Monday, October 6, 2008
Remembering John Lennon
I have a friend who is known to, at least partially, judge someone's character based on the answer to a single question: "Who's your favorite Beatle?" When she asked me that some decades ago, I replied, "John Lennon." She says there is no right or wrong answer, that a person's answer simply gives her an insight into their character. What did my answer tell her about me? I'm not sure, but we've been close friends for more years than I want to admit I have behind me.
John Lennon would have been 68 on October 9, 2008. From his career with the Fab Four, to his almost comeback shortly before his death, he remains forever my favorite Beatle. To honor Lennon's birthday and his contribution to musical and political culture, I went digging through the Attic and found a few choice items to commemorate his life.
These gold records celebrate Lennon's signature song, "Imagine," which has become a worldwide peace anthem. The song was recorded in 1971 in Lennon's home studio at Tittenhurst Park. The first is a plaque of a 24-kt. gold-plated LP that is etched with an image of Lennon and the song lyrics. It also includes an actual piece of the doors of Tittenhurst. The second is a mounted gold record with a photo of Lennon from that defining era.
I also found this T-shirt featuring a photo of John in his famous New York City shirt. On the back is the famous verse, "You may say I'm a dreamer / But I'm not the only one / I hope someday you'll join us / And the world will live as one."
Last, but definitely not least, here's my favorite piece of John Lennon memorabilia: The John Lennon Interactive Book.
It tells the story of his creative genius from his music to his artwork. The illustrations alone are enough to keep you busy for a full day, including the reproductions of his report cards, tickets to the Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show, a Rolling Stone article, handwritten song lyrics and some of Lennon's drawings. On the CD, "In His Own Words," Lennon talks about his life and art. There's also a live recording of "Imagine." It's a wonderful way to celebrate the life of a visionary, an artist and a cultural icon.Happy Birthday, John. You're still my favorite Beatle!
posted by Betty at
5:00 AM
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