John Lennon’s 1971 “Imagine” album was perhaps his greatest work of all times and one that left a massive impact on the music industry. Three years before the death anniversary of the former Beatles member, Yoko Ono, the artist who has been keeping the legacy of the singer alive despite the controversies surrounding their love, decided to release the book “Imagine John Yoko.”
Most detailed accounts of departed musicians and even celebrities come during significant milestones, like 10th or 50th death anniversary. But for Lennon, Ono had given a glimpse into the singer's life while he was still alive and working on the album Imagine with the people that matter.
“Imagine John Yoko” gives light on the details about John Lennon’s second solo album
Details about ‘Imagine’
Imagine John Yoko delves deeper into the song Imagine, how it came about, and the details surrounding the album – from the people who made it possible for the whole artwork to materialize to some terrifying story related to the songs. This coffee table book is just part of an “Imagine” package, a film as well as a six-CD set are to be released soon.
As for the book, it gives Lennon fans a rare look into how things went behind the bright lights, just as when he had better ideals of the world. What seemed like a recollection, this project deals with everything about the “Imagine” album and how it was a collaboration between two hearts and not just of the famous singer.
John Lennon and Yoko Ono
The coffee table book speaks about the relationship between Yoko Ono and John Lennon
“Imagine John Yoko” also speaks about how Ono – who had been subject to the scrutinizing eyes of the public, had faced gender discrimination and racism prior to meeting Lennon - had carefully made sure to keep her deceased loved one’s legacy alive through a tell-all book.
It also sheds light on how Ono and Lennon met at an art exhibit in London. As she is generally private for the most part, the avant garde artist had gathered statements from significant people to her and the singer’s lives.
Indeed, Lennon had earlier on expressed that the song “Imagine” was inspired by Ono’s book, “Grapefruit.” In fact, the Grammy award-winning singer had admitted that he and his wife co-wrote the song but at the time he didn’t have the courage to admit it. This may be the reason for the National Music Publishers Association to credit the 85-year-old as a songwriter in June last year.
The move had raised questions for some of the fans who believed that Ono was the reason for the breakup of one of the most influential bands in history. However, the woman’s book is more than enough to prove the rightful action.
Terrifying Story
Moreso, “Imagine John Yoko” spoke of the unknown personalities who experienced first hand what it was like working with Lennon. There was also a harrowing recount of when a man named Claudio came to the couple’s home in Tittenhurst and questioned the singer about his philosophies. Both of them welcomed the man into their home and fed him before engaging into a discussion.
Claudio, who had been sending telegrams to Lennon, was then told that the songs were not a reflection of the reality. The book didn’t say what happened afterward but the narration obviously exuded fear among the couple.
The book also narrated an instance when John Lennon was faced with a troubled man
“Imagine John Yoko” will delight fans of Lennon as well as The Beatles as there are many illustrations and photos that make it look like a scrapbook. Filled with memories and trivia, it gives an insider’s look at how things went during Lennon’s high time.
But for his part, Lennon had been vocal when it comes to the real meaning of the song “Imagine” when he was alive. “Imagine no religion” meant that he was advocating the freedom of people to choose whichever group or religion they want to associate themselves with or to believe in.
For the most part of the book, Lennon and Ono’s dreamy ideals surfaced, as well as their fondness for spreading peace and love. But of course, despite their hopeful passion, it didn’t stop the death of the singer from happening on Dec. 8, 1980, when he was shot by Mark David Chapman near his residence in New York City.
