Yoko Ono met John Lennon in 1966. She was married to John from 1969 until his death in 1980. Together they collaborated on revolutionary art, film and music projects and spent much of their time on peace and humanitarian efforts. Since John's death, Yoko has released her own records, classified as experimental compositions and avant-garde rock and roll. She is a multimedia artist and currently resides in New York City.
Ono, a composer and visual and performance artist, has assembled a loving tribute to her late husband, John Lennon, who was killed 25 years ago this December. His personal life, music, and social, political, and musical influences are covered via reminiscences, photographs, drawings, and poems from more than 70 people who knew or were influenced by him. Among the contributors are Rolling Stones singer Mick Jagger, political activist Tom Hayden, publicist Elliot Mintz, cousin Mike Cadwallader, and producer David Geffen. Some of the entries are brief, while others are extensive. Of particular interest is photographer Annie Leibovitz's contribution: every single frame from her final session with Lennon and Ono (which includes the famous "fetal" shot). A wonderful book for fans of Lennon and/or the Beatles, this is highly recommended for all large popular music and popular culture collections. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 8/05.]-James E. Perone, Mount Union Coll., Alliance, OH Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
Newcomers to the Lennon legend might find some of the reminiscences and artwork in this compendium interesting and novel, but those alive in Lennon's time will recognize many of the quotes, especially the ones from Lennon's most famous friends, like Mick Jagger and Elton John. (They were culled from other books previously published about Lennon and/or the Beatles.) The most interesting essay-apart from Yoko's own charmingly loopy introduction-may be from the least famous person in the book: Cynthia O'Neal, Lennon's neighbor at the Manhattan landmark apartment building, the Dakota. She recounts what it was like the day the singer was shot in their entryway, and how she used to peer into his apartment while he was having breakfast with his family. The most important moments, clearly, were also the most mundane. (Dec.) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
|
Ask a Question About this Product More... |
|
