John Lennon

John Lennon was a great songwriter and singer and co founder of the Beatles. His talent was extreme and sometimes overwhelming. He was a true musical genuis. Although he was a controversial figure his contribution to music and the world can not be questioned. In many ways he represented not only the soul of the Beatles but all of Rock 'n' Roll. John Lennon just had a way that made people love and admire him. Although his methods were not always standard his political ideas were always true. In a time of hate and war he stood for Peace.

John Lennon was born on October 9, 1940. His mother was Julia Stanley and his father was Alfred Lennon. He grew up with his Aunt Mimi in Liverpool, England. At a fair in 1957 John met Paul McCartney. Lennon and McCartney formed a band together called the Beatles. Later George Harrison and Ringo Starr joined. The Beatles had many number 1 hits and number 1 records. The Beatles broke up in 1970. Around that time John had married Yoko Ono, a Japanese artist. After the Beatles John had a solo career. He had some number 1 songs such as "Imagine and Whatever Gets You Through the Night." In 1975 Lennon had a son named Sean. John stayed home tending to Sean from 1975-1980. He was about to restart his musical career after five years in total seclusion.On December 9, 1980 John and Yoko were returning to their Dakota apartment where Lennon was shot by Mark David Chapman. Lennon was pronounced dead on arrival at Roosevelt Hospital. Lennon's death sadened many people and on December 14 Yoko requested a ten minute period of silence in memory of John.

John Lennon is a very important contributor to the musical and political world. His unexpected death was a shock to many people. John's life influenced the lives of many others through his music and political causes. To reach his goals he was not afarid to take risks and certainly did not care what other people said about him. This is why I consider John Lennon to be a hero.