Spinner

John Lennon Letter to Young Folkie Arrives Nearly 40 Years Late

Chris Walter, WireImage

A letter has been publicised for the first time, written by John Lennon in 1971 to a promising folk singer, saying material wealth does not affect your personality.

Lennon was responding to an interview with Steve Tilston in the log-since defunct music mag ZigZag. In the note, quoted in the Daily Telegraph, the former Beatle tells Tilston not to worry about becoming wealthy.

"Being rich doesn't change your experiences in the way you think," Lennon writes. "The only difference, basically, is that you don't have you worry about money -- food -- roof etc. But all other experiences -- emotions -- relationships -- are the same as anybodies'."

He adds, "I know, I have been rich and poor and so has Yoko (rich - poor - rich). So, whadya think of that. Love John and Yoko." Lennon addressed the missive to the office of the now-defunct magazine, yet the letter, estimated to be worth £7,000 ($11,000), is currently in the hands of an American collector.

Tilston believes it was sold on after it arrived at ZigZag's London offices. The singer saw it five years ago when the collector sought to verify it, and now Lennon's widow Yoko Ono has confirmed she remembered him writing it.

Ono is currently promoting various activities designed to celebrate her late husband's 70th birthday, as reported in Spinner.

All the AOL Music info you want to know

Greg Allman Engaged to Woman 40 Years…

The Boot

Paul Archuleta, FilmMagic Seventh time's a charm? Music icon Greg Allman is…

Kanye West, Kim Kardashian Attend…

The Boombox

WireImage Kanye West and Kim Kardashian were spotted canoodling at the…

Vision of Trees, 'Turn 2 U' -- Video of…

Spinner

Artist: Vision of Trees Video: "Turn 2 U" Highlight: "We wanted the video to…

See all AOL Music »

Add a Comment

Sign in »
*0 / 3000 Character Maximum

1 Comment

Filter by:
John

A nice sentiment, but I disagree with Lenon ... wealth DOES alter one's perceptions; as does poverty! I've had both...and am now poor....I recommend wealth every time, regardless of its faults!

August 16 2010 at 7:30 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply