John Lennon’s Career as Genre-Defining Artist from 1900 to 1970

• Evaluate the social, cultural and political context of an important and influential album release (or a collection of songs) in the period 1900 to 1970.

• Choose an artist from this period and examine their relationship to the cultural and social framework of their era with reference to an important or influential album (or collection of songs). Please note: the artist must be different to the one chosen for the short essay.

• Analyse and evaluate your chosen artist in relation to their associated genre, their lyrics, their musical creativity, their social and political context, their impact on music and popular culture and their relationship to the themes of this module (class, race, gender, world events, technology, religion, etc) as they are relevant.

Popular music is an offshoot of mass music genre, a concoction of different musical genres having a mass appeal. For generation popular music, lyric and impressive songs served the purpose of voicing the mind and psyche of the tormented soul or caged spirit. It was in the 1990s when the tormented human soul suffered questions on mere existence, differences and role of God. Such turbulence gave birth to rebellious spirit and thus led to the emission of various artistic creations which addressed these social, cultural and existential issues in various forms and through development of different musical genres and sub-culture. Musical genres and subcultures in the 90s not only helped the rebellious mind and soul to raise voice against the existing system, but also gave the singers, the artists an identity of their own. It was John Lennon the founder member of the British band that was heavily popular in US, in the 1950s and 60s who not only sung in distress, but also questioned the social cultural issues in the society which not only creates differences among people but also leads to existential agony (Aquila, 2007). It was through the songs of Lennon the hollowness and devastation of war first reached the mass and questioned the reasons behind the war which leads to nothing else but death, destruction and endless suffering. The political and social messages became anti-war anthems and helped in ending war through aggressive campaigns. 

It was during the war time when Lennon was born in Liverpool, soon estranged by parents was brought up by Aunt Mimi. John Winston Lennon born on 9^th October 1940 was one of the most popular English singer and songwriter of the time. He is famed for finding one of the most commercially successful British band, the Beatles with Paul McCartney. His iconic solo songs “Give peace a Chance” and “Working class Hero” marked his inception as the rebellious singer, song writer artist of the time  (Booth, 2006). His tool was music and with innovative lyrics he engaged the mind of the listeners. His songs were soon adopted as the anthems by the anti-war movement during the Vietnam War and carved out a niche of its own in the larger counter culture.

Critical Evaluation of Lennon’s Song in Relation to Societal and Cultural Changes in the Period

Introduced by Aunt Mimi, at the age of 16years Lennon came under the influence of Elvis Presley and rock music permanently transformed his life. He formed the Skiffle group and played “Spirited songs” and it was during a performance at St.Peter’s Church that Lennon met McCartney and soon the band happened. Lennon was born with the gift of music, he showed his artistic talent at an early age. American rock and roll influenced the mind of the British singers and soon developed the creative impulses to performing music (Cohen, 2004).

Soon after Lennon penned and recorded “Give Peace a Chance” it was instantly picked up as an anti-war anthem and was sung by millions of demonstrators against the Vietnam War in Washington, on 15^th November, the second Vietnam Moratorium Day. Born during the war period, time and again Lennon voiced against social in-just and engaged requested peace from through his strong song lyric. His songs protested against the death of James Hanratty hanged unreasonably. Lennon picked a variety of grim social issues and protested through songs in a creative way. Therefore Lennon used music as a way of expressing a systematic hostility against a dominant culture and social issues, or war time England (Heel, 2008).

Studies on culture and popular culture highlights the facts that Culture is a distinctive  shared symbolic system and a unique of maintaining and modifying the existing system. Popular culture however is a mass culture that is completely different from the existing culture of the older people. The popular culture is the culture of the younger generation and is generally expressed and emphasized through fashion, art, lyrics, popular music, vocabulary etc. Lennon has been known and appreciated by others for his wit and creative word power. Thus it is the external forces of the society that constantly influences the culture and modifies the behaviour of the younger generation. With his path breaking style, rebellious lyric, capturing music Lennon successfully created a sensation among the music lovers around the world. Most of his songs were about suffering under an existing system  (Lennon, 2002). His messages though highlighted the war story, pathos and emptiness, and were adopted as anti-war anthem; his messages were not limited to England. He picked up themes which needed attention. It was a chosen way of educating the society about how innocent lives suffer, for example the campaign against the Hanratty death gained attention. 

Interaction between Popular Music and Important Cultural and/or Social Developments in the Period

His musical craftsmanship was one of its kinds. The lyrics first baffle the mind and then engage him to think about the wordplay. Discrimination, war and death were predominant themes. His songs are steeped in pathos, which sings the predominant tone of suffering and discrimination, a victim of unknown reasons however leading a life of pain and distress (Davies, 2007).

The duo, Lennon and McCartney earned recognition and countless awards. They are known as the most influential as well as successful duos of the 20^th century. The album sales records 14million in US dollars. Double Fantasy is the best selling album. The album won the Grammy Award in 1981 and in 1982 John Lennon won BRIT Award for extraordinary contribution in music  (Lennon and Davies, 2009).

