History of John Lennon in Timeline
John Lennon, a pivotal figure in music and activism, achieved global recognition as the founder, co-lead vocalist, and rhythm guitarist of the Beatles. His songwriting collaboration with Paul McCartney is celebrated as one of the most successful in history. Beyond his musical achievements, Lennon was known for his political activism, using his platform to advocate for peace and social change. He remains an influential and iconic figure in popular culture.
1917: Homage to Marcel Duchamp
In 1968, Lennon's "You Are Here" show also included a ready made black bike (an apparent homage to Marcel Duchamp and his 1917 Bicycle Wheel).
October 1940: John Lennon's Birth
In October 1940, John Winston Lennon was born at Liverpool Maternity Hospital to Julia and Alfred Lennon.
1940: Birth of John Lennon
John Lennon was born in 1940. No other information provided.
February 1944: Father's Absence
In February 1944, Alfred Lennon went absent without leave, ceasing the regular pay cheques that supported John and his mother.
July 1946: Custody Dispute
In July 1946, John Lennon's parents had a heated argument regarding his custody, leading to a moment where he had to choose between them.
June 1955: Death of Uncle George
In June 1955, John Lennon's uncle George died of a liver haemorrhage at the age of 52, impacting Lennon during his adolescence.
September 1956: Formation of The Quarrymen
In September 1956, John Lennon, at the age of 15, formed the skiffle group the Quarrymen, named after Quarry Bank High School.
1956: Formation of The Quarrymen
In 1956, John Lennon formed the Quarrymen, a skiffle group that would later evolve into the Beatles.
1956: First Guitar
In 1956, Julia Lennon bought John his first guitar, an inexpensive Gallotone Champion acoustic, despite Mimi's skepticism about his musical aspirations.
1957: The Quarrymen's Musical Style
By the summer of 1957, the Quarrymen were performing a mix of skiffle and rock and roll music.
1957: End of High School
In 1957, John Lennon ended his high school at Quarry Bank High School.
1957: Meeting Cynthia Powell
In 1957, John Lennon met Cynthia Powell at the Liverpool College of Art. This marked the beginning of their relationship.
July 1958: Death of Julia Lennon
In July 1958, John Lennon's mother, Julia, was killed in a car accident, deeply traumatizing the teenage Lennon.
1960: The Beatles Emerge
In 1960, The Quarrymen evolved into The Beatles, marking a significant step in Lennon's career.
1960: The Beatles Form and Hamburg Residency Begins
In early 1960, Lennon, McCartney, Harrison, and Sutcliffe officially became "The Beatles". In August 1960, they began a 48-night residency in Hamburg.
April 1961: Second Hamburg Residency
In April 1961, The Beatles accepted a second residency in Hamburg, continuing to hone their skills and build their reputation.
November 1961: Introduction to Brian Epstein
In November 1961, The Beatles were introduced to Brian Epstein after a midday concert at Liverpool's Cavern Club.
April 1962: Third Hamburg Residency
In April 1962, The Beatles undertook their third residency in Hamburg, further solidifying their musical foundation.
July 1962: Decision to Marry Cynthia
In July 1962, after learning that Cynthia was pregnant, John Lennon decided that they would get married.
October 1962: Release of "Love Me Do"
In October 1962, The Beatles released their first single, "Love Me Do", which reached No. 17 on the British charts, marking their initial entry into the music scene.
1962: James Hanratty Case
In 1962, James Hanratty was hanged, and later John Lennon and Yoko Ono supported efforts by Hanratty's family to prove his innocence, though his conviction was eventually upheld by DNA evidence.
February 1963: Recording of Please Please Me
In February 1963, The Beatles recorded their debut album, Please Please Me, in under 10 hours, showcasing the early Lennon–McCartney songwriting partnership.
April 1963: Birth of Julian Lennon
In April 1963, specifically on the 8th, Julian Lennon was born while John Lennon was touring. Julian's birth was kept secret to protect the Beatles' image.
June 1963: Assault on Bob Wooler
In June 1963, at McCartney's twenty-first birthday party, John Lennon physically attacked Cavern Club master of ceremonies Bob Wooler for making a joke about Lennon's honeymoon.
