If one looks at influential bands over the decades, The Beatles stand out as one of the most prominent. In terms of fan frenzy and cult status, they could only be probably equalled by a group like Pink Floyd.
It was on this day 40 years ago that The Beatles co-lead vocalist John Lennon was shot dead by Mark David Chapman in New York City. Along with lead vocalist Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, this band from Liverpool achieved an unbelievable star status.
Lennon’s celebrity status, lifestyle and some comments - like The Beatles “were more popular than Jesus” - appear to have pushed the gunman to take his life. Chapman remains in prison after his parole was denied many times.
Though McCartney was the most prominent face of the band, Lennon’s contribution as a songwriter and co-lead vocalist was no less impressive.
Together, The Beatles came up with some incredible albums, the most notable among them being Abbey Road, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Rubber Soul and Revolver.
When it comes to individual tracks, Please Please Me, A Hard Day’s Night, Yesterday, Michelle, Yellow Submarine, Strawberry Fields Forever, Penny Lane, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, All You Need Is Love, Hello, Goodbye, The Fool on the Hill, Hey Jude, Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da, Here Comes The Sun, Across The Universe, and many more are always a pleasure to listen to and one never gets bored of these immortal songs.
Across The Universe is a unique song as it features the band’s interest in India and even has the words ‘jai guru, deva om’. The Beatles had visited India several times but their stay in Rishikesh in Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram remains one of the most noted memories. Lennon and Harrison were the most spiritually inclined and The Beatles had a strong interest in Indian music as well.
As a 16-year-old, Lennon had founded a band called The Blackjacks, which was later renamed to The Quarrymen. McCartney joined the band a little later.
After The Beatles split in 1970, Lennon pursued a solo career and also released a few albums with his wife Yoko Ono.
Lennon was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.
Very few bands have scaled the heights that The Beatles did during their best years as a band. And Lennon will always be remembered for his critical role in forging an unforgettable legacy.