A Man Who Made a Difference

​Many rock stars have met early and untimely deaths. All tragic and unexpected. The Big Bopper, Richie Valens and Buddy Holly come to mind.

Janis Joplin, Rick Nelson, Jim Croce and Jimi Hendrix, too, Even Biggie, MJ, George Harrison and Tupac gone way too early. The gentle voice of Olivia Newton-John. And the soft, angelic sound of Karen Carpenter died just as she was reaching heaven with her voice.

When Elvis passed, it was like the fall of a king. And the King WAS dead.

But probably, the biggest and most tragic death was that of a genius, lyricist and philosopher with so much still to give. And was cut short by a crazed, deranged assassin who believed he was the man who tried to live the life, in his mind, of the man he killed.

Can you remember where you were when you heard the news on December 8, 1980? I was wrapping Christmas presents, watching the Monday Night Football game between the Dolphins and the Patriots, when Howard Cosell reported the shocking news that John  Lennon had indeed been shot and killed.

More than any other rock star’s death, this news made an immediate impact on me because I actually met John three times, spoke with him at length and saw him walk through the neighborhood, where I worked a block from his home, with his son in a stroller.

He was an icon, a Beatle; but more importantly, he was a father and a husband, who died eight weeks after fiis fortieth birthday. A man who was turning a page to take new direction in his life, certainly in his prime, ready to reach new heights.

And then, suddenly, it was over.

Forty-five years later, his death still makes a difference in our lives. He was the man whose words helped to define a generation. Boomers certainly  were idealistic and heard his message. And passed his message onto our children.

This weekend, we will hear many Beatle and Lennon songs, as remembrances are retold to highlight this man’s many accomplishments in both the music industry and in his personal life. Many will claim one song or another was his best.

But for me, the song, In My Life, was his greatest. And this is my favorite song. Ever.

Take a moment to remember where you were when YOU heard the news. And what YOU were doing. 

I always will.

“Though I know I’ll never lose affection

For people and things that went before

I know I’ll often think about them

In My Life, I love you more”