1963: Recording of Please Please Me Album
During the recording of the Beatles' debut album, Please Please Me, in 1963, Lennon's voice was strained due to a cold while recording "Twist and Shout".
1963: "Hello Little Girl" Success
In 1963, "Hello Little Girl", John Lennon's first song, became a UK top 10 hit for the Fourmost, marking an early milestone in his songwriting career.
1963: Jamming with McCartney
In 1963, John Lennon's jamming on a piano with McCartney led to the creation of the Beatles' first US number one, "I Want to Hold Your Hand".
1963: Mainstream Success in the UK
In early 1963, The Beatles achieved mainstream success in the UK. Also, Lennon's first son, Julian, was born in April of that year.
February 1964: US Debut on The Ed Sullivan Show
In February 1964, The Beatles made their historic US debut on The Ed Sullivan Show, marking their breakthrough to international stardom and the beginning of the British Invasion.
1964: Acquisition of Mellotron Keyboard
In 1964, John Lennon became one of the first British musicians to acquire a Mellotron keyboard.
1964: Publication of "In His Own Write"
In 1964, when John Lennon was 24, "In His Own Write" was published, featuring a mix of short stories, poetry, plays, and drawings, showcasing his love of wordplay and nonsense.
1965: Appointment as MBE
In 1965, John Lennon, along with the other Beatles, was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).
1965: Publication of A Spaniard in the Works
In 1965, Lennon released "A Spaniard in the Works".
1965: LSD Introduction
In March 1965, John Lennon and George Harrison were unknowingly introduced to LSD, marking the beginning of the band's experimentation with psychedelic drugs.
March 1966: Lennon's "more popular than Jesus" remark
In March 1966, John Lennon made the comment that The Beatles were "more popular than Jesus", sparking controversy and backlash, particularly in the US.
August 1966: The Beatles' final concert
After The Beatles' final concert on August 29, 1966, John Lennon filmed the anti-war black comedy How I Won the War.
November 1966: First Meeting with Yoko Ono
In November 1966, specifically on the 9th, John Lennon first met Yoko Ono at the Indica Gallery in London during her conceptual art exhibit.
1966: Ono's Conceptual Art Piece: This is Not Here
In 1966, Yoko Ono created the conceptual art piece This is Not Here that was part of her Fluxus installation of wall text pieces called Blue Room Event.
1967: Death of Brian Epstein
In 1967, Brian Epstein, the Beatles' manager since 1962, passed away, impacting the band's direction and management.
1967: Transcendental Meditation Seminar
In 1967, John Lennon and Cynthia traveled by train to Bangor, Wales for the Maharishi Yogi's Transcendental Meditation seminar.
1967: Lennon Funds and Participates in Ono's Art Exhibition
In 1967, John Lennon funded and anonymously participated in Yoko Ono's art exhibition "Half-A-Room" held at Lisson Gallery.
1967: Mellotron on Strawberry Fields Forever
In 1967, John Lennon's Mellotron keyboard was heard on a Beatles recording for the first time on the song "Strawberry Fields Forever".
1967: Release of "Strawberry Fields Forever" and Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
In 1967, The Beatles released "Strawberry Fields Forever", which was praised for its inventiveness, and the album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, featuring lyrics by Lennon that showed a change in the group's music style.
February 1968: The Beatles travel to India
In February 1968, the Beatles, influenced by Harrison and Lennon, went to India to seek guidance from the Maharishi.
May 1968: Affair with Yoko Ono
In May 1968, while Cynthia was on holiday, John Lennon invited Yoko Ono to his home and they spent the night recording what would become the Two Virgins album.
November 1968: Divorce Settlement with Cynthia
In November 1968, John Lennon's divorce case with Cynthia was settled out of court. Lennon gave her £100,000 and custody of Julian.
November 1968: Ono's Miscarriage
In November 1968, specifically on the 21st, Yoko Ono miscarried a male child, a few weeks after Lennon's divorce from Cynthia was granted.
