lennon refused to give his wife anymore than £75,000, telling her "What have you done to deserve it? Christ, it's like winning the bloody pools". Cynthia received £100,000, £2,400 anually, and custody of Julian and the house (Kenwood).<ref name="Colemanp467"> Coleman - Lennon: The Definitive Biography p467</ref>

www.rollingstone.com/artists/johnlennon/albums/album/170665/review/5945311/walls_and_bridges | title=John Lennon:Walls and Bridges|author=Ben Gerson|publisher=Rolling Stone magazine| date=1974-11-21|accesssdate=2007-08-28}}</ref><ref name="CynthiaJohnp344"> Cynthia Lennon “John” 2006 p344</ref> Lennon also bought Julian a Gibson Les Paul guitar, and a drum machine for Christmas in 1973, and encouraged Julian's interest in music by showing him some chords.<ref> Memorabilia: The Julian Lennon Collection

. Lennon.net  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-08-28. </ref><ref name="CynthiaJohnp345"> Cynthia Lennon “John” 2006 p-345</ref>//www.rollingstone.com/artists/johnlennon/albums/album/170665/review/5945311/walls_and_bridges | title=John Lennon:Walls and Bridges|author=Ben Gerson|publisher=Rolling Stone magazine| date=1974-11-21|accesssdate=2007-08-28}}</ref><ref name="CynthiaJohnp344"> Cynthia Lennon “John” 2006 p344</ref> Lennon also bought Julian a Gibson Les Paul guitar, and a drum machine for Christmas in 1973, and encouraged Julian's interest in music by showing him some chords.<ref> Memorabilia: The Julian Lennon Collection

. Lennon.net  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-08-28. </ref><ref name="CynthiaJohnp345"> Cynthia Lennon “John” 2006 p-345</ref>

www.rollingstone.com/artists/seanlennon/discography |title=Sean Lennon's discography |publisher=rollingstone.com|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref> After Lennon's death, it was revealed that Julian was not mentioned in Lennon's Will.<ref name="LastWillLennon"> The Will of John Lennon

. courttv.com  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-21. </ref> It was said that Ono gave Julian £20m, which Julian refuted by saying that it was minimal compared to the figure reported.<ref name="EternalFlame"/>//www.rollingstone.com/artists/seanlennon/discography |title=Sean Lennon's discography |publisher=rollingstone.com|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref> After Lennon's death, it was revealed that Julian was not mentioned in Lennon's Will.<ref name="LastWillLennon"> The Will of John Lennon

. courttv.com  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-21. </ref> It was said that Ono gave Julian £20m, which Julian refuted by saying that it was minimal compared to the figure reported.<ref name="EternalFlame"/>

Yoko Ono

Main article: Yoko Ono

arts.guardian.co.uk/features/story/0,,1937863,00.html |title=Indica Gallery Meeting |publisher=arts.guardian.co.uk|accessdate=2007-01-29}}</ref> Lennon was intrigued by Ono's "Hammer A Nail" Piece: patrons hammered a nail into a wooden board, creating the art piece. Lennon wanted to hammer a nail in the clean board, but Ono stopped him because the exhibit hadn't opened. Dunbar then said to Ono, "Don't you know who this is?" Ono had not heard of the Beatles (except for Ringo, which meant Apple in Japanese) but relented, on the condition that Lennon pay her five shillings. Lennon then said, "I'll give you an imaginary five shillings and hammer an imaginary nail."<ref>ref name=" LennonPlayboyInterview1980"> Playboy Interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono - 1980

. john-lennon.com/  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-15. </ref> The second version is that in late 1965, Ono was in London compiling original musical scores for a book that John Cage was working on.<ref>http://concise.britannica.com/ebc/article-9359468/John-Cage</ref> She knocked on McCartney's door, but he declined because he kept all his original manuscripts. However, he suggested that John Lennon might oblige. Lennon gave the original handwritten lyrics to "The Word" from Rubber Soul to Ono. It was reproduced in Cage's book, Notations.<ref name="Milesp272"> Miles 1997 p272</ref>//arts.guardian.co.uk/features/story/0,,1937863,00.html |title=Indica Gallery Meeting |publisher=arts.guardian.co.uk|accessdate=2007-01-29}}</ref> Lennon was intrigued by Ono's "Hammer A Nail" Piece: patrons hammered a nail into a wooden board, creating the art piece. Lennon wanted to hammer a nail in the clean board, but Ono stopped him because the exhibit hadn't opened. Dunbar then said to Ono, "Don't you know who this is?" Ono had not heard of the Beatles (except for Ringo, which meant Apple in Japanese) but relented, on the condition that Lennon pay her five shillings. Lennon then said, "I'll give you an imaginary five shillings and hammer an imaginary nail."<ref>ref name=" LennonPlayboyInterview1980"> Playboy Interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono - 1980

. john-lennon.com/  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-15. </ref> The second version is that in late 1965, Ono was in London compiling original musical scores for a book that John Cage was working on.<ref>http://concise.britannica.com/ebc/article-9359468/John-Cage</ref> She knocked on McCartney's door, but he declined because he kept all his original manuscripts. However, he suggested that John Lennon might oblige. Lennon gave the original handwritten lyrics to "The Word" from Rubber Soul to Ono. It was reproduced in Cage's book, Notations.<ref name="Milesp272"> Miles 1997 p272</ref>

