John Lennon
John Lennon (Liverpool, October 9, 1940 - New York City, December 8, 1980) was a British rock singer and guitarist, who became famous as a member of The Beatles and later had a succesful solo career. His music is praised for the creative lyrics, inventive musical experiments and deeply personal subject matter. Lennon was also a vocal activist, rallying for world peace and numerous controversial social causes.
References to Zappa
Lennon admired Frank Zappa as an artist who liked to take risks with rock 'n roll:
"Wow, I always wanted to meet him. I really, really admire him. (...) He's at least trying to do something different with the form. (...) It's incredible how he has his band as tight as a real orchestra. (...) I'm very impressed by the kind of discipline he can bring to rock that nobody else can seem to bring to it."
John Lennon & his wife Yoko Ono performed with Zappa on 06/05/71 at the Filmore East.
They provided guitar and vocals for Playground Psychotics.
John Lennon/Yoko Ono Band - "Some Time In New York City" (2LP, Apple SVBB-3392, June 19, 1972)
A rare tape of Lennon performing Jelly Roll Gum Drop with Ono's daughter Kyoko was reportedly sold by Christie's in London, in 2002.
