Thursday was the 31st anniversary of John Lennon's death. As I made my way to classes, I couldn't help but think about what Lennon might have been doing in the present if his life had not been cut short.
He probably would have multiple charities.
He probably would have more inspiring music.
He probably would have more children.
He probably would have touched more people's lives...
And with that last sentiment, I immediately thought about Lennon's influence on me. He may have been a captivating figure to some people. He was certainly a visionary when it came to peace and free speech. His solo work proved that he was a musical genius.
But, to me, he was a Beatle.
I would be a completely different person if it wasn't for John Lennon and The Beatles. When I was younger, maybe 5 or 6 years old, I met The Beatles for the first time. Even though it was the mid-nineties and CD's were becoming the preferred method of consuming music, I heard my first Beatle melodies through a cassette tape. It was their very first album recorded for Capitol Records: Meet The Beatles!
I also had The Eagles' Hell Freezes Over and a mixtape by The Moody Blues. While I listened to all three frequently (my dad says some relatives were amazed because I had most of The Moody Blues one memorized), it was Meet The Beatles! that set the foundation for my musical preferences. Instead of meeting The Beatles later in life, I condemned contemporary pop and hip-hop and became a classic rock junkie.
Had it not been for Ringo Starr, I would have never picked up drumsticks.
Had it not been for Lennon/McCartney, I would have never appreciated the power of words.
I still listen to The Beatles today, but not as much as when I was a kid. Everyone's musical tastes grow throughout their lifetime, and I am no exception. I think the connection I made with The Beatles as a child had something to do with the value of simplicity. They were innovators in the 1960s, but after three decades of musical evolution, they're music, while still respected and revered, seemed plain. Or perhaps uncomplicated. Most importantly, like me, Meet The Beatles! was the first stage of something. And while my journey is far from over (or so I hope), each Beatle went on to do great things with their lives.
Especially John Lennon.
Rest in peace, John.
