Yoko Ono is a renowned Japanese multimedia artist known for her diverse contributions to the art world, including performance art, music, and filmmaking. She gained prominence not only for her avant-garde art but also as a peace activist, often using her platform to promote peace and social change. Ono's influence extends into the music industry, where she has worked as a singer and songwriter. Her collaborations with John Lennon, her late husband and member of The Beatles, are particularly noteworthy, both in their artistic endeavors and activism. Ono's work challenges traditional boundaries and continues to inspire and provoke thought in audiences around the globe.
Yoko Ono's mother, Isoko Ono, was born in 1911. She was connected to the influential Yasuda clan and zaibatsu, playing a significant role in Yoko's early life and cultural upbringing.
Yoko Ono was born on February 18, 1933, in Tokyo City. Her parents were Isoko Ono and Eisuke Ono. Her mother was connected to the Yasuda clan, and her father came from a line of samurai warrior-scholars.
Yoko Ono was born in 1933 in Tokyo, marking the beginning of a life that would become influential in art and activism.
In December 1936, Yoko Ono's younger brother, Keisuke, was born. This event marked the expansion of her family during their time in San Francisco, California, due to her father's job transfer.
In 1937, Yoko Ono's family returned to Japan, and she enrolled at Tokyo's prestigious Gakushūin school. This marked the beginning of her formal education, including piano lessons and exposure to traditional Japanese arts.
In 1940, Yoko Ono's family moved to New York City due to her father's job transfer. However, they returned to Japan the following year, marking a brief period of change and adaptation for young Yoko.
On March 9, 1945, Yoko Ono and her family were sheltered in a bunker during the fire-bombing of Tokyo. This experience during World War II was a significant part of her life, influencing her perspective and resilience.
In 1945, after the end of World War II, Yoko Ono's family moved to the United States, settling in Scarsdale, New York. Ono, however, remained in Japan initially, continuing her studies at Gakushūin.
In April 1946, after World War II, Yoko Ono re-enrolled at Gakushūin, which had reopened near the Tokyo Imperial Palace. She resumed her education and became a classmate of Prince Akihito, the future emperor of Japan.
In 1951, Yoko Ono graduated from Gakushūin and became the first woman to be accepted into the philosophy program at Gakushuin University. However, she left the program after two semesters, seeking other educational opportunities.
In September 1952, Yoko Ono enrolled at Sarah Lawrence College after moving to New York to join her family. Her parents approved of her college choice but were critical of her lifestyle and friendships.
In 1952, Yoko Ono moved to New York City to join her family. She later became involved in the city's downtown artist scene, including the Fluxus group, marking the beginning of her engagement with the avant-garde art community.
In 1956, Yoko Ono left Sarah Lawrence College to elope with Japanese composer Toshi Ichiyanagi. This decision marked a departure from her formal education and alignment with Tokyo's experimental music community.
In 1957, Yoko Ono moved to New York City, engaging with the avant-garde music scene and supporting herself through secretarial work. She continued exploring her interest in twelve-tone music and avant-garde compositions.
In December 1960, Yoko Ono started organizing a series of avant-garde events at her loft on 112 Chambers Street in Manhattan. The series, which ran through June 1961, featured work from various artists and attracted notable attendees such as Marcel Duchamp. Ono collaborated with composer La Monte Young, although later claimed she was sidelined in the curation process.
In 1960, Yoko Ono initiated the 'Add Color Painting' series, inviting the audience to engage with and alter white objects, setting the stage for her participatory art style.
Yoko Ono's early works from 1960 were featured in a retrospective exhibition at MoMA in 2015, showcasing her innovative and formative art pieces from the beginning of her career.
In July 1961, Yoko Ono displayed her conceptual works, including 'Painting to Be Stepped On', at AG Gallery. This exhibition reinforced her innovative approach to art by challenging traditional perceptions of art placement and interaction.
In 1961, Yoko Ono had her first solo exhibition at AG Gallery in New York, organized by George Maciunas. Though she declined to formally join the Fluxus group, she collaborated with key figures and became closely associated with the movement.
In 1961, Yoko Ono held her first major public performance at the Carnegie Recital Hall, showcasing radical experimental music. This marked a significant step in her career as she brought her avant-garde concepts to a larger audience.
On November 28, 1962, Yoko Ono married Anthony Cox, who played a key role in her release from a mental institution. This marriage, however, faced legal challenges due to the status of her previous divorce.
In 1962, Yoko Ono filed for divorce from Ichiyanagi and faced personal struggles, including clinical depression that led to a brief institutionalization. This period was marked by significant emotional and personal upheaval.
In 1962, Yoko Ono was credited for designing the album cover art for Toshiro Mayuzumi's 'Nirvana Symphony', released by Time Records. This contribution highlighted her influence in visual art beyond performances.
On March 1, 1963, Yoko Ono's marriage to Anthony Cox was annulled due to the incomplete divorce from her first husband. This event highlighted the legal complications in her personal life.
After resolving legal issues, Yoko Ono remarried Anthony Cox on June 6, 1963, solidifying their relationship. This event marked the beginning of a new chapter in her personal life.
