Saturday, December 8th will be the 32nd anniversary of the death of John Lennon (1940-1980).
This is one of those events that has been etched in my mind forever. I remember the exact place where I stood when first hearing the news, and the disbelief/denial that followed. As we heard subsequent reports, I hoped and thought John would pull through, despite having bled profusely while waiting for the ambulance to arrive at The Dakota.
With the release of Double Fantasy just 3 weeks prior, there was much excitement surrounding his return, and that maybe his best work was still ahead of him. Since the Beatles break-up in 1970, I had been a bit disappointed with John’s solo work. But I think my expectations were just too high, but felt that with this second wind we would finally hear John at his very best.
As with Bobby Kennedy, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968, there was such euphoria and hope, only to be snuffed out, leaving many of us heart-broken and empty.
There’s not much I can say about the impact John Lennon had on my life that hasn’t already been said or felt by most of my generation, but that he was and will always be my inspiration and champion.
Thank you John.
– Submitted by Bill Spencer, Music Design