Who was john lennon?

John Lennon (1940-1980) was a British singer, songwriter, and musician who gained worldwide fame as the founder, co-songwriter, co-lead vocalist, and rhythm guitarist of the Beatles. Born on October 9, 1940, in Liverpool, Merseyside, England, during a German air raid in World War II, Lennon's parents Alfred and Julia Lennon separated when he was four years old. He was raised by his mother's older sister Mimi Smith.

As a teenager, Lennon formed his first band, The Quarrymen, which would eventually evolve into the Beatles, alongside Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. The Beatles became a global phenomenon, releasing numerous hit songs and albums, including "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band," "Revolver," and "Abbey Road." Lennon's songwriting partnership with McCartney produced some of the Beatles' most iconic songs, such as "Yesterday," "Hey Jude," and "Let It Be."

In the late 1960s, Lennon's collaborations with artist and musician Yoko Ono led to the couple's avant-garde and experimental work, including the "Bed-In for Peace" protest against war. Lennon's solo career, which began in the late 1960s, produced critically acclaimed albums such as "John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band" and "Imagine," the latter featuring the iconic title track.

John Lennon's life was tragically cut short when he was assassinated on December 8, 1980, outside his New York City apartment building by a deranged fan, Mark David Chapman. His legacy continues to inspire and influence generations of musicians, artists, and fans worldwide.