On August 8, 1963, Yoko Ono gave birth to her daughter, Kyoko Chan Cox, marking a significant moment in her family life. This event represented joy amidst previous challenges.
In 1964, Yoko Ono began her journey as an experimental filmmaker, creating 16 films between 1964 and 1972. Her work gained particular recognition for its unique and avant-garde style.
In 1965, Yoko Ono debuted 'Cut Piece' at the Carnegie Recital Hall, a performance that invited audience interaction and is considered one of her most significant works. This performance was a landmark in her career, showcasing her innovative approach to art and audience engagement.
In 1965, Yoko Ono ventured into acting, appearing in the obscure exploitation film 'Satan's Bed', showcasing her diverse artistic interests.
In February 1966, a collaboration between Yoko Ono and George Maciunas resulted in a 20-piece collection of humorous instructional texts and graphic illustrations. This was published in the Fluxus magazine, promoting the idea that anyone can create art.
In September 1966, Yoko Ono participated in the Destruction in Art Symposium in London, organized by Gustav Metzger. She was the only woman artist to perform her own events, highlighting her unique position in the art world.
On November 7, 1966, Yoko Ono met John Lennon at the Indica Gallery in London, where she was preparing an art exhibit. This meeting was a pivotal moment, leading to a significant personal and professional partnership with Lennon.
In 1966, Yoko Ono released 'No. 4', also known as 'Bottoms', an 80-minute Fluxus film. It featured close-ups of human buttocks on a treadmill and highlighted her avant-garde filmmaking style.
In 1966, Yoko Ono's sculptural work 'YES' was displayed at the Indica Gallery in London. The piece involved viewers climbing a ladder to read the word 'yes' on a small canvas, which John Lennon found particularly uplifting during their first meeting.
In September 1967, John Lennon sponsored Yoko Ono's solo 'Half-A-Wind Show' at the Lisson Gallery in London. This event marked the growing connection between Ono and Lennon, both personally and artistically.
The concept of the Plastic Ono Band originated in 1967, when Yoko Ono envisioned it as an idea for an art exhibition in Berlin. This idea was based on her Fluxus concept of an open-ended plastic band that would eventually manifest as a collaborative musical project with John Lennon.
In 1967, Yoko Ono premiered 'The Fog Machine' during her Concert of Music for the Mind at the Bluecoat Society of Arts in Liverpool. This event demonstrated her continued exploration of conceptual and performance art.
In May 1968, Yoko Ono and John Lennon recorded avant-garde tape loops that became their first collaborative album, 'Unfinished Music No. 1: Two Virgins'. This event marked the beginning of their artistic collaboration, blending personal and professional boundaries.
On November 21, 1968, Yoko Ono suffered a miscarriage, losing a male child during her relationship with John Lennon. This personal tragedy occurred shortly after Lennon's divorce from his first wife.
On December 12, 1968, Yoko Ono and John Lennon participated in the BBC documentary 'The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus'. Ono's vocal performance added to the ensemble, though the film was not released until 1996.
In 1968, John Lennon and Yoko Ono formed the Plastic Ono Band, a concept originally conceived by Ono as an art exhibition idea in Berlin in 1967. The band was born out of their desire to release more personal and representative art instead of aligning with the Beatles. The Plastic Ono Band became a vehicle for their collaborative artistic and musical expressions.
In 1968, Yoko Ono and John Lennon collaborated on avant-garde recordings, including 'Unfinished Music No.1: Two Virgins', which featured a controversial album cover. Ono also contributed to The Beatles' 'White Album', marking significant contributions to their music.
On February 2, 1969, Yoko Ono divorced Anthony Cox. This was a significant change in her personal life, marking the end of her marriage to Cox.
In March 1969, Yoko Ono and John Lennon held a 'Bed-in for Peace' in their honeymoon suite at the Amsterdam Hilton Hotel, promoting world peace through this unique form of protest.
On March 20, 1969, Yoko Ono married John Lennon in Gibraltar. Their honeymoon included a bed-in for peace in Amsterdam, highlighting their commitment to peace activism. They later held a similar event in Montreal, where they recorded 'Give Peace a Chance'.
On April 22, 1969, John Lennon officially changed his middle name from Winston to Ono, in a gesture of unity with Yoko Ono. Despite this change, official documents referred to him as John Winston Ono Lennon. Around this time, the couple settled at Tittenhurst Park in Sunninghill, Berkshire, in southeast England. When Ono was injured in a car crash, Lennon ensured her comfort by arranging for a king-sized bed to be brought to the recording studio as he worked on the Beatles' last album, Abbey Road.
In June 1969, Yoko Ono and John Lennon were involved in a car crash during the recording of 'Abbey Road.' Subsequently, a bed with a microphone was set up in the studio for Ono to provide artistic input, which reportedly strained Lennon's relationship with the other Beatles members.
In July 1969, John Lennon's first solo single "Give Peace a Chance," backed by Yoko Ono's "Remember Love," was released under the Plastic Ono Band. This marked the band's first release and was followed by further singles and an album later in the year.
In December 1969, Yoko Ono and John Lennon launched the 'WAR IS OVER!' billboard campaign in 12 major cities worldwide, spreading their message of peace and hope during the holiday season.
