The death of John Lennon, arguably the most famous Beatle, shocked the world in December 1980. Thirty-eight years later, on the anniversary of his tragic passing, fans of his still congregate in Central Park to remember the gift of music he gave to to the world. Certain figures, like Lennon, will always inspire people to keep seeking each other out in the cold and dark, to cling together as they sing old beloved songs from days gone by.
In the autumn of 2018, I was taking a public history course and decided to heavily focus on John Lennon’s death and memorial in New York City as part of my final paper. I followed the path my mother took in December 1980, journeying from Queens to Manhattan to sing with other Beatles fans on a cold weekend.
Above is a short compilation video I made for my final presentation in my public history class. It features what I saw and experienced when I went to the memorial. Filmed on December 8, 2018, the 38th anniversary of John Lennon’s death, at the Dakota and Strawberry Fields, NYC (Central Park West and 72nd Street) for my Masters research. Audio from the assembled crowd of Beatles/Lennon fans singing and performing. Additional audio/video recording by Peter Gritsch.
History Is Important 