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