John Lennon

John Lennon was a British musician and songwriter. He was born in Liverpool, England, in 1940. He co-founded the Beatles, the most successful band in history. He was also known as a peace activist who spoke out against war.

The Beatles

Lennon and Paul McCartney formed one of the greatest songwriting partnerships ever. The Beatles changed popular music forever with songs like 'Hey Jude' and 'Let It Be.' They were so popular that the craze was called Beatlemania. The band broke up in 1970.

Solo Career and Peace

After the Beatles, Lennon continued making music on his own. His song 'Imagine' became an anthem for peace around the world. He and his wife Yoko Ono held 'bed-ins' to protest the Vietnam War. Lennon was tragically shot and killed in New York City in 1980.

Fun Facts

• The Beatles have sold more records than any other band in history.
• John Lennon got his first guitar when he was 15 years old.
• 'Imagine' is one of the best-selling singles of all time.

Did You Know?

John Lennon loved art and drawing from a young age. He wrote and illustrated two books of poems and short stories.