1968: Recording of experimental music with Yoko Ono
Between 1968 and 1969 John Lennon and Yoko Ono recorded three albums of experimental music together: Unfinished Music No. 1: Two Virgins, Unfinished Music No. 2: Life with the Lions and Wedding Album.
1968: Apple Corps struggles and needs professional management
By late 1968, Apple Corps needed professional management due to Lennon's increased drug use, preoccupation with Ono, and disagreements among the Beatles.
1968: The Lennon Play: In His Own Write Opens
In 1968, "The Lennon Play: In His Own Write", co-adapted by Victor Spinetti and Adrienne Kennedy, opened at The Old Vic; Lennon and Ono attended the opening night, marking their second public appearance together.
1968: ABKCO Industries Formation
In 1968, Allen Klein formed ABKCO Industries as an umbrella company to ABKCO Records.
1968: Comic for Macrobiotic Magazine
In 1968, John Lennon drew a comic for the macrobiotic magazine Harmony.
1968: Cannabis Conviction
In 1968, John Lennon had a misdemeanour conviction for cannabis possession in London.
1968: "Julia" Song
In 1968, The Beatles released the song "Julia", inspired by John Lennon's late mother and her profound impact on his life.
1968: Formation of International Marxist Group
In 1968, the International Marxist Group, a Trotskyist group, was formed in Britain, and John Lennon was reportedly sympathetic to it, though the FBI deemed him of limited effectiveness as a revolutionary.
1968: The White Album Release
In 1968, the portrait photo of John Lennon included in the packaging of The Beatles LP (aka The White Album).
1968: You Are Here Art Exhibition
In the summer of 1968, Lennon began showing his painting and conceptual art at his You Are Here art exhibition held at Robert Fraser Gallery in London.
March 1969: Lennon and Ono's marriage and "Bag One" release
On March 20, 1969, John Lennon and Yoko Ono got married and released a series of lithographs called "Bag One", which faced censorship due to their depiction of scenes from their honeymoon.
April 1969: Name Change to John Ono Lennon
In April 1969, specifically on the 22nd, John Lennon legally changed his name by deed poll, adding "Ono" as a middle name.
September 1969: Lennon leaves The Beatles
On September 20, 1969, John Lennon left The Beatles, but agreed to keep it secret while the group renegotiated their recording contract.
1969: May Pang Hired at ABKCO
In 1969, Allen Klein hired May Pang as a receptionist at ABKCO, where she would later meet John Lennon and Yoko Ono.
1969: Self-Portrait Film Appearance
In 1969, John Lennon appeared in the Yoko Ono Fluxus art film Self-Portrait, which consisted of a single forty-minute shot of Lennon's penis.
1969: Drawing for Wedding Album
In 1969, John Lennon drew fine art prints one printed inside the sleeve of his Wedding Album.
1969: Formation of Plastic Ono Band and Bed-In for Peace
In 1969, John Lennon started the Plastic Ono Band with Yoko Ono, held the two-week-long anti-war demonstration bed-in for peace, and left the Beatles.
1969: Lennon Writes Skit for Oh! Calcutta!
In 1969, John Lennon wrote "Four in Hand", a skit based on his teenage experiences, for Kenneth Tynan's play "Oh! Calcutta!".
1969: Allen Klein appointed as Apple's chief executive
In early 1969, John Lennon, along with Harrison and Starr, appointed Allen Klein as Apple's chief executive, but McCartney did not sign the management contract.
January 1970: Bag One Lithographs Exhibition
On 15 January 1970, Lennon exhibited his Bag One lithographs at Eugene Schuster's London Arts Gallery, but the show was raided by police 24 hours later due to some lithographs being deemed indecent.
April 1970: McCartney publicizes his departure
In April 1970, McCartney publicized his own departure from The Beatles with the release of his debut solo album, which outraged Lennon.
June 1970: GRAPEFRUIT FLUXBANQUET
From 18 April to 12 June 1970, Lennon and Ono presented a series of Fluxus conceptual art events and concerts at Joe Jones's Tone Deaf Music Store called GRAPEFRUIT FLUXBANQUET.
September 1970: Primal therapy with Arthur Janov
Between April and September 1970, John Lennon and Yoko Ono underwent primal therapy with Arthur Janov in London and Los Angeles.
