Lasting Legacy of John Lennon: A Look at the Influence on History
A closer look at the lasting mark left by John Lennon—a timeline of influence.
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.
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.
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.
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".
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.
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: 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.
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.
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.
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.
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".
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.
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.
