After reading a sixties novel in English 61, Lizbeth chose to write her research paper on John Lennon.  She was asked to write about a world-changing event or person.  John Lennon, she tells us, inspired peace and love in an entire generation.  Below, she asks where have all the rock stars gone? She compares the message of John Lennon with today's Jay-Z.

Lizbeth Soto

Jay Lewenstein

English 61

8 December 2016

John Lennon & Jay Z: 60’s and Now

     A genius is a person with creative power. It’s not about being intelligent; it’s about letting yourself become fascinated by things others take for granted. John Lennon was a leader in the band “The Beatles.” What makes him special is that beyond the Beatles he became a legend on his own. In today’s world only someone as big as Jay Z may be compared. Lennon wrote songs and would use his incredible star power to shine. John Lennon would make people feel connected. However, Jay Z is an amazing rapper who a lot of people listen to. Many people admire him for his message peace, love and happiness. Although he has been dead for 30 years, his genius lives today.

     John and Jay Z are the most celebrated song writers of the times. John talents were that besides playing keyboards he would also play an electric piano, harmonica, six string bass guitars and a harmonium. John Lennon was a songwriter and an English singer who was in a band called The Beatles. They eventually formed the most successful songwriting partnership in musical history. The band impacted the popular music scene like no other before, or since. John left the group in 1970 to start his own. In July, 1970 John started to record demos with his wife Yoko Ono. John died December 8, 1980 and his music still a big hit today. In the 30 years since his death, Lennon has gone from star icon to legend.  John made people feel connected and many yearn to feel like way today. In contrast, John Lennon was an astounding artist that he would do one hit after another one just like Jay Z. Jay Z is a famous greatest rapper, businessman and investor and certainly successful in his career. Jay Z is a solo singer, who has played a major role in the revolution of hip hop. He has been active since 1980 till today. He have sold more than 100 million records, and have received 21 Grammy’s Awards. He used rap as an escape of drugs, he would sell drugs for living. He describes himself as a “reluctant rapper,” focusing mainly on more occupation of selling drugs. I read that Jay earnings would be on selling drugs, which later that provide most potent songs. “Without the work, the magic won’t come.” This is true, nobody should be scared to work hard, it takes effort to achieve what you want and be successful. 

     Beyond their music talents, they brought a special style to the stage. John Lennon would have been 75 today. He was an Englishman’s style, just like his music. As a hippie, he would wear a jean jacket, some round sunglasses, scarfs and old school ties. People started to be inspired by John Lennon and started making clothing. The Beatles style was important for them to become popular. Their style was highly original. Catchy synthesis of the early American Rock and roll and R&B, The Beatles spent the rest of the 1960’s expanding rick’s stylistic frontiers staking out new musical territory on reach release. The manager and The Beatles had the same hair style. Jay Z throughout his career, he popularized sport jersey’s, T-shirts as drags, the all black everything look, a crisp pair of jeans and bottom ups and much more like his music. In contrast, John and Jay Z style were important for themselves and their music.

     Both John and Jay Z wrote songs with important social messages. The song Imagine was published in 1971. The song became a big hit. The song means that good John was asking us imagine a place where things divide people (religion, possession, etc.) did not exist. He felt that would be a much better place. This song is a political message that is sugarcoated in a beautiful melody. Lennon realized that the softer approach would bring the song to a wider audience, who hopefully listen to his message. Jay Z wrote a song called Run this Town that became popular. The song meaning clearly saying that their look and imagines became used to symbolized rebellion, and fighting for your rights against all odds, and often against people much more like powerful than yourself. The voices of the many powerless against the voices of the few with power, a battle. He is saying I that if we keep worrying about the superficial things in life someone much darker, and much more real will slip in behind and take over or destroy our way of life.

     John was an amazing singer. Although John did not like the sound of his voice he would love to double track his records. He would often ask the producer Martin to cover the sound of his voice or make it normal or something. Many thought John voice was one of the best they’d ever heard. John made many songs and albums, and he is one of the famous person I know that inspired a lot of people. John music still lives today and always will. I started listening to The Beatles when I was in elementary school and since then I still listen to their music and John Lennon’s as well. John Lennon is one of the most influential people in history. His message of peace, and love and happiness will always be remembered. John was a musical pioneer and peaceful man. He helped introduce the world to Rock and Roll and free though. For this, we will forever be grateful. John will always be an icon legend and never unforgettable. He left songs behind and words of inspiration and wisdom for generations to keep alive the flame of peace his highest ideal. 

Anderson, Kyle. “John Lennon’s Legacy carried today by 10 stars” 8 October 2010 Web 20 October 2016.

 “The Beatles Musical Style and Evolution” The Legend of Rock 20 August 2009 Web 20 October 2016.

Dewsbury, England. “John Lennon, Imagine” 20 October 2016 Web.

Fricke, David. “John Lennon’s unheard masterpieces.” Rolling Stone 01 December 1998 Web 15 October 2016.

“Jay Z Bio” Newsletter, 14 October 2016 Web.

“News about Jay Z, including commentary and archival articles” The New York Time, 14 October 2016 Web