December 1970: Lennon's Rolling Stone interview
In December 1970, John Lennon expressed his bitterness towards McCartney and the other Beatles in an interview with Rolling Stone magazine.
1970: Beatles' Break-up
Following the Beatles' break-up in 1970, John Lennon maintained a friendly relationship with Ringo Starr, while his relationships with Paul McCartney and George Harrison fluctuated.
1970: Release of "Instant Karma!"
In 1970, John Lennon released the single "Instant Karma!".
January 1971: Lennon writes "Power to the People"
In January 1971, Tariq Ali's revolutionary political views influenced John Lennon to write "Power to the People".
August 1971: Lennon moves to New York
In August 1971, John Lennon and Yoko Ono moved to New York and embraced US radical left politics.
December 1971: "John Sinclair Freedom Rally"
In December 1971, John Lennon and Yoko Ono performed at the "John Sinclair Freedom Rally" in Ann Arbor, Michigan, advocating for the release of John Sinclair, who was imprisoned for marijuana possession. The performance was part of a protest and benefit concert attended by 15,000 people.
1971: Move to New York
In 1971, John Lennon and Yoko Ono moved to New York, after which Julian did not see his father again until 1973.
1971: Erection Film Production
In 1971, John Lennon made an experimental art film called Erection that was edited on 16 mm film by George Maciunas.
1971: Release of the album Imagine
In 1971, John Lennon released the album Imagine, which included the title track that later became an anthem for anti-war movements.
1971: Lennon's Ties with London Anti-War Activists
In 1971, the final 10 documents in Lennon's FBI file reported on his ties with London anti-war activists and had been withheld as containing "national security information provided by a foreign government under an explicit promise of confidentiality".
February 1972: Anti-War Activities
In February 1972, Republican Senator Strom Thurmond suggested that John Lennon's deportation would be a strategic counter-measure due to his anti-war activities. Lennon also co-hosted The Mike Douglas Show with Yoko Ono.
August 1972: Benefit concerts at Madison Square Garden
On August 30, 1972, John Lennon and Yoko Ono performed two benefit concerts at Madison Square Garden to support patients at the Willowbrook State School mental facility; these were Lennon's last full-length concert appearances.
1972: Release of Some Time in New York City
In 1972, John Lennon and Yoko Ono collaborated on the album Some Time in New York City, featuring songs about various political and social issues, but it faced criticism and commercial failure.
1972: Contribution to The Gay Liberation Book
In 1972, John Lennon contributed a drawing and limerick titled "Why Make It Sad to Be Gay?" to Len Richmond and Gary Noguera's The Gay Liberation Book.
1972: Protest Songs
In 1972, following the Bloody Sunday incident, John Lennon and Yoko Ono wrote two songs protesting British presence and actions in Ireland: "The Luck of the Irish" and "Sunday Bloody Sunday".
1972: Lennon Standing up to Nixon
In 1972, young people were thrilled to see Lennon's courage in standing up to [US President] Nixon.
March 1973: Order to Leave US
On March 23, 1973, John Lennon was ordered to leave the US within 60 days, while Yoko Ono was granted permanent residence.
April 1973: Formation of Nutopia
On April 1, 1973, John Lennon and Yoko Ono announced the formation of the state of Nutopia and requested political asylum in the US.
November 1973: Release of Mind Games and contribution to Ringo album
In November 1973, John Lennon released the album Mind Games and contributed to Ringo Starr's album Ringo, marking a rare occasion where three former Beatles recorded together.
1973: Relocation to The Dakota
In 1973, John Lennon and Yoko Ono relocated to The Dakota building overlooking Central Park for better security.
1973: Separation from Yoko Ono
In 1973, Lennon and Ono separated, during which he produced Harry Nilsson's album.
1973: Beginning of the "Lost Weekend"
In 1973, Yoko Ono suggested May Pang have a physical relationship with John Lennon. Lennon and Pang then began an 18-month period in Los Angeles he later called his "lost weekend".
1973: Reunion with Julian in Los Angeles
In 1973, with Pang's encouragement, Julian and his mother visited John Lennon in Los Angeles, marking the beginning of a more regular relationship between Lennon and his son.
