Surprising Aspects of John Lennon Unbeknownst to Beatles Fans
Many Beatles fans know John Lennon as a legendary pop and rock musician, whose contributions to The Beatles and solo career helped shape popular music. However, there are many lesser-known facets of his personality and artistic pursuits that might surprise even the most dedicated listeners. This article delves into some of these surprising aspects that highlight Lennon's deep interest in avant-garde art and experimental music, as well as his unorthodox listening habits and artistic influences.
Avant-Garde Art and Experimental Music
One surprising aspect of John Lennon that many Beatles fans might not know is his deep interest in avant-garde art and experimental music. While he is widely recognized for his contributions to popular music, Lennon was heavily influenced by the art movements of the 20th century, particularly Dadaism and Surrealism. In the late 1960s, he and his artistic partner Yoko Ono became involved in the avant-garde scene, collaborating on various artistic projects that blurred the lines between music performance art and conceptual art.
For instance, Lennon's solo work, especially albums like Venus and Mars and ю Genres in the Current Pop Landscape, showcases his willingness to experiment with unconventional sounds and structures. This artistic exploration highlights his desire to push boundaries and challenge norms, both musically and socially. Fans who primarily associate him with the catchy melodies and harmonies of The Beatles might be surprised to discover the avant-garde side of his musical journey.
Unexpected Musical Influences
Another surprising aspect is John Lennon's introduction to the music of Christopher Cross, which might come as a shock to Beatles fans. The stereotype of John Lennon as the rocker and Paul McCartney as the pop guy has been perpetuated by some fans, who often associate Lennon with bold and rebellious music. However, Lennon also appreciated well-crafted pop songs and strove for his own songs to make the top 10.
When John Lennon returned to the studio in 1980, many speculated about the musical developments he had picked up on, perhaps inspired by artists like The Clash, Elvis Costello, or Pink Floyd. In reality, Lennon's primary influence was not from these cutting-edge musical scenes but from adult contemporary artists. For the previous five years, he had been listening to artists like The Carpenters, Hall Oates, The Doobie Brothers, and Christopher Cross. These artists played a significant role in shaping his musical tastes and, in turn, the sound of his new album.
Striving for Top 10 Hits
Contrary to the common belief that John Lennon was solely focused on rock and experimental music, he also had a serious desire to achieve commercial success. In 1980, when there was speculation about the musical elements he might be incorporating into his new album, one might expect influences from punk artists like The Clash or new wave pop stylists like Elvis Costello. However, the truth is more mundane. Through his cable television provider, John Lennon was exposed primarily to adult contemporary music, including Christopher Cross's 1979 debut album, which was a significant commercial success.
John Lennon kept this adult contemporary music on as background while he engaged in mundane activities like baking bread and tending to his preschool-age son Sean. For the previous five years, his primary influence had been artists like The Carpenters, Hall Oates, The Doobie Brothers, and Christopher Cross. When he returned to the studio in 1980, he wanted a record that sounded similar to Christopher Cross. Christopher Cross is the epitome of late 70s/early 80s soft pop rock. However, this artist's influence was somewhat unexpected given Lennon's usual musical inclinations.
These revelations not only provide insight into John Lennon's personal tastes and artistic influences but also help to paint a more multifaceted picture of the iconic musician. They show that he was not confined to a single genre or style, but rather a wandering artist who was open to a wide range of influences and willing to push boundaries in his music.
Conclusion
John Lennon was a multifaceted artist whose interests extended far beyond the boundaries of his famous career with The Beatles. His deep involvement in avant-garde art and his willingness to experiment with unconventional sounds, as well as his surprising influences from late 70s/early 80s soft pop rock, showcase a broader artistic vision and openness to different forms of expression. These surprising aspects of John Lennon's life and work help to enrich our understanding of this legendary musician and his impact on popular culture.