The Music Of John Lennon

The 1960’s were arguably the most influential years in American music’s history. The music helped connect people of all races, whom enjoyed visiting jazz-clubs in the early to mid-60s, to listen to the music and poetry performed by African-Americans. Much of the music from the 1960s also led to the creation and popularization of new genres and subgenres, such as rock-and-roll. These new music styles influenced the lifestyles of a large majority of Americans, particularly teenagers and young-adults, who mimicked the lifestyles of many stars of the time.

When Lennon wrote “Imagine”, and penned the words, "You may say that I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one, I hope someday you'll

“Imagine” as it had been mentioned before was a sensitive message to the entire world, also it was a great way to send many political letters to the world’s leaders back at that time. Besides all that, the song we are trying to analyze was a manifesto against capitalism and patriotism. Since John Lennon was an active member among the hippie movement, a movement that fought and advocated for peace, freedom and love, he did reveal his thoughts and ideas through his song, and that what made his song wear its

The Sixties were an exciting revolutionary period of time with great social and technological change. Some people called it the “decade of discontent” because of the race riots in Detroit and La, and the demonstrations against the Vietnam War. Other people called it the decade of “peace, love, and harmony”. It was called this because of the peace movement and the emergence of the flower children. (Britannica) The sixties were about assassination, unforgettable fashion, new styles of music, civil rights, gay and women’s liberation, Vietnam, Neil Armstrong landing on the moon, peace marches, sexual freedom, drug experimentation, and Woodstock. All of these components caused a revolutionary change in the world of popular Music.

The music of the sixties went through tremendous change. It shaped mush of the music we hear today. From New Orleans came Jazz, from the East Coast came rock, from the West Coast came Psychedelic rock, and from England came the Invasion.

One of the most influential groups of the 20th Century—the Beatles revolutionized rock and roll into what we know it as today. Not only were they great musicians, they wrote and composed each of their songs. The band proved to be popular and exciting causing mass hysteria at each of their public performances. The “Fab Four’s” talent was so great that the phenomenon was termed “Beatlemania” in Britain and eventually erupted in the United States being called the British Invasion of the Beatles (Britannica Online, 2005).

While John Lennon might not be known as the greatest singer or songwriter, he continues to be one of the most influential artists in and out of the music industry. His musicality is practically unmatched, he has influenced an entirely new generation of musicians, and he protested and fought for peace to be recognized in the world. His artistry, talent, and genuine positive outlook on life are what make him one of the most admired artists in music history.

Perhaps the most celebrated and most known musical group ever known "The Beatles" changed the way the world viewed rock music for generations to come. Comprised of four members; John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, "The Beatles" rose to stardom in England. With hits such as "Love me do" The Beatles quickly grew a fan base in the United Kingdom. By the mid-1960s the Beatles were taking the world by storm and leading the British invasion of the United States ' music industry. Till this day the Beatles ' music is still being played around the world today.

The Beatles: Ringo Starr (Richard Starkey) was born in Liverpool on 7 July 1940. Drums and vocals. John Lennon was born in Liverpool on 9 October 1940. He was shot dead in New York on 8 December 1980. Rhythm guitar, keyboards, harmonica, vocals. Paul McCartney was born in Liverpool on 18 June 1942. Bass guitar, keyboards, lead guitar, drums, vocals. George Harrison was born in Liverpool on 25 February 1943. Lead guitar, sitar, keyboards, vocals.

Nowadays, unfortunately, some people are judging the other not based on their competencies but based on their social class, religion and race as he mentioned in his lyrics “Nothing to kill or die for and no religion too”. History proves him and gives a good example that most wars fought, had something to do with people’s religious and beliefs. John Lennon shows that people can exceed those types of discrimination if everyone practice tolerance. People also should live in the same social level, sharing and caring about each other and this will spread and give a world without wars or any conflicts, full of tolerance and peace. a world totally different than the one we are living

the Beatles. And they had to go to Germany to do it. In order to

Paul McCartney was born June 18, 1942, in Liverpool, England. His contribution in the Beatles in the 1960s helped pop music ascend from its origins in the entertainment business and morphed it into a highly respected creative commercial art form. He also remains as one of the most prominent solo performers of all time in terms of both recordings at his concerts and sales of his attendants.

INTRODUCTION “Everybody loves you when you’re six feet in the ground,” was once said by John Lennon. “The finest day I ever had was when tomorrow never came,” - Kurt. Though they died in the midst of their career, John Lennon and Kurt Cobain amazed people with their successes, obstacles, music.

The Beatles are known to many as one of the greatest bands of all time. Their music has

John Lennon’s song “Imagine” was released in October 1971. Imagine was the most successful single that Lennon produced and is perhaps the best song in music history for its strong message. He wrote this song during the climax of the Vietnam War as an anti-war song. At this time in history peace movements were popular because of all the wars happening that involved the country and its people. His song is timeless as its message still applies today. It is true that everyone wants peace, but this picture Lennon illustrates is a fantasy. The song Imagine is a fantasy imagination of John Lennon that pushes the ideology of communism through its resemblance to an unrealistic society.