www.jpri.org/publications/occasionalpapers/op18.html |title=The Importance of Yoko Ono |publisher= jpri.org/publications |date=2000-11-18|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref> where the pair had been exchanging numerous postcards. Cynthia Lennon was in Greece on holiday, so Lennon invited Ono to his home where they spent the night recording what would become the "Two Virgins" album and made love at dawn.<ref>http://www.amazon.com/Unfinished-Music-No-Two-Virgins/dp/B0000009RE</ref><ref>Liner notes for Two Virgins CD</ref> When Cynthia returned home, she found Lennon and Ono, who was wearing her bathrobe, having tea. Lennon said, "Oh, hi".<ref>Cynthia Lennon: A Twist of Lennon, Avon 1978 p183</ref> Cynthia filed for divorce later that year, on the grounds of John's adultery, which was proven by Ono's pregnancy. Ono later miscarried John Ono Lennon II on 21 November 1968.//www.jpri.org/publications/occasionalpapers/op18.html |title=The Importance of Yoko Ono |publisher= jpri.org/publications |date=2000-11-18|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref> where the pair had been exchanging numerous postcards. Cynthia Lennon was in Greece on holiday, so Lennon invited Ono to his home where they spent the night recording what would become the "Two Virgins" album and made love at dawn.<ref>http://www.amazon.com/Unfinished-Music-No-Two-Virgins/dp/B0000009RE</ref><ref>Liner notes for Two Virgins CD</ref> When Cynthia returned home, she found Lennon and Ono, who was wearing her bathrobe, having tea. Lennon said, "Oh, hi".<ref>Cynthia Lennon: A Twist of Lennon, Avon 1978 p183</ref> Cynthia filed for divorce later that year, on the grounds of John's adultery, which was proven by Ono's pregnancy. Ono later miscarried John Ono Lennon II on 21 November 1968.

news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/3338583.stm |title=Lennon returns MBE |publisher=news.bbc.co.uk|accessdate=2007-12-15}}</ref><ref name="MBE1965"> Lennon gets MBE in 1965

. news.bbc.co.uk  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-15. </ref> The couple were married in Gibraltar on 20 March 1969, and were inseperable until 1973. Their honeymoon in Amsterdam became an international "Bed-In" for peace. They planned another "Bed-in" in the United States, but were denied entry. Instead, the couple went to neighboring Montreal, and at a "Bed-in" at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel, recorded "Give Peace a Chance", which became an anthem for the peace movement.<ref>http://folkmusic.about.com/od/toptens/tp/Top10Protest.htm</ref> They were mainly patronised as a couple of eccentrics by the media, yet they did a great deal for the peace movement, as well as for feminism and racial harmony.^{[citation needed]} Lennon and Ono often combined advocacy with performance art, as in their "Bagism" introduced during a Vienna press conference.^{[citation needed]} Lennon detailed this period in the Beatles' song "The Ballad of John and Yoko."<ref>http://www.stlyrics.com/lyrics/lennonthemusical/theballadofjohnandyoko.htmInsert footnote text here</ref>//news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/3338583.stm |title=Lennon returns MBE |publisher=news.bbc.co.uk|accessdate=2007-12-15}}</ref><ref name="MBE1965"> Lennon gets MBE in 1965

. news.bbc.co.uk  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-15. </ref> The couple were married in Gibraltar on 20 March 1969, and were inseperable until 1973. Their honeymoon in Amsterdam became an international "Bed-In" for peace. They planned another "Bed-in" in the United States, but were denied entry. Instead, the couple went to neighboring Montreal, and at a "Bed-in" at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel, recorded "Give Peace a Chance", which became an anthem for the peace movement.<ref>http://folkmusic.about.com/od/toptens/tp/Top10Protest.htm</ref> They were mainly patronised as a couple of eccentrics by the media, yet they did a great deal for the peace movement, as well as for feminism and racial harmony.^{[citation needed]} Lennon and Ono often combined advocacy with performance art, as in their "Bagism" introduced during a Vienna press conference.^{[citation needed]} Lennon detailed this period in the Beatles' song "The Ballad of John and Yoko."<ref>http://www.stlyrics.com/lyrics/lennonthemusical/theballadofjohnandyoko.htmInsert footnote text here</ref>

In April 1969, on the roof of Apple Records, Lennon changed his name to John Ono Lennon.<ref>Ray Coleman: John Ono Lennon (Vol II),Sidgwick & Jackson Ltd., pg64</ref> After Ono was injured in a car accident, Lennon arranged for a king-sized bed to be brought to the recording studio as he worked on The Beatles' last album, Abbey Road.<ref>Geoff Emerick, Here There and Everywhere: My Life Recording The Music of The Beatles, Gotham Books, 2006,pp279-280</ref> To escape the acrimony of the Beatles' breakup, Ono suggested they move permanently to New York. After months of living in hotels, the Lennons rented a street-level apartment in Greenwich Village, the "artist/bohemian" section of the city. After a robbery, they relocated to the more secure Dakota on Central Park West in February 1973.

May Pang and the "Lost Weekend"

Main article: May Pang

www.lennonrevealed.com |title=You say you want a revelation? |publisher=lennonrevealed.com |accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref><ref name="MayPangEncyclopedia"> Lennon Planned to Visit McCartney In 1974

. 213.87.37.135/oea/millennium  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-15. </ref> Pang had been the couple's personal assistant since the Lennons arrived in New York in December 1970, and became production coordinator of both Lennon's and Ono's recording projects in 1972.<ref>Album liner notes/credits: John Lennon: Mind Games, Walls and Bridges, Rock 'N' Roll; Yoko Ono: Approximately Infinite Universe, Feeling The Space; Harry Nilsson Pussy Cats; Mick Jagger: Too Many Cooks</ref>//www.lennonrevealed.com |title=You say you want a revelation? |publisher=lennonrevealed.com |accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref><ref name="MayPangEncyclopedia"> Lennon Planned to Visit McCartney In 1974