In 1969, Yoko Ono married English musician John Lennon of the Beatles. They became known for their artistic collaborations and public protests against the Vietnam War, including their famous bed-in for peace during their honeymoon.
In 1969, debates over Yoko Ono's role in the Beatles' breakup emerged, with Paul McCartney predicting future narratives blaming her. John Lennon and George Harrison publicly denied Ono's involvement in the band's disintegration.
In 1969, Yoko Ono began a career in popular music by forming the Plastic Ono Band with John Lennon. They produced avant-garde music albums during the 1970s, influencing the art and music scene.
In 1969, John Lennon and Yoko Ono's Plastic Ono Band performed at the Toronto Rock and Roll Revival festival. This live performance was released as the album Live Peace in Toronto 1969, featuring the band members Eric Clapton, Klaus Voormann, and Alan White.
In 1970, Yoko Ono collaborated with John Lennon on the film 'Fly', further expanding her creative pursuits into collaborative film projects.
In 1970, Yoko Ono released her first solo album, Yoko Ono/Plastic Ono Band, as a companion piece to John Lennon's album of the same name. The album featured raw, harsh vocals and drew on free jazz techniques, influencing artists like Meredith Monk. It reached No. 182 on the US charts.
In 1970, after the Beatles disbanded, Yoko Ono and John Lennon moved from London to Manhattan. The move was partly to escape the tabloid racism Ono faced in the UK.
On June 5, 1971, Yoko Ono joined John Lennon in a performance with Frank Zappa at the Fillmore West. This collaboration was part of her exploration of more conventional psychedelic rock and Fluxus experiments.
In 1971, Yoko Ono faced a custody battle with her ex-husband Anthony Cox over their daughter Kyoko. Cox disappeared with Kyoko, leading to a long and painful search by Ono, as the child was raised under a different name in a religious organization.
In 1971, Yoko Ono held a significant retrospective exhibition titled 'This Is Not Here' at the Everson Museum in Syracuse, New York. The event was nearly closed due to a large number of excited Beatles fans, which led to several art pieces being broken and the museum's toilets being flooded. This exhibition marked her last major show until 1989.
In 1971, the soundtrack of the film 'Fly', created in collaboration with John Lennon, was featured on Yoko Ono's album of the same name, marking a significant moment in her music career.
In 2015, MoMA featured Yoko Ono's works from 1971 in 'One Woman Show', underscoring her pioneering role in the avant-garde art movement.
In 1972, the song "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)," originally released in 1971 as a protest song about the Vietnam War, became a Christmas standard. It reached No. 4 in the UK charts, highlighting its enduring popularity.
By 1972, Yoko Ono had completed 16 experimental films, including the well-known 'No. 4' or 'Bottoms'. Her films were noted for their innovative approach and gained significant recognition.
In 1972, Yoko Ono was featured in Mary Beth Edelson's artwork Some Living American Women Artists / Last Supper. This piece, which reimagined Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper with the heads of notable women artists, became an iconic image in the feminist art movement.
In 1972, Yoko Ono released her album Approximately Infinite Universe, which included the song "Death of Samantha". This song later inspired the name of the band Death of Samantha.
In July 1973, Yoko Ono and John Lennon separated as their relationship faced challenges, including Lennon's deportation issues and Ono's separation from her daughter. During this period, Lennon lived with May Pang, with Ono's approval, while pursuing her career.
In 1973, Yoko Ono released a single titled "Joseijoi Banzai, Parts 1 and 2" in Japan. This track, recorded with the Plastic Ono Band and Elephants Memory, combined feminist themes with pop rhythms, marking a new artistic direction for Ono.
In March 1974, Paul McCartney played a significant role in Yoko Ono's reconciliation with John Lennon by relaying her thoughts to Lennon, aiding in their reunion.
By December 1974, John Lennon and Yoko Ono reconciled after a period of separation. Lennon, who had been considering a future with May Pang, was drawn back to Ono after a meeting where she claimed to have found a cure for smoking. This event marked the end of their separation.
On October 9, 1975, Yoko Ono and John Lennon's son, Sean, was born, coinciding with Lennon's 35th birthday. Following Sean's birth, Lennon paused his music career to become a stay-at-home dad, while Sean later pursued a career in music, reflecting his parents' influence.
In 1976, Yoko Ono did not object to Paul McCartney crediting Beatles tracks as P. McCartney–J. Lennon on his live album 'Wings over America.' However, after Lennon's death, she opposed McCartney's attempt to reverse the traditional 'Lennon–McCartney' credit order for certain songs, asserting it breached an agreement with Lennon.
On November 17, 1980, Yoko Ono and John Lennon released their album "Double Fantasy." Initially, the album received lukewarm reviews, with critics focusing on the portrayal of their marriage and domestic life. Despite this, the album's reception and legacy became intertwined with the tragic events that followed shortly after its release.
On December 8, 1980, Yoko Ono's husband, John Lennon, was murdered in front of their apartment building, the Dakota, in New York City. The couple had been married since 1969 and had one son, Sean.
In 1980, Yoko Ono and John Lennon released the album Double Fantasy, which achieved commercial success and won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year. This album was released just weeks before Lennon's murder.
