John Winston Lennon was born in Liverpool on this day in 1940. He would have been 69 today had he not been tragically murdered outside his hotel in Manhattan.
From the day he picked up his first guitar, the music world was never the same. As a founding member of the Beatles, John Lennon took music to new levels and led the way for a social and cultural revolution. Whether you agreed with his methodology or not, Lennon’s intentions evoked a simple philosophy:
Give Peace A Chance
From the Beatles debut album, 1963's Please Please Me, to Abbey Road six years later, every record represented a considerable artistic progression. But all of them were themed around peace, love and good will towards your fellow man. This was a message that John Lennon constantly spread in his music, his art, his interviews, and, sadly posthumously.
Imagine all the people living life in peace…
I recently went to visit my old stomping grounds in Manhattan with my dear friend Christy who had never been north of DC. We immediately gravitated to Strawberry Fields in Central Park to spend a few minutes. It turned out to be a few hours as an impromptu band had set up and played Beatles tunes. People just continued to stop and listen, and before you knew it, there was a large group just singing Beatles songs and sharing a moment of peace and music in the middle of the world’s craziest of cities. John Lennon himself probably would have been proud to see people of all ages, colors and backgrounds gathering as one with a shared goal:
And the world will be as one…
So, today my fellow Rainers, take a moment out of your busy day to watch the attached video and when you’re done, go out into the world and…
Craig Rutman is a North Carolina Residential Real EstateSpecialist that can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Raleigh - Cary – Apex metro areas; or any place else in the country by connecting you with a relocation professional in your destination of choice.
To find all available homes for sale in the Triangle area of North Carolina, please visit www.justnchomes.com
Call me TODAY at 919-349-9530
Email me with your Raleigh - Cary – Apex area questions
Hi Craig: At 6 this AM our local oldies station, WDRC started the day with a tribut to Lennon and I would guess that for the rest of the day it will be a Beatles theme. This man and his group truly made an impression on modern music that should live on for years to come. And it's 69 today.
Hi Craig, a beautiful tribute to a beautiful soul. It was a sad day that we lost John Lennon. For today, I'm happy that he was here - Happy Birthday John! Thanks for the post and the video.
Craig, a rather melencholy day I would say. The concept is just so easy you would think we could just get it right. Ah well, maybe in the next lifetime.
Ed - Couldn't have said it better my friend. And I corrected the age. Proofreading is a wonderful thing!
Gregg - I think Lennon should have received a Nobel Peace Prize. He was quite an inspiration for the peace movement.
Brenda - Glad to be a part of your pause in the day!
Mary - Like many remember where they were when Kennedy was shot or when man landed on the moon, I'll never forget where I was when I heard of Lennon's tragic death.
Wanda - Thank you Wanda. John Lennon's music was, and still is, a huge part of my life. His values too!
Charles - I couldn't agree more. It's really not that hard.
Donna - Thank you Donna. I only wish he were here today to celebrate it with us. He's the only Beatle I didn't get to see perform and I sorely miss his music.
Andrea - I'm not giving up on peace in THIS lifetime Andrea. Who knows what I might come back as. I mean, if I came back as, say, a caterpillar, would I even be able to appreciate it if there was peace on earth?!!!
Toula - I'll never forget that evening either. I was at college, (doing whatever it is you do at night when in college) when I heard the news. It was so sad. But the Monday Night game was interrupted by Howard Cosell's most memorable call ever. The world changed that day.
David - I think we all remember where we were that day. It's like the generation before us all remembered where they were when Kennedy was shot or when we landed on the moon.
Nick - Ahh, the music box! Play Beatles tonight on it my friend. Let it Be, Let it Be.
Craig, It's a very special place in Central Park and sometimes almost unbearably sad to me. I'm thrilled you got back to your old "stomping grounds" (on the Craigstar, of course!) with Christy. This makes me wonder why John Lennon never won the Nobel Peace Prize! Beautiful tribute...thank you for sharing it.
Carole - Thank you Carole. Strawberry Fields is a magical place; and it was even more magical that day when the band started playing Beatles songs. I might be heading back to NYC right after Thanksgiving. If I can get a break and make the trip, I'm calling you to come enjoy some frosty adult beverages in the city that never sleeps!