. 213.87.37.135/oea/millennium  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-15. </ref> Pang had been the couple's personal assistant since the Lennons arrived in New York in December 1970, and became production coordinator of both Lennon's and Ono's recording projects in 1972.<ref>Album liner notes/credits: John Lennon: Mind Games, Walls and Bridges, Rock 'N' Roll; Yoko Ono: Approximately Infinite Universe, Feeling The Space; Harry Nilsson Pussy Cats; Mick Jagger: Too Many Cooks</ref>

www.rollingstone.com/news/story/8898794/long_nights_journey_into_day |title=Long Night's Journey Into Day: A Conversation with John Lennon |publisher=rollingstone.com|accessdate=2007-08-29}}</ref> Lennon began recording a covers album of his favorite songs to be produced by Phil Spector, but stopped the recording because of Lennon's drinking and Spector's irratic behaviour.<ref name="Hamill"/> With Pang's encouragement, Lennon took the opportunity to be reacquainted with his son, Julian, whom he had hadn't seen in four years. Lennon invited Julian for Christmas, and kept in contact with him throughout the next year.<ref name="PangInstamaticKarma"> Pang "Instamatic Karma" 2008</ref> Lennon produced Harry Nilsson's Pussy Cats album in March 1974, and rented a beach house in Santa Monica where the musicians on the album, including Starr, could live together.<ref name="instamatickarma"/> On the first night of the recording, McCartney dropped by the studio, to Lennon's surprise. Stevie Wonder also showed up and they had an impromptu jam. This was the first time and only time Lennon and McCartney played together since The Beatles. McCartney and Linda became frequent guests at the house.<ref name="instamatickarma"> Instamatic Karma web page

. instamatickarma.com  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-20. </ref>//www.rollingstone.com/news/story/8898794/long_nights_journey_into_day |title=Long Night's Journey Into Day: A Conversation with John Lennon |publisher=rollingstone.com|accessdate=2007-08-29}}</ref> Lennon began recording a covers album of his favorite songs to be produced by Phil Spector, but stopped the recording because of Lennon's drinking and Spector's irratic behaviour.<ref name="Hamill"/> With Pang's encouragement, Lennon took the opportunity to be reacquainted with his son, Julian, whom he had hadn't seen in four years. Lennon invited Julian for Christmas, and kept in contact with him throughout the next year.<ref name="PangInstamaticKarma"> Pang "Instamatic Karma" 2008</ref> Lennon produced Harry Nilsson's Pussy Cats album in March 1974, and rented a beach house in Santa Monica where the musicians on the album, including Starr, could live together.<ref name="instamatickarma"/> On the first night of the recording, McCartney dropped by the studio, to Lennon's surprise. Stevie Wonder also showed up and they had an impromptu jam. This was the first time and only time Lennon and McCartney played together since The Beatles. McCartney and Linda became frequent guests at the house.<ref name="instamatickarma"> Instamatic Karma web page

. instamatickarma.com  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-20. </ref>

www.uforth.com/ |title=UFO sightings and Lennon |publisher=uforth.com|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref> During this period, Lennon re-recorded "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" with Elton John<ref>http://www.mystrands.com/track/387623</ref>, and later the "Whatever Gets You" duet with John. When Lennon joined John on stage at Madison Square Garden in November 1974, Ono was in the audience. Although Lennon would later claim he had no idea that she would be there, it was he who arranged for her seats. Ono gave both Lennon and John gardenia corsages for good luck, and she said hello to Lennon backstage after the show. It has been claimed that the Lennons reunited at the concert, but this was not the case.<ref name="PangLovingJohn"> May Pang "Loving John" 1983</ref>//www.uforth.com/ |title=UFO sightings and Lennon |publisher=uforth.com|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref> During this period, Lennon re-recorded "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" with Elton John<ref>http://www.mystrands.com/track/387623</ref>, and later the "Whatever Gets You" duet with John. When Lennon joined John on stage at Madison Square Garden in November 1974, Ono was in the audience. Although Lennon would later claim he had no idea that she would be there, it was he who arranged for her seats. Ono gave both Lennon and John gardenia corsages for good luck, and she said hello to Lennon backstage after the show. It has been claimed that the Lennons reunited at the concert, but this was not the case.<ref name="PangLovingJohn"> May Pang "Loving John" 1983</ref>

www.rockhall.com/inductee/david-bowie|title=David Bowie|work=Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction | date=1996 |publisher=rockhall.com|accessdate=2007-08-31}}</ref> Lennon and Pang were planning to visit McCartney and Linda in New Orleans where the McCartneys were recording the "Venus And Mars" album,<ref>http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,35067,00.html</ref> but on 1 February 1975, Lennon returned to live with Ono, which "officially" ended his "lost weekend."<ref name="instamatickarma"/>//www.rockhall.com/inductee/david-bowie|title=David Bowie|work=Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction | date=1996 |publisher=rockhall.com|accessdate=2007-08-31}}</ref> Lennon and Pang were planning to visit McCartney and Linda in New Orleans where the McCartneys were recording the "Venus And Mars" album,<ref>http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,35067,00.html</ref> but on 1 February 1975, Lennon returned to live with Ono, which "officially" ended his "lost weekend."<ref name="instamatickarma"/>

Shortly after the Lennons reunited, Ono became pregant, and on 9 October 1975—Lennon's 35th birthday—Ono gave birth to a son, Sean Ono Lennon, after having earlier miscarriages. Lennon issued a statement: "I feel higher than the Empire State Building" and soon decided to retire from the music business. He cited many reasons, but they were primarily the fact that he had been under contract since 22-years-old and he was now free, Rock 'n' Roll was was not as interesting as it once was, and the limited relationship he had had with first son made him decide to live a family life and become a househusband.<ref name="LennonPlayboyInterview1980"/>

Lifestyle

Political activism

news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/october/15/newsid_2533000/2533131.stm |title= 1969: Millions march in US Vietnam Moratorium |publisher=bbc.co.uk/onthisday|accessdate=2007-12-16}}</ref> When Lennon and Ono moved to New York City in August 1971, they befriended peace activists Jerry Rubin and Abbie Hoffman. Lennon performed at the "Free John Sinclair" concert in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on 10 December 1971.<ref name=”JohnLennonOnTelevision"> John Lennon on Television

. homepage.ntlworld.com  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-17. </ref> Sinclair was an antiwar activist and poet who was serving ten years in state prison for selling two joints of marijuana to an undercover cop.<ref name="TwentyToLife"> The Life and Times of John Sinclair

. movies.nytimes.com  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-20. </ref> Lennon and Ono appeared on stage with Phil Ochs, Stevie Wonder and other musicians, plus antiwar radical Jerry Rubin and Bobby Seale of the Black Panthers. Lennon performed the song, "John Sinclair", which he had just written, calling on the authorities to "Let him be, set him free, let him be like you and me." Some 20,000 people attended the rally, and three days after the concert the State of Michigan released Sinclair from prison.<ref name="SinclairBiog"> Sinclair , John

