Happy 70th Birthday
By: Maggie Griffin
October 9th, 2010
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John Lennon, born the 9th of October, 1940 – dies on the 8th of December 1980. John Lennon was an English singer-songwriter who rose to worldwide fame as one of the founding members of The Beatles and, with Paul McCartney, formed one of the most successful songwriting partnerships of the 20th century. Born and raised in Liverpool, England, UK; Lennon became involved in the craze as a teenager. His first band called The Quarrymen, turning the name The Beatles in 1960. A decade later, the band led to their break-up, leaving Lennon to begin his solo career that would span the next generation by critically acclaimed albums, that included John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band and Imagine, and iconic songs such as "Give Peace a Chance" and "Imagine".
Lennon’s work as a peace activist revolved around his songs and interviews. During this time he moved to New York City in 1971, where his criticism of the Vietnam War resulted in an attempt by Richard Nixon's administration to deport him because his songs were considered anthems by the anti-war movement and Nixon's concern at that time was it may cause damage to his re-election. Republican Senator Strom Thurmond suggested in a February 1972 memo that "deportation would be a strategic counter-measure" against Lennon. Lennon spent four years in deportation hearings. However, Nixon's involvement in a political scandal came to light in June when the Watergate hearings began in Washington, DC. It led to Nixon's resignation 14 months later. When Gerald Ford was sworn into office, he expressed no interest in continuing the the deportation order against Lennon, resulting this order became overturned in 1975 and Lennon remained in The United States.
Following, in 1975, Lennon chose to devote time to his family. Family was the top most important thing to Lennon as he grew up with the experience of not seeing his father and hardly saw his mother.
Lennon recaptured his fans in 1980 with a comeback album, Double Fantasy in November of 1980, but was murdered three weeks after its release. Lennon's solo album sales in the United States alone stand at 14 million units. As performer, writer, or co-writer he rose 27 number one singles on the US Hot 100 chart. In 2002, a BBC poll on the 100 Greatest Britons voted him eighth; following in 2008, Rolling Stone ranked him the fifth greatest singer of all time. In 1987, Lennon was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. In 1994, Lennon was inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
John Lennon, a visionary of peace, delivered his messages through his music. Back in 1986 I had the opportunity to see his son Julian Lennon perform in concert in Connecticut. A resemblance of his Father, sitting front row, it became obvious to me that Julian not only looks like his father, but followed the steps of his father. Today, Julian, inspired by his father, opened up an exhibit of photography work where he captured his father through his eyes. Today, although Julian still performs his music, however his work in photography inspired by his father, launched where he opened an exhibit, capturing his Father, John. It was a magical moment for Julian at the opening of the exhibit when his Mother Cynthia greeted and hugged Yoko Ono, step mother, and his half brother Sean – who was born on the 9th of October 1975 on John Lennon's 35th birthday. It is obvious through The Eyes of John Lennon, celebrating his Life and Mission of Peace is important to his family and thousands of his fans.
John Lennon, as today marks your 70th birthday, thank you for giving the world your gift of music, inspiration, love and messages of peace through your lyrics.
In the Eyes of John Lennon – Imagine One Day the World Will Live as One:
