Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Just Adding my Own Memories...

  • Curator's Note:

    John Lennon, rock star, transitioned to Lennon family man in New York City during the 1970s, finding freedom in the city's mayhem. Lennon and Yoko Ono moved to New York in 1971 following the breakup of the Beatles. During that time, Lennon wrote honest and poignant songs that spoke to a generation in the midst of political and social upheaval.

    Watch photographer Bob Gruen and guitarist Earl Slick tell tales of private moments with Lennon, while PBS personalities and fans share memories triggered by his songs.American Masters: LENNONYC and PBS Arts mark the musical master's 70th birthday and 30th anniversary of his death by sharing your memories of Lennon - the man and his music.

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    • Remembering Lennon: The Vigil for John Lennon
    • Remembering Lennon: Legendary Rock 'n' Roll Photographer Bob Gruen - Share Your Videos!
    • Remembering Lennon: PBS CEO Paula Kerger
    • Remembering Lennon: Ken Burns' Family
    • Remembering Lennon: Fan's 1964 Meeting
    • Remembering Lennon: Earl Slick, Guitarist
    • Remembering Lennon: Meeting at Tiffany
    • Remembering Lennon: History Detective Wes Cowan
    • Remembering Lennon: Ken Burns' First 45
  • I think that what I remember most about John Lennon was when he said that his son Julian was "...still my son, whether he came from a bottle of whiskey or because they didn't have pills in those days." The amount of respect and love that the man showed for his own son was so utterly mind boggling that the words of his hit song 'Imagine' just held such resonance for me. Here is a man that not only left his first wife for another woman but also had an affair while married to Yoko Ono. Here is a man that neglected his son so much that his band mate Paul wrote 'Hey Jude' to make Julian feel somewhat better. What an incredible legacy that John Lennon left. My memories of Lennon can be summed up with the age old adage "Do as I say, not as I do."
  • Dorindafrye 1 week ago
    John Lennon saved my life.At a very critical and desperate time of my young life,I contemplated suicide.My life was a living hell,a step father,[now Deceased]was torturing me at every turn in every way YOU can Imagine.I would put on my big ,clunky headphone and listen to my 8-track tapes of the Beatles from early Beatles to later 70's stuff.I drew so much strength and gain perspective,that this is not going to be my un-doing,but rather build my person to be what it is today.A strong minded,independent thinking individual.I listen to the lyrics,especial John's.The Lyrics spoke to my soul.I am here quite literally because of a particular night,all alone,listening to the Beatles,contemplating leaving this world behind,but instead something happened,while hearing the words,feeling the melody,and reading about the lives of the lads from Liverpool,I had a change of heart.If you were hear today,John,I would tell you ...Thank you.Dorinda Frye,Tampa,Florida
  • Glad you decided to stay. So happy you are here, Dorinda.
  • Another coincidence. I live across the bay from you in Clearwater, FL.
  • You and I contemplated suicide at the same time. Me ,it was found out , from a chemical imbalance in my brain. Sorry to hear of your problems. :(
  • Keepitrealmark 1 week ago
    My mother made John Lennon’s, 1964 Rickenbacker Guitar.
    My mother... Dorothy J. Tandle was working at RIC back in February 1964.
    When Francis C. Hall got back from Miami, after talking to John, Paul and Ringo.
    F.C. Hall presented Lennon with a new 325 to replace his road weary 1958 one during the group's first trip to New York City. John used the new guitar on The Beatles second Sullivan appearance and on the group's subsequent tours and albums.
    My mother was asked to follow Lennon’s Custom guitar from start to finish.
    This was the Black & White semi-hollow bodied “Miami” model (serial number db122, d=1964, b=Feb.).
    She sanded the body, then worked on the neck & fret board,
    then she assembled the guitar after the finish was applied.
    She did all the work herself.
    She did the same for many custom orders at that time.
    She was trained in all areas except the wood shop and finishes.
    She did all the sanding, fret board assembly, and put all the other pieces on John Lennon’s Custom 325.
    After finishing the guitar, she gave it to the tuner/inspector. He asked my mother “Since you built it, what song would you like to hear?” My mother said…“Peanut Butter And Jelly”.
    That was a song she wrote and the tuner knew the cords. My mother sang the song as it was being played. SO… The very first song ever played on John Lennon’s famous 325 was a song my mother wrote about the messes I made as a child.
    There is a “GREEN” check mark inside the guitar.
    My mom made virtually all the famous guitars of that era.
    Harrison & McGuinns 12 strings. Pete Townsend & John Entwistle and many others.
    Mom is 80 years old and lives in SO Cal.
  • Leasabrock 1 week ago
    Every year, since 1980, I pause during this time to think of John Lennon. What he might have written, sang, etc.? With this pause, I think of what I am doing, writing, or making the world better in any way....
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