In 1980, while on vacation in Bermuda, John Lennon heard the song "Rock Lobster" by the B-52's, which reminded him of Yoko Ono's musical style. This event marked a moment when Ono's influence was recognized in the mainstream music scene. Following this, Ono and Lennon began exchanging songs over the phone, leading to enough material for a new album. This project was structured as a dialogue between the two and marked Lennon's return to the public eye after a five-year hiatus, as well as a public reconciliation between Lennon and Ono.
In 1981, Yoko Ono released "Walking on Thin Ice (For John)," a single that became her first chart success as a solo artist, reaching No. 58 and gaining underground airplay. That same year, "Double Fantasy" received critical reappraisal and won the 1981 Grammy Award for Album of the Year at the 24th Annual Grammy Awards, marking an important milestone in Ono's career.
In 1981, Yoko Ono released the album "Season of Glass," which featured a striking cover photo of John Lennon's bloody spectacles. The album received highly positive reviews and resonated with the public's mood following Lennon's assassination, showcasing Ono's artistic expression of grief and reflection.
In 1982, Yoko Ono released the album "It's Alright." The album's cover depicted Ono in sunglasses with the ghost of Lennon watching over her and their son. Though it achieved minor chart success, the album's single "Never Say Goodbye" received some airplay.
In 1983, the post-punk rock band Death of Samantha was founded, taking its name from Yoko Ono's song "Death of Samantha" from her 1972 album Approximately Infinite Universe.
In 1984, a tribute album titled "Every Man Has a Woman" was released, featuring artists performing songs written by Yoko Ono. Later that year, Ono and Lennon's final album, "Milk and Honey," was released, containing unfinished Lennon recordings and new Ono material. The album achieved commercial success, going gold in the UK, US, and Canada.
On October 9, 1985, the Strawberry Fields memorial in Central Park was officially dedicated. Yoko Ono funded its construction and maintenance in honor of John Lennon, marking what would have been his 45th birthday. The memorial is located across from the Dakota, where Lennon was murdered.
In 1986, Yoko Ono embarked on a goodwill world tour to promote her album "Starpeace," visiting primarily Eastern European countries. The tour helped to spread Ono's message of peace and her music across different cultures.
In 1986, Yoko Ono released the concept album "Starpeace," intended as a counter to Ronald Reagan's "Star Wars" missile defense initiative. The album was Ono's most successful non-Lennon effort, with the single "Hell in Paradise" becoming a hit. The music video for the single won "Most Innovative Video" at Billboard Music Video Awards.
In a 1987 Rolling Stone interview, Yoko Ono highlighted Paul McCartney's role in the Beatles' breakup. She noted changes in songwriting credits on John Lennon's posthumous releases, reflecting Lennon’s regrets about not crediting her for contributions.
In 1987, Yoko Ono was one of the speakers at Andy Warhol's funeral, reflecting her prominent position in the New York art world and her connection with influential artists.
In 1987, Yoko Ono traveled to Moscow to participate in the 'International Forum for a Nuclear-free World and for the Survival of Mankind.' During her visit, she also went to Leningrad, where she met with members of the local John Lennon memorial club, including Kolya Vasin, a notable Beatles fan in the Soviet Union.
In 1989, Yoko Ono reentered the New York art world with a retrospective at the Whitney Museum titled 'Yoko Ono: Objects, Films'. Encouraged by Sam Havadtoy, her live-in companion, she recast old pieces in bronze, symbolizing the change from the 1960s to the solidity of the 1980s.
In 1989, a retrospective of Yoko Ono's work was held at a Whitney Museum branch, which contributed to a shift in public appreciation of her art.
In 1989, Yoko Ono made a significant return to the art world with the 'Yoko Ono: Objects, Films' retrospective at the Whitney Museum. This marked her first major exhibition since her 1971 show.
In 1990, Yoko Ono collaborated with music consultant Jeff Pollack to organize a global broadcast of John Lennon's song "Imagine" in honor of what would have been his 50th birthday. Over 1,000 radio stations in more than 50 countries participated, spreading a message of peace amid global conflicts.
In 1990, the Canadian rock band Barenaked Ladies released their debut single "Be My Yoko Ono". The song playfully compares a romantic relationship to Yoko Ono's influence and includes a mimicry of her vocal style.
In 1992, Barenaked Ladies included their debut single "Be My Yoko Ono" on their album Gordon. The song is known for its humorous take on Yoko Ono's influence in pop music.
In 1992, Yoko Ono ended her musical hiatus by signing with Rykodisc and releasing "Onobox," a comprehensive six-disc box set of her solo work, including previously unreleased material. A one-disc sampler titled "Walking on Thin Ice" was also released. Ono's music was reassessed for a new generation, highlighting her influence in blending pop and avant-garde music.
In 1992, Yoko Ono released a six-disc box set titled 'Onobox,' further enhancing public appreciation of her work.
In 1994, Yoko Ono produced an off-Broadway musical titled "New York Rock," which featured Broadway-style renditions of her songs. The production showcased Ono's versatility and creativity in bringing her music to the theatrical stage.