The 1900 have been identified to have played a predominant role in the development of the society and culture in the ‘civilised countries’. The twentieth century was in many respect revolutionary. The changes affected both the civilised countries as well as the developing countries. It was during this time that the society slowly witnessed the commercialisation of various elements. Influential movements also emerged during this phase, the hippie movement to protest against the war in Vietnam that initiated in 1960s. Countless young men refused to join army, it was unlike the World War II and mercenaries were limited. Younger generation identified icons like Lennon and sung his songs as anti-war anthem. People wanted to live in peace and love and thus raised voice singing the peace songs  (Lennon and Wenner, 2004). Hippies also evolved as the part of the particular generation and rebelled against the existing system. They raised voice against th exiting traditional system. Music evolved as the voice of younger generation and rebelled against the existing norms of the society. Popular culture soon evolved in this period and concentrated on different groups. It was came to known as “pop revolution”. Pop culture gained its pace in the sixties and countess young singers joined the group (Lennon et al. 2000). Music became a way of expressing an individual’s mind and psyche. Protest song writers evolved around the world. In United States, protest song writers, such as Bob Dylan, Pete Seger soon became house hold names of the song listeners around the world. it was during this period that the key aim of entertainment became wring message oriented lyric and songs with message oriented lyrics became important than the tune. The primary aim of Beatles’ song was to entertain listeners through enlightening messages and informing the public about political and social issues.

Beatles is undoubtedly the most important band of the era. Music historians such as Schinder and Schwartz mentioned about the influence of Beatles on popular music and said, “revolutionised the sound, style, and attitude of popular music and opened rock and roll’s doors to a tidal wave of British rock acts” (McClary, 1991). Even today people recognises his talent and idealises Lennon as the man of courage, who had the courage to raise voice against US President, Nixon. He even risked his career to fight for wrong attitude and it is for these reasons Lennon the man is still respected around the world. Other music researchers, Urish and Bielen, mentioned that “the self portraits … in the songs and ways in which he spoke about human conditions” deserve special recognition (Monitor.upeace.org, 2015).

The Songs of John Lennon or Lennonianism speaks a lot. When it came to use of word or writing, Lennon had a gift. His wordplay craftsmanship could be understood by exploring through his twenty-five greatest songs of all time. According to writer John Stevens, Lennon’s intuitive talent could be appreciated through the basic elements of his song melody, harmony and lyric. Lennon’s love of wordplay and nonsense with a twist found a wider audience as he became singing and writing songs. McCartney said that the other Beatles idolised John: “He was like our own little Elvis … We all looked up to John. He was older and he was very much the leader; he was the quickest wit and the smartest  (Stokes, 1980).”

Through an in-depth analysis, it was identified by the music researcher that Lennon’s music was politically and socially inclined in the 1960s. In spite of remaining steeped with rebellious messages Lennon’s songs are ageless and are relevant even today. According to John Lennon music was not only a tool for self expression but is to be used to influence social and political changes. The musician and social activists has spoken about empowerment of human rights as well as protested against war and hatred.  Music is a unique medium that connects the written word with vehement social issues, it helps in conveying a message of hope to the audience. Music and song are a form of freedom for expression, it was therefore believed by the Beatles that it was their duty to entertain the audience and hence incorporated unique personas to entertain and enlighten the audience with influencing messages (Venezia, 1997). Lennon was key to stoking popular opinion against the war in Vietnam Lennon is often identified by his fans as the personality behind stopping the war in Vietnam through activism. World renowned musician and peace activist used his music and strong lyrics to fight unjust politics, raise voice against the death and destruction of the Vietnam War and express his sheer love for human race. According to music historians, John Lennon’s songs were not simply about entertainment and popular music, instead his songs walked the streets with peace protestors and voiced anti-war movements. The songs became voice of freedom and actively mentioned about oppression and ill-treatment (Booth, 2006). It was his music which soon helped identifying songs as a medium of communication in culture as well as historical period. Critics identified “Lennon’s music as a form of paramount expression, the sound of protest, rebellion and even revolution.” Lennon himself mentioned “reality leaves a lot to the imagination”, it is this eloquence which signifies his ways of adapting creative tool, the iconic music to raise voice against the existing system, politics and promote liberal leftist culture and ideologies.

Cultural theorists often debated stating that Lennon’s music was a truly appreciated art form which could be understand by the elite. It is a derivative of elitist theories and Louis Althusser’s issues of power that ensures music to be available for a distinctive class. However, Lennon argued against these notion and invited every individual to enjoy music and art forms (Cohen, 2004). They went ahead and even, he along with his wife Yoko Ono posed nude for a CD cover to promote the natural as well as peaceful way of life and love. According to Lennon, people could be changed but by only changing the system. As far as the political awakening is concerned, many of Lennon’s songs became anthems and inspired young mind.

