John Lennon's Success and Achievements in Timeline
A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of John Lennon.
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.
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.
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: 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.
1965: Appointment as MBE
In 1965, John Lennon, along with the other Beatles, was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).
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: Deportation Order Overturned
In 1975, the deportation order against John Lennon was overturned.
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.
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.
1987: Induction into Songwriters Hall of Fame
In 1987, John Lennon was posthumously inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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".
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.