Cool tribute Craig. I was a huge Beatles fan and at one time I owned all their vinyl. Today, I have all their albums on CD and still listen to them from time-to-time...
This was beautifully done and I think he would have approved. (Perhaps even Yoko would.)
I recently saw Paul McCartney in concert at the Fenway in Boston. He does a beautiful to tribute to John. It was very moving. He also does a nice one to George, who I also dearly miss. Their music had such a profound impact on so many of us as was evidenced by the age of the concert-goers - from teenagers to seniors.
John Lennon remains alive and well in many of our hearts.
Tammy - Time surely does fly. 29 years since we lost this icon.
Michael - The Beatles are one group that I've bought all their albums on vinyl, then cassette, then CD. And whatever the next format is that I adopt, I'll buy them there too!
Melinda - I think we should make a concerted effort to get him the Nobel Peace Prize.
Claudette - Beautifully said Claudette. I was lucky to get to see Paul McCartney, Ringo and his All-Star Band, and George Harrison at the 30th Anniversary concert for Bob Dylan. When George hit the stage, there was a different feeling in the room. It was as if a prophet had emerged. Both John and George are sorely missed.
Caren - Music is a huge part of my life. I almost feel it's my obligation to keep those who've left us in the forefront so they're never forgotten. Give peace a chance. What an easy concept to grasp.
Robin - I got to meet Yoko at a restaurant in NYC years back. She was very, very sweet. I'm not so crazy about her style of music, but she and John were a great couple who obviously loved one another very much.
Kristin - You were in NYC and you didn't call me? I would have made the drive up to celebrate John Lennon with you guys!
Craig, well it did turn out to be a Lennon/Beatles tribute night that lasted longer than it should have for all the work I need to accomplish today...not complaining...I had fun going from CD to Turntable to tape deck...to Air Guitar!!!
What incredible music came out of that time period. I have about 700 albums on vinyl, another 650-700 CD's and about 200 tapes mostly ones that I have made myself. So, I'm never at a loss for really good music when I'm in the mood. I usually do a weekly music night that also goes on much longer than it should. Thanks for the post.
My father worked with the beatles at abbey road for the first 2 albums and had great stories of Lennon and his character ! ... I have made many trips to Strawberry Fields over the years....
Nick - We'll have to get together and share some music as much of my taste comes from the same era as yours. My collection is quite huge as well with over 500 CD's 300 LP's (yes, my turntable still spins every now and then!) and over 1,000 cassettes. I live for the live music and much of my collection is concert recordings.
And I can play a mean Air Guitar too!!!
David - Really now, can you think of any other duo who wrote better music than Lennon and McCartney?
Sheldon - Now that's a cool story! I'll bet your dad has some pretty amazing stories to share! Is your dad credited on any of those LP's? Is he getting royalties?
Craig, speaking of spouses of famous people, I saw Soon-Yi having lunch with a friend in Venice. I remembered reading that she and Woody Allen really like Venice, but I didn't go over and ask, What's Up Tiger Lily?, because she's too young to remember that.
Cheers,
Robin
I have to agree with Greg Wynn, it would have been very fitting for them to give the Nobel Peace Prize to John on his birthday. It looks like you had fun in NYC. I too have been to Strawberry Fields in the city, although it has been about three years. It is a lovely place!!
Craig, I just might take you up on that. I've got a golfing buddy that recently moved to Pinehurst with his wife...next time I'm out your way I'll give you a call.
Sheldon - That's just too cool. Who knew I knew someone who knew the Beatles!
Robin - There's some funny there! OK, a lot of funny there!
Betina - We're going to have to start a petition to get John Lennon the Nobel Peace Prize. I can't think of anyone more deserving. As far as having fun in NYC....No doubt!!! I always have fun when I go back to my old stomping grounds. Glad you got to visit there. Next time let me know and I'll show you some of the cool places to hang out.
Nick - I'm not afraid my friend! You call and we'll get together.
Nick - It's all good! She's a subscriber! Send me an email with your address and I'll send you a disc with every Hendrix LP, some live concerts, and some extra goodies on it. I'm a huge Hendrix fan. His "Blues" album is one of my all time favorites.
Craig, done. Thank you, I'm looking forward to it. Be sure to let me know if I can return the favor. This has been a great post and stroll down memory lane.
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
Craig...
;)
;)
