Legal Commentary

John Lennon: 28 Years Ago Tonight

By Jeralyn

28 years ago tonight, in the middle of Monday Night Football, Howard Cosell announced there had been an "unspeakable tragedy in New York City." John Lennon had been shot.

This is my sixth annual blog post about that night, and how for me, it's a day of both sadness and celebration. [More...]

From 2003:

I was 3 1/2 weeks overdue with my first [and only] child. On Dec. 8, I went to the hospital in the afternoon to be induced. It didn't work, they sent me home. At bedtime, my then-husband and I were in bed-- he was watching Monday Night Football, I was reading a book. All of a sudden, Howard Cosell's huge voice boomed out: "An unspeakable tragedy this evening in New York City. John Lennon has been shot."

The minute I heard that I gasped and felt a pop--the shock of the news had caused my water to break. We went racing to the hospital. We learned John Lennon was dead. Within 2 hours, at 1 am on Dec. 9, our son Nic was born. I have always believed, and told him, that when John Lennon's spirit went out, his came in. So for the past 23 years, this day is not only a celebration of a birthday, but a time to reflect on the nature of the extraordinary soul who has touched my son's soul.

In 2006, on the 26th anniversary of Lennon's death, I wrote:

There are millions of people in this world whose lives were enriched by John Lennon, his persona and his music. He told his truth and it was the truth of an entire generation. His death was a tragedy, but his life was an inspiration. His legacy is timeless.

Some other versions of Imagine:

• President Clinton and Liel, with 40 Israeli and 40 Arabic children

• Neil Young at a tribute to those who died on 9/11.

• Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora

• Madonna

I'll end with Lennon and Instant Karma:

"Well, we all shine on." I don't think Lennon's star will ever be diminished.

Happy Birthday, Nic.

Full post as published by TalkLeft on December 08, 2008 (boomark / email).