     (2003-05-12)
   
.    John Sinclair's Bio 
. John Sinclair 
   

. Retrieved on 2007-12-20. </ref> This performance was released on the 2-CD John Lennon Anthology [1998], and the album, Acoustic [2004]). Lennon later performed the song on the David Frost Show accompanied by Ono and Jerry Rubin.<ref>http://homepage.ntlworld.com/carousel/pob18.html</ref>//news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/october/15/newsid_2533000/2533131.stm |title= 1969: Millions march in US Vietnam Moratorium |publisher=bbc.co.uk/onthisday|accessdate=2007-12-16}}</ref> When Lennon and Ono moved to New York City in August 1971, they befriended peace activists Jerry Rubin and Abbie Hoffman. Lennon performed at the "Free John Sinclair" concert in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on 10 December 1971.<ref name=”JohnLennonOnTelevision"> John Lennon on Television

. homepage.ntlworld.com  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-17. </ref> Sinclair was an antiwar activist and poet who was serving ten years in state prison for selling two joints of marijuana to an undercover cop.<ref name="TwentyToLife"> The Life and Times of John Sinclair

. movies.nytimes.com  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-20. </ref> Lennon and Ono appeared on stage with Phil Ochs, Stevie Wonder and other musicians, plus antiwar radical Jerry Rubin and Bobby Seale of the Black Panthers. Lennon performed the song, "John Sinclair", which he had just written, calling on the authorities to "Let him be, set him free, let him be like you and me." Some 20,000 people attended the rally, and three days after the concert the State of Michigan released Sinclair from prison.<ref name="SinclairBiog"> Sinclair , John

     (2003-05-12)
   
.    John Sinclair's Bio 
. John Sinclair 
   

. Retrieved on 2007-12-20. </ref> This performance was released on the 2-CD John Lennon Anthology [1998], and the album, Acoustic [2004]). Lennon later performed the song on the David Frost Show accompanied by Ono and Jerry Rubin.<ref>http://homepage.ntlworld.com/carousel/pob18.html</ref>

news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/648607.stm|title= Judge releases Lennon letters |publisher=news.bbc.co.uk|accessdate=2007-12-16}}</ref> Republican Senator Strom Thurmond suggested—in a February 1972 memo—that "deportation would be a strategic counter-measure." [against Lennon]<ref name="ThurmondLennon"> The US vs. John Lennon

. thenation.com  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-17.

</ref> The next month the Immigration and Naturalization Service began deportation proceedings against Lennon, arguing that his 1968 misdemeanour conviction for cannabis possession in London had made him ineligible for admission to the U.S. Lennon spent the next four years in deportation hearings. While his deportation battle continued, Lennon appeared at rallies in New York City and on TV shows, including a week hosting the Mike Douglas Show in February 1972, where Jerry Rubin and Bobby Seale appeared as his guests.<ref name="LennonRubinMikeDouglas"> Lennon and Rubin on the Mike Douglas show

. news.bbc.co.uk  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-16. </ref>.//news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/648607.stm|title= Judge releases Lennon letters |publisher=news.bbc.co.uk|accessdate=2007-12-16}}</ref> Republican Senator Strom Thurmond suggested—in a February 1972 memo—that "deportation would be a strategic counter-measure." [against Lennon]<ref name="ThurmondLennon"> The US vs. John Lennon

. thenation.com  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-17.

</ref> The next month the Immigration and Naturalization Service began deportation proceedings against Lennon, arguing that his 1968 misdemeanour conviction for cannabis possession in London had made him ineligible for admission to the U.S. Lennon spent the next four years in deportation hearings. While his deportation battle continued, Lennon appeared at rallies in New York City and on TV shows, including a week hosting the Mike Douglas Show in February 1972, where Jerry Rubin and Bobby Seale appeared as his guests.<ref name="LennonRubinMikeDouglas"> Lennon and Rubin on the Mike Douglas show

. news.bbc.co.uk  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-16. </ref>.

www.nostalgiacentral.com/years/1973.htm |title=Nostalgia Central - important dates 1973 |publisher=nostalgiacentral.com|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref> In response, Lennon and Ono held a press conference at the New York American Bar Association on 1 April 1973 to announce the formation of the conceptual state of "Nutopia"; a place with "no land, no boundaries, no passports, only people", and all of its inhabitants would be ambassadors.<ref name="joinnutopia"> Declaration of Nutopia

. joinnutopia.com  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-20. </ref> The Lennons asked for political asylum in the U.S while waving the white flag of Nutopia; two white handkerchiefs. The entire press conference can be seen in the 2006 Lion's Gate movie "The U.S. vs. John Lennon."<ref name="USVersusLennon"> The US Versus John Lennon

. theusversusjohnlennon.com  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-20. </ref> In June 1973, Lennon and Ono made their last political statement by attending the Watergate hearings in Washington, D.C.<ref name="MindGamesWatergate"> Mind Games John Lennon, plus Watergate

. superseventies.com  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-20. </ref>//www.nostalgiacentral.com/years/1973.htm |title=Nostalgia Central - important dates 1973 |publisher=nostalgiacentral.com|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref> In response, Lennon and Ono held a press conference at the New York American Bar Association on 1 April 1973 to announce the formation of the conceptual state of "Nutopia"; a place with "no land, no boundaries, no passports, only people", and all of its inhabitants would be ambassadors.<ref name="joinnutopia"> Declaration of Nutopia

. joinnutopia.com  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-20. </ref> The Lennons asked for political asylum in the U.S while waving the white flag of Nutopia; two white handkerchiefs. The entire press conference can be seen in the 2006 Lion's Gate movie "The U.S. vs. John Lennon."<ref name="USVersusLennon"> The US Versus John Lennon

. theusversusjohnlennon.com  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-20. </ref> In June 1973, Lennon and Ono made their last political statement by attending the Watergate hearings in Washington, D.C.<ref name="MindGamesWatergate"> Mind Games John Lennon, plus Watergate

