John Lennon
John Lennon created some of the most popular music of the Twentieth Century, came to symbolize an entire counterculture movement, and continues to inspire new generations to embrace peace. Born in 1940 in Liverpool, Lennon was raised by his aunt and uncle. Neither his father, who left the family for good when Lennon was five, nor his mother, who was in and out of his life, spent much time with Lennon. His mother was killed in a car accident when Lennon was seventeen years old. Lennon went to Liverpool’s College of Art, where he met his first wife, Cynthia Powell. They were married in 1962, divorced in 1968, and had one son, Julian, who became a musician. In 1956, Lennon formed the Quarrymen (he had gone to Quarry Bank High School), and met his future collaborator, Paul McCartney. The Quarrymen transformed into Johnny and the Moondogs, then the Silver Beatles, and finally in 1961, with Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Pete Best, the Beatles. Ringo Starr replaced Pete Best in 1962. Beginning with "Love Me Do", the Beatles would dominate pop music even after their break-up in 1970. Lennon and McCartney wrote over one hundred and fifty songs together, most of which still receive radio play and downloads all over the world. Lennon married Yoko Ono in 1969, and they had a son, Sean, who also became a musician. Lennon’s first number one post-Beatles solo hit was "Whatever Gets You Through the Night", in a duet with Elton John. Working with Ono, and other musicians, Lennon continued to compose and record albums throughout the seventies. In 1980, his song "Starting Over" became another number one hit after his immensely tragic murder on December 8, in front of the Dakota apartment building where he, Yoko and Sean had their home. Through his music, involvement in political agitation for peace, his writings, and his lifestyle, Lennon became one of the most highly respected artists of the twentieth century. “You may say that I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will be as one.” Imagine.
