John Lennon

John Winston Lennon was born in Liverpool on 9 October 1940. A founder member of The Beatles, and their singer, songwriter and rhythm guitarist, he was murdered in New York City on 8 December 1980.

The early years

Lennon grew up with his aunt Mimi and uncle George in a house called Mendips, at 251 Menlove Avenue, Liverpool. He kept in close contact with his mother Julia Lennon until her death in 1958, but had little contact with his father Alf.

Julia Lennon taught her son to play the banjo, and they shared a love of Elvis Presley's music. The first song he learned to play was Fats Domino's Ain't That A Shame.

In 1957 she bought John his first guitar, a Gallotone Champion acoustic "guaranteed not to split". Julia ensured it was delivered to her house rather than Mimi's, as her sister was disapproving of music. She told her nephew, "The guitar's all very well, John, but you'll never make a living out of it".

Lennon's first school was Dovedale Primary School, and upon passing his 11 Plus attended Quarry Bank Grammar School (1952-1957). He formed the Quarry Men in March 1957, and in July the same year met Paul McCartney at the garden fete at St Peter's Church in Woolton, Liverpool.

The pair quickly bonded, and began rehearsing and writing songs together at McCartney's home at 20 Forthlin Road. Lennon's first completed song was Hello Little Girl, later a hit for the Fourmost. McCartney also introduced Lennon to George Harrison, and convinced him to let the young guitarist join the group, eventually named The Beatles after a series of other names were rejected.

We all looked up to John. He was older and he was very much the leader - he was the quickest wit and the smartest and all that kind of thing.

Lennon failed all his GCE O level exams, but with the help of his head teacher was accepted into the Liverpool College of Art. There he met Cynthia Powell, who became his first wife. They married after she became pregnant with their son Julian, who was born on 8 April 1963.