John Lennon's Milestones
Birth
John Winston Lennon was born in Liverpool, England, during a German air raid, to Julia Stanley and Alfred Lennon.
Early childhood
Raised primarily by his Aunt Mimi Smith after his father abandoned the family and his mother struggled to care for him.
First guitar
Received his first guitar and learned to play, inspired by Elvis Presley and skiffle music.
Formed The Quarrymen
Formed his first band, The Quarrymen, a skiffle group that would eventually evolve into The Beatles.
Met Paul McCartney
Met Paul McCartney at a church fete performance, beginning one of the most famous songwriting partnerships in history.
Art college years
Attended Liverpool College of Art, where he met future wife Cynthia Powell and developed his artistic interests.
George Harrison joins
George Harrison joined The Quarrymen, completing the core of what would become The Beatles.
Mother's death
His mother Julia was killed by a drunk driver, devastating John and deeply affecting his emotional development.
The Beatles formed
The Quarrymen evolved into The Beatles, with John as rhythm guitarist and co-lead vocalist.
Hamburg residency
The Beatles performed extended residencies in Hamburg, Germany, honing their skills and stage presence.
Cavern Club regular
The Beatles became regular performers at Liverpool's Cavern Club, building their local following.
Met Brian Epstein
Met Brian Epstein, who became their manager and helped secure their first record deal.
Married Cynthia Powell
Married Cynthia Powell in a quiet ceremony, keeping the marriage secret from fans initially.
Please Please Me
The Beatles released their first #1 hit 'Please Please Me,' launching their unprecedented success.
Julian Lennon born
First son Julian Lennon was born, though John was often absent due to The Beatles' demanding schedule.
Beatlemania begins
Appeared on 'Sunday Night at the London Palladium,' triggering the phenomenon known as 'Beatlemania.'
A Hard Day's Night
Starred in The Beatles' first film 'A Hard Day's Night,' showcasing their personalities and humor.
Bigger than Jesus controversy
Made controversial comments about The Beatles being 'more popular than Jesus,' causing outrage, especially in the US.
Met Yoko Ono
Met artist Yoko Ono at her art exhibition, beginning a relationship that would transform his life.
Sgt. Pepper's released
Released 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band,' revolutionizing popular music and album production.
India trip
Traveled to India with The Beatles to study transcendental meditation with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.
Divorced Cynthia
Divorced Cynthia Powell after his relationship with Yoko Ono became public.
The White Album
Released 'The Beatles' (White Album), featuring experimental songs influenced by his relationship with Yoko.
Married Yoko Ono
Married Yoko Ono in Gibraltar, beginning their artistic and personal partnership.
Bed-In for Peace
Staged 'Bed-In for Peace' with Yoko in Amsterdam, using their fame to promote peace during the Vietnam War.
Give Peace a Chance
Released 'Give Peace a Chance,' recorded during their Montreal Bed-In, becoming an anti-war anthem.
Abbey Road
Released 'Abbey Road,' The Beatles' final recorded album, featuring classics like 'Come Together' and 'Here Comes the Sun.'
The Beatles disbanded
Paul McCartney announced his departure from The Beatles, effectively ending the band.
Plastic Ono Band
Released 'John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band,' a raw, emotional album exploring his childhood trauma and beliefs.
Moved to New York
Moved to New York City with Yoko, beginning a new chapter away from England.
Imagine
Released 'Imagine,' featuring the title track that became his most famous solo song and a peace anthem.
Deportation battle
Faced deportation from the US due to his anti-war activism and past drug conviction, fighting a lengthy legal battle.
Lost Weekend
Separated from Yoko for 18 months, living in Los Angeles with May Pang during his 'Lost Weekend' period.
Reunited with Yoko
Reconciled with Yoko Ono, returning to New York and their relationship.
Sean Lennon born
Second son Sean Lennon was born on John's 35th birthday, prompting him to become a househusband.
Hiatus from music
Took a five-year break from music to focus on raising Sean and domestic life.
Double Fantasy
Returned to music with 'Double Fantasy,' a collaboration with Yoko celebrating their love and family life.
Final interview
Gave his final interview to RKO Radio, speaking optimistically about his future and music.
Assassination
Shot and killed by Mark David Chapman outside his New York apartment building at age 40.
Strawberry Fields Memorial
Strawberry Fields memorial in Central Park was dedicated by Yoko on what would have been his 45th birthday.
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.