. superseventies.com  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-20. </ref>

www.LennonFBIfiles.com |title=Lennon's FBI files |publisher=LennonFBIfiles.com|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref> The story is told in the documentary The U.S. vs. John Lennon, by David Leaf and John Scheinfeld, released in theatres in September 2006, and on DVD in February 2007. The final ten documents in Lennon's FBI file were released in December 2006.<ref name="LastFBIFiles"> FBI to release last of its John Lennon files

. latimes.com  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-20. </ref><ref name="LennonFiles"> Lennon Files

. lennonfbifiles.com  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-20. </ref>//www.LennonFBIfiles.com |title=Lennon's FBI files |publisher=LennonFBIfiles.com|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref> The story is told in the documentary The U.S. vs. John Lennon, by David Leaf and John Scheinfeld, released in theatres in September 2006, and on DVD in February 2007. The final ten documents in Lennon's FBI file were released in December 2006.<ref name="LastFBIFiles"> FBI to release last of its John Lennon files

. latimes.com  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-20. </ref><ref name="LennonFiles"> Lennon Files

. lennonfbifiles.com  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-20. </ref>

In 1976, Lennon's U.S. immigration status was finally resolved favourably, and he received his green card. Lennon insisted that the investigation was politically motivated, a claim that was later proven true. With the departure of Nixon from the White House, the administration of his successor, Gerald Ford, showed little interest in continuing the battle. When Jimmy Carter was inaugurated as president on 20 January 1977, Lennon and Ono were invited to attend the Inaugural Ball. After that appearance, Lennon was rarely seen in public until his 1980 comeback.^{[citation needed]} Lennon had planned a return to activism on December 14, 1980, when he and Ono were scheduled to travel to San Francisco and protest for migrant workers' rights.^{[citation needed]}

Drugs, Meditation and Primal Therapy

Lennon was first given drugs in Hamburg, Germany as The Beatles had to play long sets, and were often given "Prellies" (Preludin) by customers or by Astrid Kirchherr, whose mother bought them for her.<ref name="MilesPage66-67"> Miles pp66-67.</ref> McCartney would usually take one, but Lennon would often take four or five, and later took amphetamines called 'Black Bombers' and 'Purple Hearts'.<ref name="MilesPage66-67"> Miles pp66-67.</ref><ref name="CynthiaJohnp76"> Cynthia – “John” p76</ref> The Beatles first smoked cannabis with Bob Dylan in New York in 1964,<ref name="MilesPage185"> Miles p185</ref> Dylan mistakenly interpreted the lyric "I can't hide" from "I Want to Hold Your Hand" as "I get high", and presumed that the Beatles were already familiar with the drug.<ref name="MilesPage188-189"> Miles pp188-189</ref> Lennon later said the The Beatles "smoked marijuana for breakfast", and that other people had trouble talking to them, because they were giggling all the time.<ref name="LennonPlayboyInterview1980"/>

query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9500E0DD1E39F932A35755C0A960958260 |title=Pied Piper Of Psychedelic 60's, Dies at 75 – 1 June 1996 |publisher=nytimes.com|accessdate=2007-10-27}}</ref><ref name="Tibetandeathtext"> The first English language translation of the famous Tibetan death text

. summum.us  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-10-27. </ref> He later used heroin, and wrote about the withdrawal symptoms he experienced in "Cold Turkey".<ref name="Colemanp570"> Coleman - Lennon: The Definitive Biography p570</ref> In a 1995 interview, Cynthia said there were problems throughout their marriage because of the pressures of The Beatles' fame and rigorous touring, and because of Lennon's increasing use of drugs.<ref name="CynthiaInterviewLiverpoolEcho"> Cynthia Lennon interview with Linda McDermott, Liverpool Echo, 17 February 1995

. merseyworld.com  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-20. </ref>//query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9500E0DD1E39F932A35755C0A960958260 |title=Pied Piper Of Psychedelic 60's, Dies at 75 – 1 June 1996 |publisher=nytimes.com|accessdate=2007-10-27}}</ref><ref name="Tibetandeathtext"> The first English language translation of the famous Tibetan death text

. summum.us  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-10-27. </ref> He later used heroin, and wrote about the withdrawal symptoms he experienced in "Cold Turkey".<ref name="Colemanp570"> Coleman - Lennon: The Definitive Biography p570</ref> In a 1995 interview, Cynthia said there were problems throughout their marriage because of the pressures of The Beatles' fame and rigorous touring, and because of Lennon's increasing use of drugs.<ref name="CynthiaInterviewLiverpoolEcho"> Cynthia Lennon interview with Linda McDermott, Liverpool Echo, 17 February 1995

. merseyworld.com  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-20. </ref> www.bbc.co.uk/wales/walesonair/database/beatles.shtml |title=Beatles in Bangor |publisher=bbc.co.uk/wales|accessdate=2007-11-16}}</ref> The time Lennon later spent in India at the Maharishi's ashram was productive, as most of the songs recorded for The White Album, and Abbey Road, were composed there by Lennon and McCartney.<ref name="MilesPage397"> Miles p397</ref> Although later turning against the Maharishi, Lennon still advocated meditation when interviewed.<ref name="LennonMcCartneyTheTonightShow"> Lennon & McCartney Interview, The Tonight Show

. geocities.com  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-01-07. </ref>//www.bbc.co.uk/wales/walesonair/database/beatles.shtml |title=Beatles in Bangor |publisher=bbc.co.uk/wales|accessdate=2007-11-16}}</ref> The time Lennon later spent in India at the Maharishi's ashram was productive, as most of the songs recorded for The White Album, and Abbey Road, were composed there by Lennon and McCartney.<ref name="MilesPage397"> Miles p397</ref> Although later turning against the Maharishi, Lennon still advocated meditation when interviewed.<ref name="LennonMcCartneyTheTonightShow"> Lennon & McCartney Interview, The Tonight Show

