October 9, 2019 (Wednesday)
John Lennon, (1940-1980) gained worldwide fame as the founder, co-lead vocalist, and rhythm guitarist of the Beatles. His songwriting partnership with Paul McCartney remains the most successful in history.After the Beatles disbanded in 1970, Lennon continued as a solo artist and as a collaborator of his second wife’s Ono’s music. In 1957, he formed his first band, the Quarrymen, which evolved into the Beatles in 1960.
Lennon was known for his rebellious nature and acerbic wit in his music, writing, drawings, on film and in interviews. He was controversial through his political and peace activism.
His life was cut short in 1980 when he was shot and killed in the archway of his Manhattan apartment building. The group lost George Harrison 21 years later when he died from lung cancer.
The music of the Beatles can be heard today in recordings of the original group and also recordings made by groups wanting to be like them. Many of their songs have been rearranged into crossover orchestrations that can be heard daily on radio and other media.
Paul and Ringo still perform for audiences. The group will go down in music history as extremely influential.