In 1995, Yoko Ono collaborated with Paul McCartney and their families to create the song 'Hiroshima Sky Is Always Blue,' commemorating the 50th anniversary of the atomic bombing. During this period, Ono compared Lennon and McCartney to Mozart and Salieri, which upset McCartney's wife, Linda, who was battling cancer.
In 1995, Yoko Ono released "Rising," an album created in collaboration with her son Sean and his band, Ima. The album led to a world tour across Europe, Japan, and the United States. The following year, Ono collaborated with various alternative rock musicians for the "Rising Mixes" EP, showcasing her continued influence and adaptability in the music industry.
In 1996, Yoko Ono introduced her participatory art project, the 'Wish Tree', inviting people to attach their wishes to a tree native to the installation site. This project exemplified her interactive art style.
In 1996, the Swatch watch company released a limited edition watch to commemorate Yoko Ono's film 'No. 4', showcasing its lasting influence and popularity.
In 1996, 'The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus', featuring Yoko Ono and John Lennon, was finally released. The film had been delayed due to various circumstances, including the death of Brian Jones.
In 1996, Julian Lennon settled a legal dispute with Yoko Ono over John Lennon's estate for an undisclosed amount. Julian had expressed dissatisfaction with the disparity between his upbringing and Sean Lennon's, leading to years of legal battles.
In 1997, Rykodisc reissued Yoko Ono's solo recordings on CD, including remastered audio and bonus tracks. That year, Ono and the BMI Foundation established the John Lennon Scholarships, awarding over $350,000 to young musicians in the United States to honor Lennon's legacy. The scholarships became a prestigious award for emerging songwriters.
In 1998, Yoko Ono finally reunited with her daughter Kyoko after many years of separation due to a custody dispute. This marked a significant personal triumph for Ono after decades of searching.
In 1998, Yoko Ono was reunited with her daughter Kyoko after a long separation. This marked a significant personal milestone for Ono, who had been estranged from Kyoko since the early 1970s.
In 1998, the composer credit for 'Give Peace a Chance' on the John Lennon anthology 'Lennon Legend' was changed to 'John Lennon,' reflecting the song's creation without Beatles involvement and acknowledging Ono's contribution.
As late as December 1999, Yoko Ono faced criticism from the press, with NME referring to her as a 'no-talent charlatan,' highlighting ongoing public skepticism towards her influence over John Lennon and the Beatles' breakup.
Following the Columbine High School massacre in 1999, Yoko Ono sponsored billboards in New York City and Los Angeles featuring Lennon's blood-splashed spectacles, advocating for peace and gun control.
Yoko Ono's mother, Isoko Ono, passed away in 1999. She had been an important figure in Yoko's life, influencing her cultural and artistic interests.
In 2000, American folk singer Dar Williams released the song "I Won't Be Your Yoko Ono". The song uses the relationship between John Lennon and Yoko Ono as a basis to explore themes of love, especially between artists.
In 2000, Yoko Ono founded the John Lennon Museum in Saitama, Japan. The museum, which displayed over 130 pieces of Lennon and Beatles memorabilia from Ono's collection, offered fans a deeper insight into Lennon's life and work. It remained open until 2010.
The 'YES YOKO ONO' exhibition began traveling in 2000, showcasing Ono's work across 13 museums in the U.S., Canada, Japan, and Korea. This extensive retrospective highlighted her contributions to contemporary art.
In 2001, Yoko Ono's artwork was showcased in a retrospective at the Japan Society in New York City, highlighting her contributions to contemporary art.
In 2001, Yoko Ono released her feminist concept album "Blueprint for a Sunrise". Following the 9/11 attacks, she organized "Come Together: A Night for John Lennon's Words and Music," a benefit concert at Radio City Music Hall. The event, featuring artists like Lou Reed and Cyndi Lauper, raised funds for 9/11 relief efforts and was broadcast on TNT and the WB.
In 2001, Yoko Ono's 40-year retrospective, 'YES YOKO ONO', received the International Association of Art Critics USA Award for Best Museum Show Originating in New York City. This exhibition highlighted Ono's influential work, including her famous 'YES' piece from 1966.
In March 2002, Yoko Ono joined the B-52's in New York for their 25th anniversary concerts, performing "Rock Lobster" with them. That same month, she attended the unveiling of a statue of John Lennon in Liverpool alongside Cherie Blair, commemorating the renaming of the airport to Liverpool John Lennon Airport.
In April 2002, the cover photo of Yoko Ono's album "Season of Glass," which featured John Lennon's spectacles, sold at an auction in London for about $13,000. The photo had become an iconic image associated with Ono's artistic response to Lennon's death.
In 2002, Paul McCartney's release of the live album 'Back in the U.S. Live 2002' reignited the debate over Beatles songwriting credits, with Yoko Ono's spokesperson criticizing the altered credit order as an attempt to rewrite history.
In 2002, Yoko Ono inaugurated the LennonOno Grant for Peace, a biennial award of $50,000. This initiative reflects her commitment to peace and philanthropy, supporting various causes worldwide.
