John Lennon's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of John Lennon.

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

1965: Appointment as MBE

In 1965, John Lennon was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) with the other Beatles.

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".

1975: Deportation order overturned

In 1975, the deportation order against John Lennon was overturned.

1976: Lennon granted permanent residency in the US

Lennon's legal battle with immigration authorities, which began in 1971, finally ended in 1976 when he was granted permanent residency in the US.

1981: Grammy and BRIT Award for Lennon

In 1981, Double Fantasy won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year. Additionally, John Lennon received the BRIT Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music that year.

1981: Posthumous Grammy and Brit Award

In 1981, after his death, John Lennon's album, Double Fantasy, won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year, and he also won the Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music.

1987: Induction into Songwriters Hall of Fame

In 1987, John Lennon was posthumously inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

1988: Induction into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (The Beatles)

In 1988, John Lennon was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Beatles, recognizing the band's impact on music history.

1991: ACLU wins decision against the 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 John Lennon's FBI files.

1994: Induction into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (Solo Artist)

In 1994, John Lennon was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist, acknowledging 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.

1997: Establishment of the BMI Foundation John Lennon Scholarship

In 1997, Yoko Ono and the BMI Foundation established an annual music competition program called the BMI Foundation John Lennon Scholarship for songwriters of contemporary musical genres to honor John Lennon's memory and his creative legacy, giving over $400,000 to talented young musicians in the United States since its establishment.

1997: Justice Department releases contested documents

In 1997, the Justice Department settled most of the outstanding issues outside court by releasing all but 10 of the contested documents in John Lennon's FBI file, due to President Bill Clinton's new rule.