John Ono Lennon, (born John Winston Lennon, 9 October 1940 – 8 December 1980), was a 20th century English songwriter, singer and instrumentalist, who gained worldwide fame as the founder of The Beatles. Lennon and Paul McCartney formed a hugely successful songwriting partnership - writing songs for The Beatles and other artists.

As a writing pair, Lennon's cynical edge and knack for introspection and McCartney's storytelling optimism and gift for melody complemented one another perfectly.

In his solo career, Lennon wrote and recorded songs such as "Imagine" and "Give Peace a Chance" which became anthems of their age.