Looking For Lennon
“I just discovered a great singer.”
Bonita looked up from her crossword, giving her son her full attention. “That’s great, Brandon. Anyone I might know?”
“Doubt it. It’s some Dude named John Lennon. Artie found this old album called Double Fantasy. He’s on a vinyl kick right now.”
Bonita chuckled, shaking her head. “I guess it’s been too long since I’ve played that album. I haven’t listened to it for years.”
“You know him?” Brandon’s eyes lit up. “Is he still making music?”
“No,” Bonita said. Her heart sank a little as she said, “He was assassinated when he was forty. But he was really talented, and he made a lot more albums.”
She set her pen down and uncurled her legs, standing up. “Let’s go into the storage room,” she said, referring to an unused bedroom where anything not in current use ended up. “I have every album the Beatles ever made.”
“Who?”
“Wow, it’s really been way too long since their music has played in this house. And, by the way, how could you make it to eighteen without knowing who the Beatles were?”
Brandon shrugged his shoulders. “So who are they?”
“Were. They were the most famous band in the world when I was young. They revolutionized music, and John Lennon was a member of that band. He and Paul McCartney wrote most of their songs.”
Brandon’s eyes lit up. “Paul McCartney, huh? I’ve heard of him. He’s some old dude who’s still touring.”
“Yeah,” Bonita said, her mouth quirking up in a smile. “He’s old. But he’s still awesome.” Grabbing Brandon’s hand, she headed to the storage room. “Let’s go looking for Lennon, and after that we can find some of McCartney’s stuff from after the Beatles broke up as well. You’re about to get a musication.”
I created some images of John Lennon on the anniversary of his death (December 8, 1980). I decided I’d write a story for one of the images, and thought it would be lovely to show a young person discovering his work for the first time.
I’d really like to take credit for the made-up word “musication,” but I know I heard it in a movie or on a television show. I can almost see the scene, but it won’t come to me. One of the characters said something to the effect of, “You’re going to get a musication—a musical education.” And I may be remembering the line wrong as well. If anyone knows where it came from, please chime in!
Were you a Beatles fan back in the day? A lot of people seemed to think they could either like the Beatles or the Rolling Stones, but not both. I refused to pick. I loved them both.
You can listen to Double Fantasy here:
Like Bonita, it’s been too long since I’ve listened to it. I just put the album on and am thrilling to “Starting Over” as I write the last bit of this post. Have a great day everyone!
Those guys were such a gift to the world, thanks for this story!
The Beatles were a mainstay in my house growing up. My dad loved them. I listen to their music all the time, and my kids have also inherited a love for their music.