In 2002, Yoko Ono inaugurated the LennonOno Grant for Peace, offering $50,000 in prize money to artists in conflict regions, with the award given every two years alongside the Imagine Peace Tower lighting.
In 2002, Yoko Ono was awarded an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts from Bard College and received the Skowhegan Medal for her work in various media, acknowledging her artistic achievements.
In a 2002 interview, Yoko Ono reflected on her initial attraction to John Lennon, highlighting the complex dynamics of their early interactions and the beginning of their correspondence.
In April 2003, Yoko Ono achieved her first no. 1 hit on Billboard's Dance/Club Play chart with the remixes of 'Walking on Thin Ice'. This success marked a significant milestone in her career, as the song was remixed by various renowned DJs and dance artists.
In 2003, Yoko Ono received the fifth MOCA Award to Distinguished Women in the Arts from the Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles, recognizing her significant impact on the art world.
On Valentine's Day 2003, Yoko Ono supported Andrew and Christine Gale's love-in protest in West Yorkshire, inspired by her songs 'Give Peace a Chance' and 'Imagine', as a statement against the impending Iraqi invasion.
In March 2004, the ICA in London showcased a collection of Yoko Ono's films from her experimental period in an exhibition titled 'The Rare Films of Yoko Ono'. It highlighted her contributions to avant-garde cinema.
In November 2004, Yoko Ono's reworked song 'Everyman... Everywoman...' reached number 1 on Billboard's Dance/Club Play chart. This marked her second no. 1 hit on the chart.
In 2004, during the Liverpool Biennial, Yoko Ono presented a controversial art piece titled 'My Mummy Was Beautiful', featuring images meant to evoke innocence rather than shock. The piece was dedicated to John Lennon's mother, Julia, and flooded the city with provocative imagery.
In 2004, Yoko Ono released remixes of her song 'Everyman..... Everywoman.....' to support same-sex marriage, promoting inclusivity and love through her music.
In 2005, Yoko Ono visited Portland, Maine, and shared fond memories of traveling along the scenic coast with John Lennon. The couple had once considered buying a house in the area, charmed by its beauty.
In 2005, Yoko Ono was honored with a lifetime achievement award by the Japan Society of New York, celebrating her enduring influence and contributions to art and culture.
In 2005, Yoko Ono, while accepting a Q Award, shared that John Lennon had once felt insecure about his songwriting, and she reassured him of his talent, highlighting her supportive role in his career.
On December 13, 2006, one of Yoko Ono's bodyguards was arrested for attempting to extort $2 million from her. The situation involved threats to release private conversations and photos. This led to a legal battle where he was eventually sentenced for attempted grand larceny.
In 2006, Yoko Ono performed at the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympic Games in Turin, Italy. She delivered a poem calling for world peace, preceding Peter Gabriel's performance of 'Imagine'.
In February 2007, Yoko Ono released 'Yes, I'm a Witch', an album featuring remixes and covers by various artists. The album was well-received by critics and showcased Ono's influence across generations of musicians.
On February 16, 2007, a legal deal was reached where charges against Yoko Ono's bodyguard were dropped in exchange for his guilty plea to a lesser charge. He had attempted to extort $2 million by threatening to release private material.
On June 26, 2007, Yoko Ono appeared on Larry King Live with Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and Olivia Harrison, discussing music and personal histories.
On July 14, 2007, Yoko Ono performed a full set at the Pitchfork Music Festival in Chicago. Her performance included the rare song 'Mulberry', performed alongside Thurston Moore, highlighting her blend of music and performance art.
On October 16, 2007, Yoko Ono discussed her father's imprisonment during World War II in an interview with Amy Goodman on Democracy Now! She revealed that her father had been in a concentration camp in Saigon, reflecting on the hardships faced by her family during the war.
In January 2008, Yoko Ono's song 'No No No' reached the number 1 spot on the Dance/Club Play chart, continuing her success in the dance music scene.
In 2008, Yoko Ono returned to Liverpool for the Biennial, unveiling 'Sky Ladders' at the Church of St Luke. This artwork was a poignant reminder of the city's history and resilience following World War II.
In 2008, retrospectives of Yoko Ono's artwork were presented in Bielefeld, Germany, and the United Kingdom, celebrating her influence in the art world.
In 2008, Yoko Ono presented her retrospective 'Between The Sky and My Head' at the Kunsthalle Bielefeld in Germany and the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in England, showcasing her extensive artistic journey.
On March 31, 2009, Yoko Ono attended the opening of 'Imagine: The Peace Ballad of John & Yoko', marking the 40th anniversary of their Bed-In. The exhibition celebrated their legacy in promoting peace.
In May 2009, Yoko Ono designed a T-shirt for the Fashion Against AIDS campaign with H&M, featuring the message 'Imagine Peace' in 21 languages. This effort was part of raising awareness for HIV/AIDS.
On June 1, 2009, Yoko Ono appeared at the E3 Expo to promote The Beatles: Rock Band video game. Her presence alongside other Beatle family members highlighted the game's significance.
In June 2009, Yoko Ono achieved her fifth no. 1 hit on the Dance/Club Play chart with 'I'm Not Getting Enough', underscoring her enduring impact on the dance music genre.