October 1974: Release of Walls and Bridges
In October 1974, John Lennon released the album Walls and Bridges, featuring "Whatever Gets You thru the Night" with Elton John, which became Lennon's only solo number-one single during his lifetime.
December 1974: Harrison's White House Visit
In December 1974, George Harrison asked Gerald Ford, Nixon's successor, to intercede in Lennon's deportation case during a visit to the White House.
December 1974: Failed On-Stage Reunion
In December 1974, during George Harrison's Dark Horse tour in New York, John Lennon agreed to join him on stage but did not appear due to a disagreement over dissolving the Beatles' legal partnership.
1974: A Toot and a Snore in '74
In 1974, John Lennon and Paul McCartney recorded music together, later bootlegged as A Toot and a Snore in '74, before growing apart again.
1974: Alcohol-fueled incidents and chaotic recording sessions
In early 1974, John Lennon's alcohol-fueled antics with Harry Nilsson made headlines, including two incidents at The Troubadour club, leading to chaotic recording sessions for Nilsson's album Pussy Cats.
January 1975: Elton John's "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" tops US charts
In January 1975, Elton John's cover of "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds", featuring John Lennon on guitar and backing vocals, topped the US charts.
February 1975: Reunion with Yoko Ono
In February 1975, John Lennon agreed to meet with Yoko Ono, who claimed to have a cure for smoking. Following the meeting, Lennon did not return to May Pang, signaling the end of their relationship and a reconciliation with Ono.
October 1975: Birth of Sean Lennon
In October 1975, specifically on the 9th, Sean Lennon, John Lennon's son with Yoko Ono, was born. Following Sean's birth, Lennon took on the role of househusband.
October 1975: Deportation Attempt Barred
On October 8, 1975, a court of appeals barred the deportation attempt, stating "the courts will not condone selective deportation based upon secret political grounds".
1975: Career Break
From 1975 until shortly before his death, John Lennon took a career break, during which he monitored Paul McCartney's music and was content as long as he perceived McCartney's work as mediocre.
1975: Reconciliation with Yoko Ono
In 1975, John Lennon and Yoko Ono reconciled after a period of separation.
1975: Deportation Order Overturned
In 1975, the deportation order against John Lennon was overturned.
April 1976: Final Visit from McCartney
During Paul McCartney's final visit in April 1976, John Lennon recounted watching a Saturday Night Live episode where Lorne Michaels offered money for a Beatles reunion, which they considered jokingly pursuing.
1976: Lennon granted permanent residency in the US
After a four-year legal battle with immigration authorities, John Lennon was finally granted permanent residency in the US in 1976.
1976: Devotion to Sean and "Cookin' (In the Kitchen of Love)"
In 1976, John Lennon began a five-year hiatus from the music industry to focus on raising his son Sean. During this time, he also wrote and performed on the track "Cookin' (In the Kitchen of Love)" for Ringo Starr, which would be his last recording session until 1980.
January 1977: Attendance at Inaugural Ball
In January 1977, John Lennon and Yoko Ono attended the Inaugural Ball for Jimmy Carter.
1977: Formal Announcement of Music Break
In 1977, John Lennon formally announced his break from music in Tokyo to focus on family life with his son Sean.
September 1980: Lennon's Reflection on Family and Rebellion
In September 1980, John Lennon reflected on his family and his rebellious nature, shortly before his death.
October 1980: Release of "(Just Like) Starting Over"
In October 1980, John Lennon emerged from his hiatus by releasing the single "(Just Like) Starting Over".
December 1980: Death of John Lennon
In December 1980, John Lennon died. He was an English singer-songwriter, musician, and political activist.
December 1980: Support for Sanitation Workers
In December 1980, John Lennon's last act of political activism was a statement in support of the striking minority sanitation workers in San Francisco, with plans to join their protest on December 14.
1980: Harrison's Autobiography
In 1980, George Harrison published his autobiography, I, Me, Mine, which Lennon felt made little mention of him, leading to hurt feelings.
1980: Last Recording Session until 1980
In 1980, John Lennon ended his five-year hiatus from the music industry.
