John Lennon was one of the most well-known faces in The Beatles. The music icon has been loved by millions. And his death shocked and horrified the whole world. So today we will take a look at John Lennon. We will talk about his life, work and death.
Lennon is known as the founder of one of the biggest bands – The Beatles. He was also the co-songwriter, co-lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of the band. Music lovers still swear by the compositions written by him and his fellow bandmate Paul McCartney. So let’s take a more detailed look right here.
Who Was John Lennon?
Born in Liverpool, John Lennon founded a band called the Quarrymen in his early days. This band later evolved into the Beatles in 1960. Initially, he was known as the leader of the band. The Beatles went on to make a lot of fame.
Lennon wrote some of the biggest hits of the band. He was influenced by many musical compositions. Initially, Lennon penned rock and pop-oriented hit songs. Later on the Beatles became known for his innovative and creative songs.
John Lennon has also worked on several films like ‘How I Won the War‘. After Lennon left the Beatles, he embarked on a solo career with his second wife Yoko Ono. His solo career gave rise to legendary songs like ‘Give Peace a Chance’, “‘Instant Karma!’, ‘Imagine’ and ‘Happy Xmas (War Is Over)’.
In Case You Missed: How Did The Beatles Get Their Name? What’s The Meaning Behind It?
John Lennon’s Death
The evening of 8 December 1980 is a dark day in the music industry. The legendary singer and founder of the Beatles was found fatally wounded in the archway of the Dakota, his New York residence. He had been shot right in front of his home.
This unfortunate incident was caused by Mark David Chapman. Ironically he identifies himself as a Beatles fan. Chapman said in his statement that he was jealous of Lennon’s rich lifestyle and it enraged him. Also, Lennon’s comment that the Beatles were “more popular than Jesus” angered him further.
Chapman planned this heinous murder over several months. In the morning, he even got Lennon to sign his copy of the album Double Fantasy. The twisted murderer identified himself as the fictional character Holden Caulfield from J. D. Salinger’s novel ‘The Catcher in the Rye’.
Chapman fired multiple shots from his .38 special revolver, four of which hit Lennon in the back. John Lennon was pronounced dead on his arrival at the Roosevelt Hospital. Chapman stayed back at the scene reading The Catcher in the Rye until the police arrested him. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
You Might Also Like To Read: The Beatles: New Book Celebrates The Fab Four’s Ever-Lasting Legacy With Never-Seen-Before Photos