In 2009, Yoko Ono received the Golden Lion Award for lifetime achievement from the Venice Biennale, recognizing her significant contributions to contemporary art.
In 2009, Yoko Ono received the prestigious Golden Lion Award for lifetime achievement at the Venice Biennale, recognizing her enduring impact on the art world.
In 2009, Yoko Ono released 'Between My Head and the Sky', her first album as Yoko Ono/Plastic Ono Band since 1973. The project involved a new lineup, including her son Sean Lennon.
On February 16, 2010, Yoko Ono performed at the 'We Are Plastic Ono Band' concert organized by her son Sean in Brooklyn. This event featured collaborations with various artists, celebrating her musical legacy.
On April 1, 2010, Yoko Ono was named the first 'Global Autism Ambassador' by Autism Speaks, recognizing her efforts in raising awareness for autism. Her contributions included creating an artwork for auction to benefit the cause.
In April 2010, free downloads of Junior Boys' mix of Yoko Ono's song 'I'm Not Getting Enough' were made available. The song later appeared on Billboard's favorite Dance/Club songs list, showcasing her continued influence in dance music.
In July 2010, Yoko Ono's 'Wish Tree' installation was established in the Sculpture Garden of the Museum of Modern Art in New York. It received contributions from people all over the world, highlighting its global appeal.
In an October 2010 interview, Yoko Ono discussed John Lennon's 'lost weekend' and credited Paul McCartney with helping mend her marriage to Lennon, acknowledging McCartney's supportive gesture in 1974.
In 2010, Yoko Ono and her son Sean attended Julian Lennon's photo exhibition at the Morrison Hotel in New York City. This marked the first time they were photographed with Julian and his mother Cynthia. Ono also promoted the exhibition on her website.
In 2010, the John Lennon Museum in Saitama, Japan, founded by Yoko Ono in 2000, closed its doors. The museum had showcased over 130 pieces of memorabilia, allowing fans to connect with Lennon's legacy during its decade of operation.
In 2010, the John Lennon Museum in Saitama, Japan, which Yoko Ono helped fund to preserve Lennon's legacy, was closed. Ono continued her efforts to honor Lennon's memory through other projects like the Strawberry Fields memorial and the Imagine Peace Tower.
On February 18, 2011, Yoko Ono launched the 'Imagine Peace 2011' campaign by taking out a full-page advert in the UK Metro newspaper. This initiative aimed to inspire people to envision and strive for global peace.
In July 2011, Yoko Ono visited Japan to support earthquake and tsunami victims. She gave a lecture and performance titled "The Road of Hope" at Tokyo's Mori Art Museum, where she painted a large calligraphy piece named "Dream" to raise funds for the Rainbow House, aiding orphans of the Great East Japan earthquake. She also collected the 8th Hiroshima Art Prize for her contributions to art and peace, awarded the previous year.
In August 2011, Yoko Ono made her documentary film 'Bed Peace' available for free on YouTube and her website 'Imagine Peace', sharing her message of peace with a global audience.
In 2011, Yoko Ono's 'Imagine Peace' exhibit was installed in Houston through the Deborah Colton Gallery, further spreading her message of peace and artistic innovation.
In January 2012, Yoko Ono achieved her seventh consecutive No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs chart with a Ralphi Rosario mix of her 1995 song "Talking to the Universe."
On June 29, 2012, Yoko Ono received a lifetime achievement award at the Dublin Biennial. She also visited significant sites in Ireland, including the crypt of Irish leader Daniel O'Connell and Dún Laoghaire.
In August 2012, Yoko Ono co-founded Artists Against Fracking with Sean Lennon and Mark Ruffalo, aiming to raise awareness and oppose the environmental risks associated with hydraulic fracturing.
In 2012, Yoko Ono was awarded the Oskar Kokoschka Prize, Austria's highest award for applied contemporary art, acknowledging her influence and contributions.
In 2012, Yoko Ono received the Dr. Rainer Hildebrandt Human Rights Award and co-founded Artists Against Fracking, highlighting her continued activism and contributions to environmental and social causes.
In 2012, Yoko Ono held a major exhibition titled 'To The Light' at the Serpentine Galleries in London, featuring a significant body of her work and highlighting her ongoing influence in contemporary art.
In 2012, Paul McCartney publicly stated that he did not hold Yoko Ono responsible for the Beatles' breakup and credited her with inspiring much of John Lennon's work post-Beatles.
In January 2013, Yoko Ono, alongside Sean Lennon and Susan Sarandon, protested against hydraulic fracturing in Pennsylvania, part of the Artists Against Fracking initiative she co-founded to combat environmental harm.
In February 2013, Yoko Ono accepted the Rainer Hildebrandt Medal at Berlin's Checkpoint Charlie Museum, recognizing her and John Lennon for their lifetime work for peace and human rights.
In February 2013, Yoko Ono celebrated her 80th birthday with the opening of her largest retrospective 'Half-a-Wind Show' at the Schirn Kunsthalle Frankfurt, which later traveled to museums in Denmark, Austria, and Spain.
In June 2013, Yoko Ono curated the Meltdown festival in London, where she performed two concerts. The festival included a performance with the Plastic Ono Band and a guest appearance during Siouxsie Sioux's rendition of "Walking on Thin Ice."
