John Lennon's Milestones

John Lennon was an English singer, songwriter, and peace activist, co-founder of The Beatles, whose innovative music and songs like Imagine made him a global icon before his tragic assassination in 1980.
1940

Birth

John Winston Lennon was born in Liverpool, England, during a German air raid, to Julia Stanley and Alfred Lennon.

Family October 9, 1940

Early childhood

Raised primarily by his Aunt Mimi Smith after his father abandoned the family and his mother struggled to care for him.

Family October 9, 1940 - January 1, 1945
1957

First guitar

Received his first guitar and learned to play, inspired by Elvis Presley and skiffle music.

Achievement January 1, 1957

Formed The Quarrymen

Formed his first band, The Quarrymen, a skiffle group that would eventually evolve into The Beatles.

Career March 1, 1957

Met Paul McCartney

Met Paul McCartney at a church fete performance, beginning one of the most famous songwriting partnerships in history.

Relationship July 6, 1957

Art college years

Attended Liverpool College of Art, where he met future wife Cynthia Powell and developed his artistic interests.

Education September 1, 1957 - July 1, 1960
1958

George Harrison joins

George Harrison joined The Quarrymen, completing the core of what would become The Beatles.

Career February 6, 1958

Mother's death

His mother Julia was killed by a drunk driver, devastating John and deeply affecting his emotional development.

Family July 15, 1958
1960

The Beatles formed

The Quarrymen evolved into The Beatles, with John as rhythm guitarist and co-lead vocalist.

Career August 1, 1960

Hamburg residency

The Beatles performed extended residencies in Hamburg, Germany, honing their skills and stage presence.

Career August 17, 1960 - December 1, 1962
1961

Cavern Club regular

The Beatles became regular performers at Liverpool's Cavern Club, building their local following.

Career February 9, 1961 - August 3, 1963

Met Brian Epstein

Met Brian Epstein, who became their manager and helped secure their first record deal.

Career November 9, 1961
1962

Married Cynthia Powell

Married Cynthia Powell in a quiet ceremony, keeping the marriage secret from fans initially.

Relationship August 23, 1962
1963

Please Please Me

The Beatles released their first #1 hit 'Please Please Me,' launching their unprecedented success.

Achievement January 11, 1963

Julian Lennon born

First son Julian Lennon was born, though John was often absent due to The Beatles' demanding schedule.

Family April 8, 1963

Beatlemania begins

Appeared on 'Sunday Night at the London Palladium,' triggering the phenomenon known as 'Beatlemania.'

Achievement October 13, 1963
1964

A Hard Day's Night

Starred in The Beatles' first film 'A Hard Day's Night,' showcasing their personalities and humor.

Achievement July 6, 1964
1966

Bigger than Jesus controversy

Made controversial comments about The Beatles being 'more popular than Jesus,' causing outrage, especially in the US.

Other March 4, 1966

Met Yoko Ono

Met artist Yoko Ono at her art exhibition, beginning a relationship that would transform his life.

Relationship November 7, 1966
1967

Sgt. Pepper's released

Released 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band,' revolutionizing popular music and album production.

Achievement June 1, 1967
1968

India trip

Traveled to India with The Beatles to study transcendental meditation with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

Other February 15, 1968 - April 12, 1968

Divorced Cynthia

Divorced Cynthia Powell after his relationship with Yoko Ono became public.

Relationship November 8, 1968

The White Album

Released 'The Beatles' (White Album), featuring experimental songs influenced by his relationship with Yoko.

Achievement November 22, 1968
1969

Married Yoko Ono

Married Yoko Ono in Gibraltar, beginning their artistic and personal partnership.

Relationship March 20, 1969

Bed-In for Peace

Staged 'Bed-In for Peace' with Yoko in Amsterdam, using their fame to promote peace during the Vietnam War.

Other March 25, 1969 - March 31, 1969

Give Peace a Chance

Released 'Give Peace a Chance,' recorded during their Montreal Bed-In, becoming an anti-war anthem.

Achievement July 7, 1969

Abbey Road

Released 'Abbey Road,' The Beatles' final recorded album, featuring classics like 'Come Together' and 'Here Comes the Sun.'

Achievement September 26, 1969
1970

The Beatles disbanded

Paul McCartney announced his departure from The Beatles, effectively ending the band.

Career April 10, 1970

Plastic Ono Band

Released 'John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band,' a raw, emotional album exploring his childhood trauma and beliefs.

Achievement December 11, 1970
1971

Moved to New York

Moved to New York City with Yoko, beginning a new chapter away from England.

Location August 31, 1971

Imagine

Released 'Imagine,' featuring the title track that became his most famous solo song and a peace anthem.

Achievement September 9, 1971
1972

Deportation battle

Faced deportation from the US due to his anti-war activism and past drug conviction, fighting a lengthy legal battle.

Other March 1, 1972 - July 27, 1976
1973

Lost Weekend

Separated from Yoko for 18 months, living in Los Angeles with May Pang during his 'Lost Weekend' period.

Relationship October 1, 1973 - January 1, 1975
1975

Reunited with Yoko

Reconciled with Yoko Ono, returning to New York and their relationship.

Relationship January 1, 1975

Sean Lennon born

Second son Sean Lennon was born on John's 35th birthday, prompting him to become a househusband.

Family October 9, 1975

Hiatus from music

Took a five-year break from music to focus on raising Sean and domestic life.

Career October 9, 1975 - January 1, 1980
1980

Double Fantasy

Returned to music with 'Double Fantasy,' a collaboration with Yoko celebrating their love and family life.

Achievement November 17, 1980

Final interview

Gave his final interview to RKO Radio, speaking optimistically about his future and music.

Other December 8, 1980

Assassination

Shot and killed by Mark David Chapman outside his New York apartment building at age 40.

Other December 8, 1980
1985

Strawberry Fields Memorial

Strawberry Fields memorial in Central Park was dedicated by Yoko on what would have been his 45th birthday.

Achievement October 9, 1985
1994

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist, having already been inducted as part of The Beatles.

Achievement January 19, 1994