. geocities.com  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-01-07. </ref>

homepage.ntlworld.com/carousel/pob11.html |title=John Lennon and Primal therapy |publisher=ntlworld.com|accessdate=2007-12-12}}</ref><ref name="LennonPlayboyInterview1980"/>//homepage.ntlworld.com/carousel/pob11.html |title=John Lennon and Primal therapy |publisher=ntlworld.com|accessdate=2007-12-12}}</ref><ref name="LennonPlayboyInterview1980"/>

Humour

www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-life/liverpool-lifestyle/2007/11/26/what-will-liz-think-of-these-100252-20163545/ |title=What will Liz think of these? |publisher=liverpoolecho.co.uk|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref> Lennon put on weight during 1965, and later said, "It was my fat-Elvis period."<ref>Lawrence John Lennon: In His Own Words 2005 p62</ref>//www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-life/liverpool-lifestyle/2007/11/26/what-will-liz-think-of-these-100252-20163545/ |title=What will Liz think of these? |publisher=liverpoolecho.co.uk|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref> Lennon put on weight during 1965, and later said, "It was my fat-Elvis period."<ref>Lawrence John Lennon: In His Own Words 2005 p62</ref>

During the Get Back sessions, Lennon introduced "Dig a Pony" by shouting, "I dig a pygmy by Charles Hawtrey and the Deaf Aids; phase one in which Doris gets her oats!" The phrase was later edited to precede "Two of Us" on Let It Be. Lennon often counter-pointed McCartney's upbeat lyrics, as in "Getting Better":

McCartney: "I've got to admit it's getting better, a little better, all the time."

Lennon: "Can't get no worse."<ref name="scoresp310"> Leonard “The Beatles - Complete Scores” 1993 p310</ref>

Lennon appeared in various television comedy shows, such as the Morcambe and Wise show with the rest of The Beatles, and played a doorman in a gents' toilet in Not Only But Also. In the Rolling Stones' Rock and Roll Circus film, Lennon changed the title of "I Wanna Be Your Man" (which was recorded by the Rolling Stones in 1963) to "I Want to Hold Your Man", while talking with Mick Jagger.^{[citation needed]}

Lennon's humour could also be caustic, such as when Brian Epstein asked Lennon for a title for Epstein's autobiography, and Lennon answered: "How about, Queer Jew?"<ref name="Colemanp90"> Coleman - Lennon: The Definitive Biography p23.</ref> When Lennon heard that the title of the book would be A Cellarful of Noise, he said to a friend: "More like A Cellarful of Boys."<ref name="Colemanp90"> Coleman - Lennon: The Definitive Biography p90</ref>

Writing and art

triumphpc.com/mersey-beat/archives/dailyhowl.shtml |title=The Daily Howl - Bill Harry, Mersey Beat |publisher=triumphpc.com|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref><ref name="Spitzp31"> Spitz - Beatles: The Biography p31</ref> He often drew caricatures of his school teachers, and when he was in Hamburg he sent love poems and drawings to Cynthia Lennon, once writing, "Our first Christmas, I love you, yes, yes, yes."<ref name="CynthiaJohnp35"> Cynthia Lennon – “John” p35</ref> When Liverpool's Mersey Beat magazine was founded, Lennon was asked to contribute. His his first piece was about the origins of The Beatles: "A man appeared on a flaming pie, and said you are Beatles with an 'A'."<ref name=" CynthiaJohnp98-99"> Cynthia Lennon – “John” pp98-99</ref>//triumphpc.com/mersey-beat/archives/dailyhowl.shtml |title=The Daily Howl - Bill Harry, Mersey Beat |publisher=triumphpc.com|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref><ref name="Spitzp31"> Spitz - Beatles: The Biography p31</ref> He often drew caricatures of his school teachers, and when he was in Hamburg he sent love poems and drawings to Cynthia Lennon, once writing, "Our first Christmas, I love you, yes, yes, yes."<ref name="CynthiaJohnp35"> Cynthia Lennon – “John” p35</ref> When Liverpool's Mersey Beat magazine was founded, Lennon was asked to contribute. His his first piece was about the origins of The Beatles: "A man appeared on a flaming pie, and said you are Beatles with an 'A'."<ref name=" CynthiaJohnp98-99"> Cynthia Lennon – “John” pp98-99</ref> The first two books by Lennon are examples of literary nonsense: In His Own Write (1964) and A Spaniard in the Works (1965). Ono later allowed the works of Lennon to be published after his death: Skywriting by Word of Mouth (1986) Ai: Japan Through John Lennon's Eyes: A Personal Sketchbook (1992) which contained Lennon's drawings illustrating the definitions of Japanese words. Real Love: The Drawings for Sean followed in 1999. The Beatles Anthology, included writing and drawings by Lennon.

Pseudonyms

www.superseventies.com/lennon4.html superseventies.com |title=Walls And Bridges review and pseudonyms |publisher=superseventies.com|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref>//www.superseventies.com/lennon4.html superseventies.com |title=Walls And Bridges review and pseudonyms |publisher=superseventies.com|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref>

Lennon also named his session musicians under various different band names during his career, including:

• The Plastic Ono Band (for the Plastic Ono Band album)
• The Plastic Ono Band with the Flux Fiddlers (Imagine)
• The Plastic U.F.Ono Band (Mind Games)
• The Plastic Ono Nuclear Band/Little Big Horns and the Philharmonic Orchestrange (Walls and Bridges)

Death

Main article: The death of John Lennon

www.associatedcontent.com/article/463145/annie_leibovitz_portrait_photographer.html |title=Leibovitz portrait |accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref><ref name="BiographyOfLennon"> biog Biography of Lennon

. Retrieved on 2007-12-20. </ref>//www.associatedcontent.com/article/463145/annie_leibovitz_portrait_photographer.html |title=Leibovitz portrait |accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref><ref name="BiographyOfLennon"> biog Biography of Lennon

