John Lennon

John Lennon once said, "Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I am a dreamer, but I am not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will be as one." (John Lennon BrainyQuote.com) John Lennon was a triumphantly talented musician, who believed in peace, and individually. John Lennon was born on October 9, 1940, in Liverpool, England where he was raised by his Aunt Mimi, due to his mother Julia's irresponsible parenting. From the beginning, John always had strong interest in music, but his aunt highly disapproved. When John was a teenager, he became closer with his mother, who gave him his first instrument; the banjo. John began developing a passion for music that no one could take away from him. In high school, John formed a band with classmate Paul McCartney. They mostly played at small local events and parties. But after adding guitarist, George Harrison, they began gaining popularity. By then, John was in college at Liverpool College of Art. The band, now named, The Beatles, was signed and had three singles by 1963. The Beatles took the music industry by storm, creating 25 albums; all of which becoming hits. As well as being a rock legend, known all over the world, John was also a dedicated peace activist, along with his second wife, Yoko Ono. A true hero should possess integrity, and should be inspiring to all people. John was inspiring in how he showed what he believes in, how he wrote and played music, and by how he preformed. John Lennon is a shining example of a hero because he is a talented musician made a groundbreaking contribution to the rock and roll era, and was a peace activist.

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John Lennon is a hero for his musical talent, since he was a member of one of the most famous bands in history; The Beatles. The Beatles started out as a two-member group consisting of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, they wrote many songs together and preformed at small events. Later, they added George Harrison and drummer Stuart Sutcliffe (Later to be Ringo

Starr). They gained popularity and in 1962 they were signed by EMI label Parlophone, and recorded their first hit, entitled "Love Me Do". "The Beatles' 'Please Please Me,' released in Britain on January 12, 1963, was an immediate hit. The Beatles' first British album, recorded in one thirteen-hour session, remained number one on the charts for six months." (Beatles) The Beatles were first popular in Britain, where all four members are from, but eventually, their songs began to become popular in the U.S. The Beatles' music remains timeless and critics raved over each and every song they produced. At one time, The Beatles' songs filled the top ten charts simultaneously. The Beatles' albums all still remain popular today. The Beatles popularity began to soar, reaching five number one hits by 1964. Their music was popular among people of all ages, and their concerts sold out within minutes. "By 1965 the popularity of the Beatles had exceeded manageable proportions. Their concerts were mobbed by screaming teenagers numbering in the tens (and, on a few occasions, hundreds) of thousands, while their records remained a constant fixture at the top of the charts." (John Lennon Biography) The Beatles were a huge success for all ages, but in particular, young females. Their concerts were so filled with screaming fans that they were forced to perform at football stadiums, in order to satisfy their fans. Since The Beatles were raving in the late 60s; John Lennon was already a millionaire by 1964. He lived in a mansion with his first wife Cynthia and son Julian. Based on how popular The Beatles were, and are, we can tell that John Lennon as an artist was very talented, and deserves respect for his musical abilities.

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In addition, John Lennon is a hero because he, along with The Beatles, contributed greatly to the music of rock and roll. Before the rock and roll era of the late 60's, most of the music in the early 60's was soft ballads, and love songs. The Beatles, along with many other bands changed the era of music in that decade. They made their name by how creative their style of music is. Fans just couldn't get enough. "Alongside his band mates in The Beatles, he was among the first mega-celebrities of the rock and roll era, with his very presence in public inciting hysteria among hordes of young fans." (John Lennon Biography). The Beatles were the start of rock and roll mania, spreading all over the world with their inspiring style of music. Each of The Beatles' songs are catchy and unique. The world had never seen music so different and cultural. After a few albums from The Beatles, their popularity was evident and by their third album they were already rock legends. "Most critics believe it will remain timeless. It contains imaginative melodies and songs about many life experiences, philosophy, and unusual imagery. The Beatles' music had evolved from catchy love songs to profound ballads and social commentary." (Beatles) The Beatles began to change the style of music that was popular in the early 1960's which was lovey-dovey songs, although The Beatles also wrote a few songs like that such as I "Want to Hold Your Hand", one of The Beatles' first hits. The album "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band", released in 1967, was inspired by many topics such as philosophy, art, and religion. This began the style of music with more of a meaning to it than just love songs. The Beatles changed the world's idea of music, with inspiring lyrics, beautiful harmonies and true rock and roll music. John Lennon, along with his band, were truly groundbreaking in how they came from a small town and became #1 hit writers within months.

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Disregarding John Lennon's achievements with The Beatles, John Lennon is also a hero for his work fighting for Peace in Vietnam and helping the disabled. "In 1972, Lennon performed at Madison Square Garden to benefit mentally handicapped children and continued to promote peace while battling to stay in the U.S.," (Hom). After The Beatles broke up, Lennon focused on fighting for peace, and helping children and people with disabilities. John Lennon, along with his second wife Yoko, helped protest many issues in the 1970's along with raising awareness of those less fortunate than others. Along with protesting, John Lennon was a humble and peaceful man. He did not want to start any controversies regarding what he wanted for the world, which was peace. "The couple spent their honeymoon protesting against the war in Vietnam. In the same year, and as a form of protest, Lennon returned to the British government the Member of the Order of the British Empire Medal, which Queen Elizabeth had awarded the Beatles in 1965." (John Winston Lennon) This quote exemplifies how much John Lennon cared for peace. After he married Yoko Ono, he spent his own honeymoon protesting for peace in Vietnam. He was humble in how he refused to accept the medal Queen Elizabeth had given him, along with the other members of The Beatles for their good publicity in England. John Lennon deserves to be praised for how much he fought for peace and brought awareness to his audiences.

As proved, John Lennon is truly a hero for his love of music, his career with The Beatles and his efforts to create world peace. John Lennon is inspirational in not only his musical abilities but also his creativity and innovativeness in music. He created music no one had ever heard before and truly changed the world's perspective on many topics such as love, peace, and hope. John Lennon provokes inspiration in me, and others, because of how his work changed the world. He worked because he loved music, and he was very generous with his wealth.

John Lennon gives hope to kids who have a passion for something they aren't allowed to do. He showed that rebellion can result successfully. He showed love to everyone and never discriminated. He is a great performer and I wish I could have had the opportunity to see him perform in person. John Lennon should be your hero because he was a brilliant song writer and influenced a way to change music in a way no one thought possible. He inspired others to fight for what they believe in and to be who they are, and that is why John Lennon is a true example of a hero.

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