Other researchers mentioned that “Culture is music” hence Lennon is a prominent part of the popular music and political culture. Others have mentioned that interpretation of work of art is the right way to identify whether the art has become a part of the popular culture or not. Lennon’s song lyrics were thoroughly read and understood by masses, those who are into active politics interpreted and adapted the lyrics. While most adapted his lyrics, some rejected his free thoughts and even protested his opinion like “Beatles will be more famous the Jesus Christ”.  Others however celebrated his peace campaign through the “Bed-In-Peace” campaign for promoting world peace. Soon another song followed “Give Peace a chance”, this song was used in anti-war movements (Davies, 2007). It was even used during the Gulf War protest in 1991. Later he came with another song “War is Over: If you want it” followed by “Imagine” the lyrics of Imagine encourages the listener to envision a peaceful future in America by ending the Vietnam War. The song “Happy Christmas” sing of hope and encourages hoping for a peaceful future without any fear and by ending the War.

Researching on one of the finest singer, songwriter of the early 20^th Century, John Lennon was mainly remembered as well as honoured for his introduction of the peaceful ways of endorsing passion for political activism. According to the thinkers, Guilbault and Cohen of political and lyrical activism Lennon introduced to a from of art, a music form which was closely related to the cultural identity, for example, in his song “Revolution” originally explored the inherent ideas of the changing world through evolution, speaks of solution about ways of incorporating changes in the society. Finally points out that changes could happen only by changing the institutions as well as constitutions. Music historians also pointed out that this song “Revolution” inspired a whole generation to raise voice against injustice and fight for impartiality (Monitor.upeace.org, 2015). Even today the song is used as the anthem of Nike’s Revolution campaign. After using the song in commercial purpose and developing a culture of engaging people into sports activities instead of encouraging war and futility, Dwite McDonald studied that in an age of popular or mass industry, culture is created in the similar fashion. It also goes through a process of manufacturing, for example, Nike is about consumerism, thus though the anthem engages the mind into a distinct activity and encourages the younger generation to indulge into productive activity, according to thinker McDonald, the true meaning of Lennon’s song is lost after using in Nike’s revolution campaign. Others identified it as becoming assimilated with the modern mainstream or mass culture. While Nike campaigned against child labour, freedom, injustice its selection of Lennon’s song led to criticism from contradictory approach. Just as the trend begun, Lennon’s songs soon adopted in the popular culture  (The art & music of John Lennon, 1991). Thomas Frank also mentioned how or in what ways culture and capitalist ideology mixed in the 21^st century. Lennon’s songs were picked and used in different aspects. For decades it was appreciated as mass anthems and remained a key player of popular culture.  The songs of this legendary artist therefore shaped the politics of the 1960s, his melodies were sung through decades as anthem of protest. Governments appreciated the lyrics and people adopted the theme to embrace better living conditions in future (Cohen, 2004). His messages are still alive.

As the years passed, Lennon’s popularity grew to new heights via popular culture. Whether he is remember through positive activism or selfish consumerism, Lennon left behind an impressive legacy and a collection of songs that will continue to Shine On  (Venezia, 1997). Research on the singer song writer of the age, John Lennon, the political activist informs that it was the socio-message oriented lyrics and songs of Lennon which helped Pop Culture to be identified as a social force and not a “kid thing”. Lennon lived his life through the eyes of the public and changed thoughts of the society as a powerful performing artist. On one hand his songs became anti-war anthem, on the contrary his songs “The Ballad of John and Yoko” attracted severe criticism. His song “Imagine” became an international peace anthem and the record sale helped Lennon evolve as one of the finest solo artist of all time. According to Rolling Stone magazine, his creation was known as “an enduring hymn of solace and promise” (Aquila, 2007).

Time and again Lennon’s song were listened for melody and harped for conveying the strong message in a lyrical form. Ballad style was his favourite. Strings of guitar were perfectly used to vibrate the inner chords of youth and trigger them to think about the social and political issues around the world. The messages were strong, yet conveyed in a subtle manner and hence they are relevant even today. The songs not only became anthem for anti-war campaign during the Vietnam War but also generated a revolutionary spirit among the youth. The “Revolution” metaphorically adapted as a symbol for change, a power driven strategy, perfected by Nike Revolution campaign to highlight ways in which an active life could be led in a peaceful manner (Cohen, 2004). An Active life may no longer have struggle in war fight for futility and hollowness, to bring death and destruction; instead the youth energy may be channelized to sports activities, thus the Revolution campaign initiated.

Conclusion

In may be therefore inferred after studying about the popular music genre of 1900s, that John Lennon was a legendary singer who penned some of the finest revolutionary songs in a distinctive manner. His songs were message oriented and in a subtle way raised issues that affected the society. Through his songs he informed listeners about “Give Peace a Chance” by ending war and destruction and thus his songs became anti war anthems. The socio political messages were conveyed through impressive lyrics and thus engaged young mind. As a popular performing artist he introduced a stage entertainment persona which was unknown before his time, he introduced this entertainment techniques to help connecting with audience and entertain them the way they wanted. Such unique ways of singing not only helped in gaining popularity, but evolve as a mass hero a legendary singer of all time, who continuously spoke about peace, anti-war and harmony.

References

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Venezia, M. (1997). The Beatles. New York: Children’s Press.