41. John Lennon: A Founding Member of the Beatles

John Lennon is one of the most complex ever to walk the face of the earth. British-born musician is a true international icon who the world with his message of peace and . In America, Lennon is one of the most people to ever call the United States home.

was one of the founding members of the super group, the Beatles. He, along with Paul , formed the early creative brain trust of a that changed music worldwide. The group’s success has been duplicated, and its music is as popular as it was in the 1960s and 70s.

wrote, or co-wrote some of the most memorable ever written in the Rock ‘n’ Roll genre. found great success as a member of the , which is the most commercially successful group in , and as a solo artist. Lennon was also political activist. His views on religion and politics a great deal of controversy in the United . He was an outspoken critic of the country’s in the Vietnam conflict. His popularity caused great with government officials because he had the attention the young people in America at the time.

had been living in New York for several , where he was being watched by the FBI order to find grounds to deport him from United States. He used flamboyant gimmicks to spread word of peace. In this passive protest, Lennon his wife Ono addressed the media from their claiming people should “make love, not war.” Lennon killed on December 8, 1980 by a crazy outside his home in New York City. A plaque at the site of his death is of the most visited sites in the country.