1980: Lennon's Recollection of Meeting Ono
In 1980, John Lennon recounted his first meeting with Yoko Ono, describing how he wanted to hammer a nail into her art piece.
1980: Release of Double Fantasy and Death
In 1980, John Lennon returned to music with the Ono collaboration Double Fantasy. Tragically, he was shot and killed by Mark David Chapman shortly after the album's release.
1980: Return to the Studio
In 1980, John Lennon returned to the studio after hearing Paul McCartney's "Coming Up," which he jokingly complained was stuck in his head. He also commented on his relationship with the other Beatles, saying that they were not enemies but that they had not seen each other in a long time, though he still loved them.
1980: Death of John Lennon
John Lennon died in 1980. No other information provided.
1980: Posthumous Releases
Since John Lennon's death in 1980, all releases have used archival footage.
January 1981: "Imagine" hit number one in the UK
In January 1981, following John Lennon's death in December 1980, his song "Imagine" reached number one in the UK.
1981: Grammy and Brit Awards
In 1981, Double Fantasy won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year. He also won the Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music that year.
1983: ACLU Sues FBI
In 1983, with the help of the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, Jon Wiener sued the FBI to release withheld pages regarding the Bureau's role in attempting to deport John Lennon.
1984: Posthumous Release of Milk and Honey
In 1984, the album "Milk and Honey", containing additional material recorded by John Lennon, was issued posthumously.
1986: Publication of Skywriting by Word of Mouth
In 1986, after Lennon's death, further works were published, including Skywriting by Word of Mouth.
1987: Induction into Songwriters Hall of Fame
In 1987, John Lennon was posthumously inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
1987: McCartney's Interview
In a 1987 interview, Paul McCartney said that the Beatles idolised Lennon and regarded him as the leader of the band.
1988: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction (The Beatles)
In 1988, John Lennon was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Beatles, cementing their place in music history.
1991: ACLU Wins Suit Against FBI
In 1991, the ACLU, representing Jon Wiener, won a favorable decision in their suit against the FBI in the Ninth Circuit, regarding the release of files documenting the Bureau's role in attempting to deport John Lennon.
April 1992: Justice Department Appeals Decision to Supreme Court
In April 1992, the Justice Department appealed the decision to the Supreme Court regarding the release of John Lennon's FBI files; however, the court declined to review the case.
1992: Publication of Ai: Japan Through John Lennon's Eyes: A Personal Sketchbook
In 1992, after Lennon's death, further works were published, including Ai: Japan Through John Lennon's Eyes: A Personal Sketchbook, with Lennon's illustrations of the definitions of Japanese words.
1994: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction (Solo Artist)
In 1994, John Lennon was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist, recognizing his individual contributions to music.
1994: Induction into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In 1994, John Lennon was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
1994: Beatles Reunite to Finish "Free as a Bird"
In 1994, the three surviving members of the Beatles reunited to finish John Lennon's home recording demo "Free as a Bird".
1995: Beatles Reunite to Finish "Real Love"
In 1995, the three surviving members of the Beatles reunited to finish John Lennon's home recording demo "Real Love".
1996: Release of The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus film
In 1996, the film version of The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus, in which Lennon participated in 1968, was released.
1997: Induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame
In 1997, John Lennon was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, recognizing his exceptional contributions to songwriting.
1997: Establishment of John Lennon Scholarships
In 1997, Yoko Ono and the BMI Foundation established an annual music competition programme for songwriters of contemporary musical genres to honour John Lennon's memory and his large creative legacy.
1997: Justice Department Settles With ACLU, Releases Lennon Files
In 1997, respecting President Bill Clinton's new rule, the Justice Department settled most of the outstanding issues outside court and released almost all of the contested John Lennon's FBI documents.
1998: Release of John Lennon Anthology
In 1998, two tracks from John Lennon's December 1971 performance at the "John Sinclair Freedom Rally" were released on John Lennon Anthology.
1999: Publication of Real Love: The Drawings for Sean
In 1999, after Lennon's death, further works were published, including Real Love: The Drawings for Sean.