In July 2013, Yoko Ono released 'Acorn', a sequel to her book 'Grapefruit'. This new book of instructions was published by OR Books nearly fifty years after the original.
In November 2013, Yoko Ono released the online video for "Bad Dancer," featuring several guest artists. The video was well-received by the press, and by the end of the year, Ono had two songs in the Top 20 Dance/Club charts and two consecutive number 1 hits on Billboard's Hot Dance Club Play Charts.
On November 24, 2013, Yoko Ono's 'Arising' was part of the exhibition 'Personal Structures' in Venice. The feminist piece featured female silicon bodies in the lagoon, symbolizing phoenixes and advocating for women's rights.
In 2013, Yoko Ono's artwork was featured in retrospectives in Frankfurt, Germany, and Bilbao, Spain, continuing to honor her artistic impact.
In 2013, Yoko Ono visited the Garden of the Phoenix, which inspired her to create a permanent art installation in Chicago, reflecting her connection to the city and her peace advocacy.
In 2013, Yoko Ono was a central theme in English comedian James Acaster's show Lawnmower. The show was nominated for the Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Show.
In April 2014, Yoko Ono's Twitter followers reached 4.69 million, with her Instagram followers exceeding 99,000, demonstrating her strong influence and engagement with a global audience through social media.
In 2014, Yoko Ono contributed several artworks to the triennial Folkestone art festival, continuing her engagement with the art community through innovative projects.
In 2014, Yoko Ono installed 'Earth Peace' as part of the Folkestone Triennial. The installation, featuring various forms and media, promotes peace and remains part of the Creative Folkestone Artworks collection.
In 2014, Yoko Ono's 'Imagine Peace' exhibit opened at the Bob Rauschenburg Gallery in Fort Myers, Florida. She promoted the show with a billboard on U.S. Route 41, emphasizing her message of peace.
In 2014, Yoko Ono's 'Skyladder' was installed as part of the Folkestone Triennial. It invites public interaction and creativity, encouraging participants to personalize and share a ladder, symbolizing communal art practice.
In 2014, the British band Elbow released their album The Take Off and Landing of Everything, which included the song "New York Morning" mentioning Yoko Ono. In appreciation, Ono wrote an open letter to the band, reflecting on her and John Lennon's connection to New York City.
In 2015, The Museum of Modern Art in New York City hosted a retrospective of Yoko Ono's work, cementing her legacy in the art world.
In 2015, Yoko Ono created the piece 'Arising' in Venice, as part of the exhibition 'Personal Structures'. The installation evoked the imagery of mythical phoenixes, promoting women's rights and empowerment.
In 2015, the Museum of Modern Art in New York City held a retrospective exhibition of Yoko Ono's early work, titled 'Yoko Ono: One Woman Show, 1960–1971', highlighting her groundbreaking contributions to the art world.
On February 16, 2016, Manimal Vinyl released Yoko Ono's album Yes, I'm a Witch Too, featuring remixes by artists like Moby and Death Cab For Cutie. The album received critical acclaim.
On February 26, 2016, Yoko Ono was hospitalized due to severe flu symptoms, initially rumored to be a possible stroke. This incident highlighted her health challenges at the time.
In October 2016, Yoko Ono unveiled her first permanent art installation in the United States, located in Jackson Park, Chicago, to promote peace, inspired by the Garden of the Phoenix.
In 2016, Yoko Ono was named the 11th most successful dance club artist of all time by Billboard magazine, having achieved twelve number one singles on the US Dance charts.
In 2016, Yoko Ono's 'Imagine Peace' exhibit returned to Houston, highlighting the ongoing impact and relevance of her work.
In October 2018, Yoko Ono released the album Warzone, featuring new versions of previously recorded tracks, including "Imagine." This release reinforced her legacy in music and art.
In a 2018 issue of Portland Magazine, Yoko Ono recounted a visit to Portland, Maine, in 2005. She described a nostalgic drive along the coast with John Lennon, during which they dreamed of purchasing a house in the area.
In 2019, Yoko Ono presented 'Add Color (Refugee Boat)' at the River to River Festival in Lower Manhattan. The participatory installation encouraged audience interaction and highlighted immigrant and refugee histories in the U.S.
In January 2021, Yoko Ono was one of the founders of The Coda Collection, a new service focused on music documentaries and concert films, launched the following month.
On February 18, 2021, coinciding with her 88th birthday, Yoko Ono co-founded The Coda Collection, a music documentary and concert film service available via Amazon Prime Video Channels in the U.S.
In November 2021, it was noted in a New Yorker piece that Yoko Ono had withdrawn from public life, with her son Sean Lennon taking over as the public representative for the family's interests in the Beatles' business.
In 2022, the Kunsthaus Zürich hosted a retrospective titled 'Yoko Ono. This Room Moves at the Same Speed as the Clouds', celebrating Ono's influential contributions to the art world.
In February 2024, Tate Modern plans to host the UK's largest exhibition of Yoko Ono's work, 'YOKO ONO: MUSIC OF THE MIND', spanning over seven decades of her influential career.