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New York John Lennon Exhibit Opens at the Rock Hall of Fame Annex

Although Liverpool was John Lennon's birthplace, New York City could be considered the former Beatle's spiritual home. It was in New York where he spent his remaining years -- performing with Elton John in concert at Madison Square Garden, living at the famous Dakota building and recording the 'Double Fantasy' album -- up until his murder in 1980.

That memorable period of his life is now being celebrated with a new special exhibit: 'John Lennon: The New York City Years,' which opened at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Annex NYC. Created by Lennon's widow and collaborator, Yoko Ono, the exhibit contains lyrics, photographs, clothing and other items associated with Lennon and his time in the city.

Interestingly, the exhibit also features a bag of bloody clothing worn by the 40-year-old Lennon on the night he was fatally shot by Mark David Chapman. Ono said the bag, delivered from the medical examiner at New York's St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, was "hard to include" but in the end was "important for people to see that, and for people to understand what violence is about."

"All aspects of John's experiences in New York are represented in this important exhibit," Ono said during yesterday's press conference to kick off the show. "John was a musician, artist, peace activist, father and husband. New York City provided him the foundation and freedom to be all of these things. I'm happy to share that part of our lives with you."

Some of the other items on display at the Annex include Lennon's Telecaster guitar from the Elton John concert; the famous "New York City" T-shirt and glasses he wore; and a number of handwritten lyrics of songs such as 'Whatever Gets You Through the Night' and 'Nobody Told Me.' The exhibit also focuses on Lennon's deportation battle with the U.S. government because of his political views, which represented through items such as his green card, dated 1976, and letters of support from then-New York City Mayor John Lindsay and folk singer/activist Joan Baez.

The Annex will have special extended hours for the duration of the exhibit, which is expected to be open into the fall.




Watch the 'Inside John Lennon' Documentary Free on SnagFilms

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Nuclear Mind

Scott - Exquisite writing and stunning sentiment. Scott

May 20 2009 at 12:10 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
jamie

John Is God.

May 19 2009 at 9:35 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
tony

John you left us too soon! I wished I went over in to your farm house at Sidney when I had the chance...

May 19 2009 at 9:33 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
lenono2003

John Lennon is God

May 19 2009 at 9:25 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
mec1140

He was a musical genius.

May 19 2009 at 9:07 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
harvsatan

No seriously...Yoko , give it a rest! She had no problem displaying "the bag full of bloody clothes" , about seven years ago in Cleveland , at the REAL Rock-N-Roll Hall Of Fame , but now she has problems with it? DRAMA QUEEN! She should listen to the lyrics of John's song "God" , and realise we don't need the "Shroud Of The Dakota" put on display...again.

May 19 2009 at 8:32 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
conibea

I wonder if he would be as famous had he not been murdered ? Like Marilyn Monroe...It's amazing how these 4 people rocked the whole world with their music.They started dress trends and hair trends culminating into a cultural movement the swept across the US...WOW and its really never been replicated by another band...I liked George the Best...I was a closet Yoko Ono fan because dave tried to tear up my album...Iliked their early stuff the best "I wanna hold your hand" I can act like I'm a kid again and sing to the top of my lungs and it makes me giddy happy...I love George Harrisons Dark Horse album "ring out the old ring in the new"I really couldn't handle the Hirrachies that turned your feet green and the nails sticking in your feet, but the bell bottoms were super cool...I had hugh elephant ear bell bottoms...Low rise peanut jeans

May 19 2009 at 7:43 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
conibea

George was the cutest & Yoko Ono always gets a bad rap for the Beatles breakup,but I liked her album. I really like their early stuff " I wanna hold your hand" better than the Hara Chrisna years. Harrisons Dark Horse "ring out the old ring in the new" . I got in an altercation with a monnie in SF airport over a rose in the 80's...You don't see them in the airports anymore...

May 19 2009 at 7:06 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
vasand66

John was always my fav Beatle cutting sense of humor or smart ass you might say. He was beyond his time or what we would say today, someone who could think outside the box. He believed in social justice to where a president was scared of him. He just invited the rest of the world to look into his by music, protest, art or self expression. Well Thank You, I hope we passed the audition. Still miss you John.

May 19 2009 at 5:26 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
commandrbond

Ill be in NYC in 2 weeks...DEFINITELY be checking out this exhibit. Im a HUGE Beatles fan.

http://summerofjon.blogspot.com/

May 19 2009 at 3:21 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply