Challenges in the Life of John Lennon in a Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped John Lennon's life and career.

John Lennon was a highly influential English singer, songwriter, musician, and activist. He achieved global recognition as the founder, co-lead vocalist, and rhythm guitarist of the Beatles, one of the most iconic and successful bands in music history. His songwriting collaboration with Paul McCartney is celebrated as the most successful in history, producing a vast catalog of timeless and innovative songs. Beyond his musical achievements, Lennon was a vocal advocate for peace and social change, using his platform to promote messages of love, unity, and non-violence, making him a cultural icon.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

February 1944: Alfred Lennon's Absence

In February 1944, Alfred Lennon, John's father, went absent without leave, ceasing the regular pay cheques he sent to support John and his mother.

July 1946: Custody Dispute

In July 1946, John Lennon's father took him to Blackpool with the intention of emigrating to New Zealand. His mother followed, leading to a heated argument and a forced choice for young John between his parents.

July 1958: Death of Julia Lennon

In July 1958, John Lennon's mother, Julia Lennon, was tragically killed by a car, deeply traumatising the teenage Lennon.

1965: Lennon's "Help!" expresses feelings

In 1965, Lennon felt that The Beatles' music was suffering due to the screaming of fans at concerts. His song "Help!" reflected his feelings at the time. He also felt overweight, later referring to this period as his "Fat Elvis" phase, and was subconsciously seeking change.

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March 1966: Lennon's Christianity comment causes furore

In March 1966, John Lennon's comment that The Beatles were "more popular than Jesus" during an interview with the Evening Standard caused a significant controversy in the US after being quoted by a magazine five months later. This led to the burning of Beatles records, Ku Klux Klan activity, and threats against Lennon, which contributed to the band's decision to stop touring.

1967: Trip to Bangor and Marriage Breakdown

In 1967, during a train journey to Bangor, Wales, for the Maharishi Yogi's Transcendental Meditation seminar, Cynthia was stopped from boarding, an event which she felt symbolized the end of her marriage. Later, she returned home to find Lennon with Ono.

November 1968: Divorce Settlement

In November 1968, John Lennon and Cynthia Powell's divorce was settled out of court. Lennon gave Powell £100,000, a small annual payment, and custody of Julian.

November 1968: Ono's Miscarriage

In November 1968, Yoko Ono miscarried a male child a few weeks after John Lennon's divorce from Cynthia Lennon was granted.

1968: Apple Corps needs professional management

By late 1968, Apple's lack of direction due to Lennon's increased drug use and focus on Yoko Ono led to a need for professional management.

1968: Misdemeanor conviction for cannabis possession

In 1968, John Lennon was convicted for cannabis possession in London, which the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) later used as a basis for deportation proceedings.

1969: Return of MBE Medal

In 1969, John Lennon returned his MBE medal due to "Britain's involvement in the Nigeria-Biafra thing, against our support of America in Vietnam, and against Cold Turkey slipping down the charts".

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1969: Formation of Plastic Ono Band and Anti-War Demonstration

In 1969, John Lennon started the Plastic Ono Band with Yoko Ono, held a two-week anti-war "bed-in for peace", and left The Beatles to begin a solo career.

February 1972: Strom Thurmond suggests deportation

In February 1972, Republican Senator Strom Thurmond suggested that deporting John Lennon would be a "strategic counter-measure" against his anti-war activities, as the Nixon administration feared Lennon's involvement in a concert could affect the upcoming election.

1972: Lennon's Courage in Standing Up to Nixon

In 1972, John Lennon's courage in standing up to US President Nixon was seen as thrilling to young people.

March 1973: Lennon ordered to leave the US

On March 23, 1973, John Lennon was ordered to leave the United States within 60 days, while Yoko Ono was granted permanent residency.

December 1974: Failed Reunion with Harrison on Stage

In December 1974, George Harrison was in New York for his Dark Horse tour. John Lennon agreed to join him on stage but failed to appear after an argument over Lennon's refusal to sign an agreement that would finally dissolve the Beatles' legal partnership.

1974: Alcohol-fueled antics at The Troubadour

In early 1974, Lennon engaged in alcohol-fueled antics with Harry Nilsson, resulting in two widely publicized incidents at The Troubadour club in March.

October 1975: Deportation attempt barred

On October 8, 1975, a court of appeals barred the attempt to deport John Lennon, stating that "the courts will not condone selective deportation based upon secret political grounds".

1983: Wiener sues the FBI

In 1983, historian Jon Wiener sued the FBI with the help of the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California to release FBI files documenting the Bureau's role in John Lennon's deportation attempt.

April 1992: Justice Department appeals to Supreme Court

In April 1992, the Justice Department appealed the decision regarding the release of John Lennon's FBI files to the Supreme Court, but the court declined to review the case.

2005: Powell's Memoir

In her 2005 memoir John, Cynthia Powell recalled John Lennon's possessive and sometimes violent behavior during their relationship.

2006: The Guardian Article on Lennon

In a 2006 Guardian article, Jon Wiener highlighted John Lennon's courage in standing up to US President Nixon as a reason why people still admire him.