John Lennon Would Be 70

I remember where I was when I intentionally listened to the Beatles. It was at my friend Kevin Swann’s house. I was spending the night, we listened to the Beatles, Kevin started trying to teach me how to play guitar, and then we watch Star Wars in widescreen (this was also a revolutionary experience).

John Lennon may have been one of the most creative and innovated songwriters of all time. To me, one of the most amazing things about John Lennon was his vulnerability in his songs. Listeners were invited to join John on his journey as he was battling his inner demons, his addictions, his anger, his grief, and his joy.

Lennon did not seem to be a nice guy, but he was a real guy. In an age where every “celebrity” can have a reality TV show, celebrities being authentic and real are very rare. Lennon was real. His murder was tragic, and I would have loved to be able to buy a John Lennon album made in the 90’s (I think Lennon would have embraced grunge and would have done it well). I would love to hear John Lennon and Paul McCartney right more songs together. I would love to hear what John Lennon would say about Kanye West and Lady Gaga. But it can never be. John Lennon is greatly missed but will never be forgotten.

Update: Some of my favorite songs:

Watchin’ the Wheels – Helps me remember that there is more to life than success.

Beautiful Boy – makes me cry every time – deal with it. Takes me right to the first time I held Judah. It’s amazing what becoming a father does to your heart.