1999: "Imagine" Wins UK's Favourite Song Lyric
On National Poetry Day in 1999, the BBC conducted a poll to identify the UK's favourite song lyric and announced John Lennon's "Imagine" as the winner.
January 2000: Wiener Publishes Book on Lennon's FBI Files
In January 2000, Jon Wiener published "Gimme Some Truth: The John Lennon FBI Files," containing facsimiles of the documents obtained through his 14-year campaign.
February 2000: Allegations of IRA Funding
In February 2000, Lennon's cousin Stanley Parkes stated that the singer had given money to the IRA during the 1970s.
2000: Publication of The Beatles Anthology
In 2000, after Lennon's death, The Beatles Anthology presented examples of his writings and drawings.
2002: Eighth Greatest Briton
In 2002, John Lennon was voted eighth in a BBC history poll of the 100 Greatest Britons, solidifying his lasting impact and recognition.
2002: BBC Poll Result
In 2002, a BBC poll voted John Lennon eighth of the "100 Greatest Britons".
2002: Liverpool Airport Renamed
In 2002, the airport in John Lennon's hometown was renamed the Liverpool John Lennon Airport, honoring his legacy.
2003: Rolling Stone Ranking
Between 2003 and 2008, Rolling Stone recognized John Lennon in several reviews of artists and music, ranking him fifth of the "100 Greatest Singers of All Time" and 38th of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time".
2005: Powell's Memoir "John"
In 2005, Cynthia Powell released her memoir titled "John", which detailed her relationship with John Lennon, including instances of abuse and his possessive nature.
December 2006: Release of Remaining FBI Files
In December 2006, the final 10 documents in John Lennon's FBI file were released, reporting on his ties with London anti-war activists in 1971.
2006: Confirmation of Lennon's Sympathies
In 2006, Tariq Ali confirmed FBI surveillance reports indicating John Lennon's sympathies towards the International Marxist Group.
2006: The U.S. vs. John Lennon Documentary
In 2006, a documentary, The U.S. vs. John Lennon, was released, featuring footage from the press conference regarding the formation of Nutopia.
2006: Lennon's Courage
In a 2006 Guardian article, Jon Wiener wrote: "For young people in 1972, it was thrilling to see Lennon's courage in standing up to [US President] Nixon. That willingness to take risks with his career, and his life, is one reason why people still admire him today."
2007: Release of Mick Jagger's "Too Many Cooks (Spoil the Soup)"
In 2007, the Mick Jagger song "Too Many Cooks (Spoil the Soup)", produced by John Lennon in 1974, was released on The Very Best of Mick Jagger.
2008: Rolling Stone Ranking
Between 2003 and 2008, Rolling Stone recognized John Lennon in several reviews of artists and music, ranking him fifth of the "100 Greatest Singers of All Time" and 38th of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time".
2010: John Lennon Peace Monument Unveiled
On what would have been Lennon's 70th birthday in 2010, Cynthia and Julian Lennon unveiled the John Lennon Peace Monument in Chavasse Park, Liverpool, featuring peace symbols and an inscription honoring Lennon.
December 2013: Crater on Mercury Named After Lennon
In December 2013, the International Astronomical Union named one of the craters on Mercury after John Lennon, further solidifying his lasting impact.
2013: Downtown Music Publishing Agreement
In 2013, Downtown Music Publishing signed an agreement with Lenono Music and Ono Music for US publishing administration. This agreement covers John Lennon's solo works, including iconic songs like "Imagine" and "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)".
2015: Cynthia Powell's death
Cynthia Powell, John Lennon's first wife, passed away in 2015.
2023: "Now and Then" Released
In 2023, "Now and Then", was released whereupon it was dubbed "the last Beatles song", topping the UK charts.
2024: Guitar Auctioned for $2.9 Million
In 2024, a guitar of Lennon's that was thought to have been lost was found in an attic and auctioned at Julien's Auctions for $2.9 million (2.68 million euros).
2024: Lennon and Windsor Glasses
Writing for El País in 2024, Amaia Odriozola described Lennon's Windsor glasses as being "known all over the world" and credited him with pioneering glasses as a "style statement" for musicians.
