John Lennon Timeline

By Lily Park

  • Birth

    John Lennon born in Liverpool, England. ("John Lennon." Wikipedia.)

  • Uncle George Dies

    As the only man in his life, George was a father to Lennon. When he died, Lennon had to have the power to be the man of the house. ("John Lennon." Wikipedia.)

  • Quarrymen Formed

    Lennon forms the early version of the Beatles. This band shapes their sound, and establishes John as the band's leader.

  • First Guitar

    John's mother gives him his first guitar. He is 15 years old. From here on out music becomes his passion. ("John Lennon." Wikipedia.)

  • Paul McCartney Joins

    The additon of Paul creates the final line up for the Beatles, and gives John a creative partner for years to come. ("John Lennon.")

  • Mother Dies

    Despite the fact that John didn't live with his mother, she influenced him greatly, and her premature death changed him. He and Paul McCartney both lost their mothers at young ages, so this was a bonding point in their friendship. ("Paul McCartney.")

  • The Beatles formed

    Lennon founds the band that would change history and catapult him to stardom. He is the musical and public leader of the band, making him most powerful.

  • Hamburg Residencies

    The Beatles play shows nightly in Hamburg for 2 years that help them gain popularity in Europe. As they grow more popular, John is the obvious fan favourite. ("John Lennon." Wikipedia.)

  • "Love Me Do"

    This is the Beatles' first charting song, at No. 17. Lennon sings lead vocals, and wrote the song.

  • Mainstream UK Success

    The group gains mainstream attention, and success in 1963

  • Julian Born

    Lennon's first son Julian is born. This happens during his first marriage, and the begginning of the Beatles' mainstream success. ("John Lennon." Wikipedia.)

  • American Debut

    The Beatles make their US debut on the Ed Sullivan Show.

  • Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band

    This album was the most popular, and perhaps most creative for John. His song writing and singing style on this work differ from earlier creative ventures due to his increased use of LSD. This album is said to be rock's, "the most important and influential rock-and-roll album ever recorded". ("John Lennon." Wikipedia.)

  • LSD

    Lennon is introduced to LSD at a dinner party. This marks the begginning of his regular use of the drug, and the effects are seen in his music and behaviour. ("John Lennon." Wikipedia.)

  • Full Length Film Appearance

    John appears in his first non-beatles film, "How I Won the War." This boosts his stardom, and independence from the band. ("John Lennon." Wikipedia.)

  • Plastic Ono Band

    John and his lover, Yoko Ono, form the Plastic Ono Band together upon his depature from the Beatles. ("John Lennon.")

  • John Leaves

    John leaves the Beatles. He said he was the one to form the Beatles, and the one to disband it. This shows his power, and supirior role in the band compared to the other members.

  • Beatles Break Up

    A decade after forming, the Beatles break up without their founding member and leader, Lennon. ("John Lennon." Wikipedia.)

  • Moved to Manhattan

    This is the city where Lennon is assasinated.

  • Imagine

    Lennon drops "Imagine" which is his first full-length solo project. The album recieved raving reviews, and gives Lennon solo success without the Beatles. ("John Lennon." Wikipedia.)

  • Denied Permanent Residency

    Lennon is denied permanent residency in the US for his irrational and drunken public behaviour is months past. ("John Lennon.")

  • Infidelity

    Cheats on Ono after being deinied his residency. Shows his vunerability, and power to still do what he wants, and love like the rockstar he is. ("John Lennon." Wikipedia.)

  • "Lost Weekend"

    This is a period from 1973-1975 which Lennon himself dubbed the "Lost Weekend" where he and Ono spent two years seperated. During this time Lennon saw other women, and lived a part from Ono. ("John Lennon.")

  • Non-Beatles #1 Hit

    "Whatever Gets You Through the Night" is Lennon's only non-Beatles #1 hit. Proving his solo success again, Lennon reaches the top without the band behind him. ("John Lennon." Wikipedia.)

  • Second Son Born

    Sean being born leads to Lennon taking a break from music and becoming househusband. This move shows he has the power and stability to take time off, and remain as famous and influencial still. ("John Lennon." Wikipedia.)

  • Break from Music

    John formally announces his break from music. Though he previously had stepped out of the studio to care for his son Sean, the 1977 announcement basically put him in retirement for a bit. Again, this shows he had the power and financial stability to do what he wanted, his fans still adored him. ("John Lennon.")

  • Double Fantasy Album

    John emerged from retirement with the "Double Fantasy" record in 1980. People still bought and loved his work, which shows his influence and power could withstand time. ("John Lennon." Wikipedia.)

  • Death

    John was shot three times in the back outside of his Manhattan home, and pronounced dead at 11:07pm on October 8th, 1980. To this day his work with the Beatles and individually has influenced millions. His power to inspire and provoke thought will live on forever through his music. The Beatles remain the most popular band of all time, and much of that is the doing of John.