John Lennon (1940-1980) was an English musician, singer-songwriter, and one of the founding members of the Beatles, one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed bands in the history of popular music. Born and raised in Liverpool, England, Lennon was known for his distinctive voice, songwriting skills, and irreverent humor.

Lennon first gained fame as a member of the Beatles in the early 1960s, along with Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. The band's success was unprecedented, with numerous hit songs, albums, and sold-out concerts around the world. Lennon's songwriting contributions to the band included such classics as "A Hard Day's Night," "Help!," "Strawberry Fields Forever," and "All You Need is Love."

In addition to his work with the Beatles, Lennon also had a successful solo career after the band's breakup in 1970. He released several critically acclaimed albums, including "Imagine," "Mind Games," and "Double Fantasy," which was released shortly before his untimely death.

Lennon was also known for his activism and social commentary, using his platform to speak out against war, racism, and inequality. He and his wife, Yoko Ono, were well-known for their peace activism, including the "Bed-In for Peace" protest they held in 1969.

Sadly, Lennon's life was cut short when he was fatally shot outside of his apartment in New York City in 1980, at the age of 40. Despite his relatively short life, Lennon's impact on music and culture has endured.

Born John Winston Lennon, October 9, 1940, Liverpool, England; died December 8, 1980, New York City, New York. -GSH

1. "Unfinished Music, No. 1: Two Virgins" (1968) (with Yoko Ono)
   
2. "Unfinished Music #2: Life with the Lions" (1969) (with Yoko Ono)
   
3. "Wedding Album" (1969) (with Yoko Ono)
   
4. "Live Peace in Toronto, 1969" (live) (1969) (with Eric Clapton) - Single: "Cold Turkey"
   
5. "Plastic Ono Band" (1970)
6. "Imagine" (1971) - Single: "Imagine"
   
7. "Sometime in New York City / Live Jam" (live) (1972)
8. "Mind Games" (1973) - Single: "Mind Games"
   
9. "Walls and Bridges" (1974) - Singles: "Whatever Gets You Through The Night"; "#9 Dream"
   
10. "Rock 'n' Roll" (1975)
11. "Double Fantasy" (1980) (with Yoko Ono) - Singles: "(Just Like) Starting Over"; "Watching The Wheels"; "Woman"
    
12. "Milk and Honey" (1984)
13. "Live in New York City" (1986)
14. "Menlove Ave." (1986)

1. "Shaved Fish" (1975)
2. "The John Lennon Collection" (1982)
3. "Imagine: John Lennon (soundtrack)" (1988)
4. "Lennon Legend: The Very Best of John Lennon" (1997)
5. "Anthology" (4-CD box set) (1998)
6. "Wonsaponatime" (1998)
7. "Acoustic" (2004)
8. "Working Class Hero: The Definitive Lennon" (2005)
   

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