. Retrieved on 2007-12-20. </ref>

www.imdb.com/name/nm1927353/bio |title=Goresh Biog |accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref>//www.imdb.com/name/nm1927353/bio |title=Goresh Biog |accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref>

www.thestar.com/entertainment/article/223747}}</ref> They exited their limousine on 72nd Street, even though the car could have been driven into the more secure courtyard. The doorman, Jose Perdomo, and a cab driver saw Chapman standing in the shadows by the archway. Ono walked ahead of Lennon and into the reception area, and then Chapman called out, "Mr. Lennon!" As Lennon turned around when he was by the door, Chapman dropped into a "combat stance" and shot at Lennon five times with hollow point bullets from a Charter Arms .38 revolver.<ref name="PoliceTraceTangledPath"> Police Trace Tangled Path Leading To Lennon's Slaying at the Dakota

. elvispelvis.com  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-20. </ref> One shot missed, passing over Lennon's head and hitting a window of the Dakota building. Two shots struck Lennon in the left side of his back and two more in his left shoulder. All four wounds caused serious internal damage, and at least one of them fatally pierced Lennon's aorta.<ref name="TheStruggletoSaveJohn"> The Struggle to Save John

. johnlennon.tribe.net  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-20. </ref> Lennon staggered up four steps to the security/reception area, said, "I'm shot," and collapsed. Concierge Jay Hastings first thought it was a joke, but then he summoned police by hitting a silent alarm button. Outside, Chapman calmly dropped the gun and sat down on the sidewalk. Doorman Pedermo shouted at Chapman, "Do you know what you've done?" before kicking Chapman's revolver across the sidewalk. Chapman calmly replied, "I just shot John Lennon." The first policemen to arrive were Steve Spiro and Peter Cullen, who were at 72nd Street and Broadway when they heard a report of shots fired at the Dakota. The officers found Chapman sitting "very calmly" on the sidewalk. They reported that Chapman had dropped the revolver to the ground, and was holding a paperback book (J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye), and a cassette recorder, along with more than ten audio cassettes, with 14 hours of Beatles' songs on them.^{[citation needed]}//www.thestar.com/entertainment/article/223747}}</ref> They exited their limousine on 72nd Street, even though the car could have been driven into the more secure courtyard. The doorman, Jose Perdomo, and a cab driver saw Chapman standing in the shadows by the archway. Ono walked ahead of Lennon and into the reception area, and then Chapman called out, "Mr. Lennon!" As Lennon turned around when he was by the door, Chapman dropped into a "combat stance" and shot at Lennon five times with hollow point bullets from a Charter Arms .38 revolver.<ref name="PoliceTraceTangledPath"> Police Trace Tangled Path Leading To Lennon's Slaying at the Dakota

. elvispelvis.com  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-20. </ref> One shot missed, passing over Lennon's head and hitting a window of the Dakota building. Two shots struck Lennon in the left side of his back and two more in his left shoulder. All four wounds caused serious internal damage, and at least one of them fatally pierced Lennon's aorta.<ref name="TheStruggletoSaveJohn"> The Struggle to Save John

. johnlennon.tribe.net  
 

 

. Retrieved on 2007-12-20. </ref> Lennon staggered up four steps to the security/reception area, said, "I'm shot," and collapsed. Concierge Jay Hastings first thought it was a joke, but then he summoned police by hitting a silent alarm button. Outside, Chapman calmly dropped the gun and sat down on the sidewalk. Doorman Pedermo shouted at Chapman, "Do you know what you've done?" before kicking Chapman's revolver across the sidewalk. Chapman calmly replied, "I just shot John Lennon." The first policemen to arrive were Steve Spiro and Peter Cullen, who were at 72nd Street and Broadway when they heard a report of shots fired at the Dakota. The officers found Chapman sitting "very calmly" on the sidewalk. They reported that Chapman had dropped the revolver to the ground, and was holding a paperback book (J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye), and a cassette recorder, along with more than ten audio cassettes, with 14 hours of Beatles' songs on them.^{[citation needed]}

www.thestar.com/entertainment/article/223747 |title=Lennon shot on way to see son |publisher=thestar.com|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref> Lennon was pronounced D.O.A. in the Emergency Room at the Roosevelt Hospital at 11:15 p.m. by Dr. Stephen Lynn. The cause of death was reported as hypovolemic shock, after losing more than 80% of blood volume. Dr. Elliott M. Gross (the Chief Medical Examiner) said that no one could have lived more than a few minutes with such multiple bullet injuries. Ono, crying "Oh no, no, no, no...tell me it's not true," was taken to Roosevelt Hospital and led away in shock after she learned that her husband was dead. On December 9th, Ono issued a statement: "There is no funeral for John. John loved and prayed for the human race. Please pray the same for him. Love, Yoko and Sean."<ref name="RS951">Modèle:Cite news//www.thestar.com/entertainment/article/223747</ref> Lennon was pronounced D.O.A. in the Emergency Room at the Roosevelt Hospital at 11:15 p.m. by Dr. Stephen Lynn. The cause of death was reported as hypovolemic shock, after losing more than 80% of blood volume. Dr. Elliott M. Gross (the Chief Medical Examiner) said that no one could have lived more than a few minutes with such multiple bullet injuries. Ono, crying "Oh no, no, no, no...tell me it's not true," was taken to Roosevelt Hospital and led away in shock after she learned that her husband was dead. On December 9th, Ono issued a statement: "There is no funeral for John. John loved and prayed for the human race. Please pray the same for him. Love, Yoko and Sean."<ref name="RS951"> Cave , Damien

   ; Matt Diehl, Gavin Edwards, Jenny Eliscu, David Fricke, Lauren Gitlin, Matt Hendrickson, Kirk Miller, Austin Scaggs, and Rob Sheffield . 
 "
   Grieving for a Fallen Hero
   
 " , THE 50th Anniversary of Rock: The Moments 1980. The world mourns the death of John Lennon December 8, 1980 , Rolling Stone
  , 2004-06-24
 www.rollingstone.com/news/story/6085503/the_death_of_john_lennon_in_1980//www.rollingstone.com/news/story/6085503/the_death_of_john_lennon_in_1980
  , p. 140
   
