Tag: Imagine

John and Yoko Interview September 9, 1971

Lennon interview

On September 9, 1971, the day John Lennon’s album Imagine was released, journalist and radio personality Howard Smith had one of several conversations with John Lennon and Yoko Ono.  The conversations in their St. Regis Hotel room in New York City covered a variety of topics.

In this newly released excerpt prepared for Salon, Lennon and Ono talk about their relationship during this interview that precedes a later period of separation. Both Lennon and Ono respond to questions such as whether it is possible for people to be “too close.”

Of course, much of the conversation also drifts into the other Beatles. In particular, Lennon discusses how his song “How Do You Sleep?” on his new album is a response to Paul McCartney’s song about him, “Too Many People” from Ram (1971). [2019 Update:  Unfortunately, the excerpt is no longer available online but below is what is apparently the complete interview.]


Salon has an interesting article on the background about how the tape was found, as well as other information about the recordings.

What do you think is the most interesting part of the Lennon-Yoko interview? Leave your two cents in the comments.

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    John Lennon Anniversary News Roundup

    Today is the thirtieth anniversary of John Lennon’s death.  Below are some of the interesting stories about the anniversary, ranging from Lennon’s life at the Dakota to speculation about a Beatles reunion.  Follow the links of interest.

    — Back in the days before cable news channels, most of us learned about John Lennon’s death while watching Monday Night Football.  The NY Times Blog has the story behind Howard Cosell’s announcement of Lennon’s death, including a link to hear Cosell and Frank Gifford during a commercial break discussing whether or not to say anything.

    –The Behind the Music blog from the UK and MyKawartha.com from Canada both imagine a world where John Lennon was not killed on the streets of New York three decades ago.

    Imagine John Lennon Memorial (jlk)— The Los Angeles Times discusses controversies surrounding Lennon’s classic song, “Imagine.”

    — The Atlantic Wire questions whether or not John Lennon was a pacifist.

    — Huffington Post reviews the new documentary about Lennon’s final days and the murder, Losing Lennon: Countdown to Murder.

    — From Australia, the Sydney Morning Herald has information about the doctor who first saw Lennon at the hospital after the shooting.

    — The New York Times discusses life at the Dakota when John and Yoko lived there. John and Yoko brought sushi to the building’s pot luck dinner, and some neighbors were not happy that the couple owned five apartments in the building.

    — Rolling Stone has the never-before-published complete interview with Lennon three days before his death as well as other stories.

    — Examiner.com presents the television schedule for upcoming Beatles-related shows through December 16. Among the list, Paul McCartney will be on Saturday Night Live this coming Saturday (Dec. 11).

    — MusicRadar.com reports the British tabloids are talking about a possible Beatles reunion — with all four Beatles.

    The most important thing today is to play some of John Lennon’s music. You know the songs you like, so I do not need to tell you what to choose. Just listen to whatever you like, and sing along or maybe dance when nobody is looking. That is the best way to remember his gifts to help us and get us through the nights.

    Leave a Comment below to let us know your memories and/or what is your favorite John Lennon song.