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WedOct 9

John Lennon

John Lennon, born on October 9, 1940, in Liverpool, England, was one of the most celebrated artists of his time and ours! He was a singer-songwriter and peace activist who co-created the Beatles. After the band’s breakup in 1970, Lennon pursued a solo career and started a family. Let’s commemorate this talented artist on his birthday.

Fast Facts

Full Name:

John Winston Ono Lennon

Nickname:

Beatcomer, Dr. Dream, Dr. Winston O’Boogie

Birth date:

October 9, 1940

Death date:

December 8, 1980 (age 40)

Zodiac Sign:

Libra

Height:

5' 10"

Net Worth:

$200 thousand

Background

John Lennon was an English singer, songwriter, musician, and peace activist, born in Liverpool, United Kingdom. He gained popularity as the founder, co-songwriter, co-lead vocalist, and rhythm guitarist of the rock band, the Beatles. Early in his career, Lennon formed a band called the Quarrymen in 1956, later becoming The Beatles, one of the most successful bands of all time. Lennon found mainstream success in 1963 in the U.K. with his band, releasing their first studio album, “Please Please Me.” That same year, his girlfriend, Cynthia Lennon, gave birth to his first son.

In 1964, Lennon and his bandmates made their international debut on “The Ed Sullivan Show” in the United States, and after years of touring, filming, and songwriting, the band released their eighth studio album, titled “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” which was just one of their most famous albums. In 1969, Lennon married his girlfriend Yoko Ono, and in September of the same year, he left the band. In 1970, Lennon released a solo album, called “John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band,” which received much praise from critics.

From 1973 to 1975, Lennon collaborated on chart-topping singles with other well-known artists, such as Elton John on ‘Whatever Gets You thru the Night’ and David Bowie on the single ‘Fame.’ In 1975, Ono gave birth to Lennon’s second son. Following a five-year break, Lennon returned to music in November 1980 with the Ono collaboration “Double Fantasy.” One month later, Lennon was killed by a fan after returning home from a studio session. We don’t think this powerful artist will ever be forgotten, and rightfully so.

Career timeline

1960
The Birth of the Beatles

Lennon starts the group called the Beatles with bandmates Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr.

1963
The First Studio Album

He releases his first studio album with the band, titled “Please Please Me.”

1980
The Death of a Star

Lennon is shot outside his apartment in New York City.

1988
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

The Beatles are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Mick Jagger.

Why We Love John Lennon

  1. He was anti-war

    He and Yoko Ono staged two bed-in for peace protests against the Vietnam War. These were peaceful protests held at the Amsterdam Hilton Hotel and the Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal, where they remained in their beds.

  2. He loved cats

    Although Lennon had dogs, he grew up with cats and had a deep love for them. He even named one Elvis after Elvis Presley, but later found out the cat was female.

  3. He was multi-talented

    Not only was Lennon a singer and songwriter, but he had also written books, such as the nonsense books “In His Own Write” and “A Spaniard in the Works.” He was also an artist who participated in exhibitions — a true jack of all trades.

5 Surprising Facts

  1. He was obsessed with Brigitte Bardot

    Lennon was obsessed with French actress Bardot, so much so that his then-girlfriend Cynthia Powell dyed her hair blond.

  2. He played the banjo

    The first instrument Lennon was taught how to play was the banjo.

  3. His ‘Love Me Do’ harmonica

    The harmonica heard on the track ‘Love Me Do’ was stolen by Lennon from a music shop in ​​Arnhem, the Netherlands.

  4. The U.S. tried to deport him

    Lennon’s anti-war and anti-Nixon propaganda got him into a bit of a scuffle with the government, and they tried to deport him for four years.

  5. He had a love for punk rock

    Lennon loved the sounds of punk rock music and highly admired the Sex Pistols.

John Lennon FAQs

What were John Lennon's last words?

According to Ono, she had asked if Lennon wanted to go for dinner, to which he replied that he did not want to and that he wanted to see his son before bedtime. He was then tragically gunned down.

What was John Lennon's last song before he died?

The last song before he died was ‘(Just Like) Starting Over.’

How many times was John Lennon shot?

He was shot four times.

John Lennon’s birthday dates

YearDateDay
2024October 9Wednesday
2025October 9Thursday
2026October 9Friday
2027October 9Saturday
2028October 9Monday

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