  . Retrieved on 2007-11-16
 . </ref>

Shortly after local news stations reported the shooting, people began to gather at Roosevelt Hospital and in front of the Dakota - reciting prayers, singing Lennon's songs and burning candles. The first national transmission of the news across the U.S. was on the fledgling Cable News Network, on which anchorwoman Kathleen Sullivan reported that Lennon had been shot and was en route to a New York hospital (his death had not been confirmed). ABC was in the midst of airing an NFL game between the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots. After hearing the news sent by ABC News chief Roone Arledge, sports announcer Howard Cosell (who had interviewed Lennon on Monday Night Football on 9 December 1974) announced the news of Lennon's murder. NBC announced the news during a comedy sketch on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. It was interrupted by an anonymous announcer voicing the news bulletin, and then returned to the sketch.^{[citation needed]}

When reporters cornered McCartney for his reaction, McCartney said, "Drag, isn't it?" His response was criticised, but McCartney later stated in a Playboy interview: "I had just finished a whole day in shock and I said, 'It's a drag.' I meant drag in the heaviest sense of the word, you know: 'It's a — DRAG.' But, you know, when you look at that in print, it says, 'Yes, it's a drag.' Matter of fact."<ref name="McCartneyPlayboyInterview1984"/>

George Harrison went into seclusion in England and issued a statement: "To rob someone of life is the ultimate robbery!" He later released a tribute song, "All Those Years Ago" which featured background vocals from Starr and McCartney. Starr and his wife, Barbara Bach, flew to New York to comfort Ono. Lennon was cremated at Ferncliff Cemetery in Hartsdale, New York, and his ashes were returned to Ono.^{[citation needed]}

Chapman pled guilty to second degree murder and was sentenced to 20 years to life. He is still in prison as of 2007, 27 years since his arrest, having been denied parole four times.<ref name="CNN">You must specify title = and url = when using {{cite web}}.

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 (10/5/2004www.rollingstone.com/news/story/6085503/the_death_of_john_lennon_in_1980//www.cnn.com/2004/LAW/10/05/chapman.parole/index.html)
   

. Retrieved on 2007-12-08. </ref><ref name="ParoleBidFails"> Lennon killer fails in parole bid

. Retrieved on 2007-12-20. </ref>

Lennon talked about dying: "We'll either go in a plane crash or we'll be popped off by some loony." [meaning The Beatles or Lennon]<ref name=Coleman>Coleman "Lennon: The Definitive Biography"</ref> Although Lennon joked about it, several 1960s Beatles concerts in the United States and Canada did have heightened security because of death threats.

Memorials and tributes

On 14 December 1980, millions of people across the world responded to Ono's request to pause for ten minutes of silence to remember Lennon.^{[citation needed]} Thirty thousand gathered in Liverpool, and the largest group - over 100,000 - converged on New York's Central Park, close to the scene of the shooting.<ref>Clyde Haberman, "Silent Tribute to Lennon's Memory is Observed Throughout the World," The New York Times, 15 December 1980 pA1</ref>

Lennon continues to be mourned throughout the world and has been the subject of numerous memorials and tributes, principally New York City's Strawberry Fields; a memorial garden area in Central Park, across the street from the Dakota building. Shortly after his death, Ono donated $1 million for its maintenance. It has become a gathering place for tributes on Lennon's birthday and on the anniversary of his death, as well as at other times of mourning, such as after the September 11, 2001 attacks and following George Harrison's death on November 29, 2001.

On October 9, 2007, Lennon's widow, Ono, dedicated a new memorial called the Imagine Peace Tower, located on the island of Videy, off the coast of Iceland. Each year, between October 9 and December 8, it will project a vertical beam of light high into the sky.^{[citation needed]}

Every 8 December, there is a memorial ceremony in front of the Capitol Records building on Vine Street in Hollywood, California. It includes speakers discussing Lennon, and musical tributes.

www.answers.com/topic/marx-and-lennon-stamp-from-abkhazia-jpg#top |title=Postage stamps |publisher=answers.com|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref> (The stamps would have normally bore the portraits of Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin.)//www.answers.com/topic/marx-and-lennon-stamp-from-abkhazia-jpg#top |title=Postage stamps |publisher=answers.com|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref> (The stamps would have normally bore the portraits of Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin.)

www.cfa.harvard.edu/iau/special/rocknroll/0004147.html |title=Lennon's planet |publisher=cfa.harvard.edu|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref>//www.cfa.harvard.edu/iau/special/rocknroll/0004147.html |title=Lennon's planet |publisher=cfa.harvard.edu|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref>

www.scotland.com/blog/john-lennon-northern-lights-festival-in-durness |title=John Lennon Northern Lights Festival in Durness |publisher=scotland.com|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref>//www.scotland.com/blog/john-lennon-northern-lights-festival-in-durness |title=John Lennon Northern Lights Festival in Durness |publisher=scotland.com|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref>

Awards and critique

With The Beatles

BRIT Awards:

• 1977: Outstanding contribution to music during the past 25 years
• 1977: Best British band of the past 25 years
• 1977: Best British album of the past 25 years (for Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band)
• 1983: Outstanding contribution to music

Solo career

• 1982 BRIT Awards - Outstanding contribution to music.

Discography

For Lennon's solo career's discography, see John Lennon discography. For his works with The Beatles, see The Beatles discography.

Notes

References

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External links

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Modèle:Guitar www.johnlennon.com Official John Lennon website]//www.johnlennon.com Official John Lennon website] www.johnlennon.com Official John Lennon website]//www.lennon.net The Liverpool Lennons] www.johnlennon.com Official John Lennon website]//www.bbc.co.uk/music/lennon/ BBC Lennon Site]

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www.johnlennon.com Official John Lennon website]//www.lennonart.com/ John Lennon as an artist] www.johnlennon.com Official John Lennon website]//www.LennonFBIfiles.com/ Lennon FBI files] www.johnlennon.com Official John Lennon website]//www.quasimodobell.com/default.aspx?tabid=130&groupid=918&gingroup=LENNON+JOHN&discography=1 John Lennon Discography] www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=618 John Lennon Memorial] at Find A Grave//www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=618 John Lennon Memorial] at Find A Grave

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