A Tribute: Imagine

John Lennon – the heart of the Beatles, embarked on his solo career after the band split in 1970. Portraying strong messages of peace, love and happiness through his music during the 60’s and 70’s, Lennon become one of the most influential people in history. And still is to this day. Combining intellect with power and intimacy in the way he spoke, sung and collaborated, Lennon was a musical genius with a sense of confidence and magic that oozed through everything he did.

Showing his audience (and the world) everything he was as a person, the English singer/songwriter had a whole new level of integrity, attitude and emotion. All of which shone brightly through his music and songwriting abilities. As a guitarist too, he had feeling and funk; continually writing classic songs and riffs that pushed music to new and exciting heights. Described by Lenny Kravitz as an icon for peace; Lennon was not just a musician – he was a musical pioneer and a culturally-inspired prophet too.

After leaving the Beatles in 1970, John Lennon gave the world even more timeless classics – and his 1971 album Imagine was no exception. Offering listeners a more conventional pop collection of some of his best-loved songs, the record flaunted a blues-based vibe to it complete with piano-fuelled ballads and hard hitting lyrics.

The record spawned cutting-edge masterpieces that still make a massive impact today; including Jealous Guy, Gimme Some Truth, Oh Yoko! and Oh My Love. But it was the title-track Imagine that made the album Lennon’s lushest solo record yet.