On December 8, 1980, John Lennon was murdered in New York City. For millions of Beatles fan, it is a date we will never forget. On the 40th anniversary of his death (damn, that doesn’t seem remotely possible), this 12-song medley is filled with only his solo music because if I had added his Beatles material, this medley would have lasted for hours.
John Lennon was not a saint. He would have laughed at the very notion of that. He was a complex human being – often vindictive and cruel, especially to women in his younger years – who struggled to get his band to the “toppermost of the poppermost” only to dismiss much of their success in a 1970 interview as a nightmare because “one had to completely humiliate oneself to be what the Beatles were and that’s what I resent.“
Years later he had mellowed, saying a Beatles reunion shouldn’t be ruled out. “If it happens, I’ll enjoy it. My memories are now all fond and the wounds have healed.”
That possibility was ended forever by four hollow-point bullets fired from a Charter Arms .38 caliber revolver at close range by an obsessed “fan” into Lennon’s back as John and Yoko Ono walked through the archway entrance of their residence at The Dakota.
The Dream Was Over.
Play button is on the left … Volume slider is on the right
The John Lennon Medley
A sad day indeed..I agree, how can this be 40 years ago? John was a true wordsmith. He had a unique way of expressing himself and his use of satire and direct, blunt manner was off putting to many. If nothing else he was true to himself. I think he was fortunate to find Paul, the yang to his yang. His aggressive approach could be softened by Paul’s sweetness. Truly a perfect partnership. That being said, I am thankful for his solo work. There is an honesty in his rawness. An artistry that is fascinating to watch over his career. He honed his craft as a member of a group and had a chance to express himself as an individual as he matured.
Thank you Ray for this deep dive into an artist who had so much to say. I will close with the obvious, “What if…?”
Thank you, Don.
John had an authentic voice. And not just musically. He did and said some controversial things but he wasn’t a fake – he was always his own person.
In the end, he was one of the most significant figures in 20th century pop culture history, a true original and four decades after he died, millions are still fascinated by him.
We’ll never know what he would have created had he lived. Would he have continued to create new music, toured the world, found new collaborators, perhaps re-teamed with some old ones? 😉 Or would he have settled back into the domestic life he enjoyed so much, deciding he’d had enough of the music world?
We’ll never know … and that’s a pity.
WOW…Don’s comment and your reply say it all so perfectly! I will never forget you breaking the news to me as a 9 year old girl…crazy how it’s already 40 years later…Listening to these solo tracks, some of which I haven’t heard in a very long time, makes me feel centered/grounded. I will always believe these feelings come from a deep love of his music and an even deeper love of growing up listening to both The Beatles and his solo tunes with YOU. <3 XOXOXOXO <3
Thank you, Wendyl ❤️
I remember telling you. It still feels like yesterday. It’s hard to believe both of his sons are now older than he was when he died.
John had a musical gift he shared with the world and we were and are all the better for it.
Remember, All You Need Is Love ❤️
XOXOXOXO
Have to admit that I was not that much of a solo fan so didn’t recognize any but the fab Imagine.
Thanks for bringing new sounds to my life!
Mary Helen, I’m glad you enjoyed the “new” tunes. 🙂