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The Morning Show - With Jill Riley

Coffee Break: remembering John Lennon

Beatles singer, songwriter and guitarist John Lennon performs circa 1966.
Beatles singer, songwriter and guitarist John Lennon performs circa 1966.Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

by Jill Riley

December 08, 2023

On December 8, 1980, John Lennon was murdered outside his home in New York City. But the violent and tragic nature of his death is in no way Lennon’s legacy. Far from it.

In his 40 short years, John Lennon gifted the world with a treasure trove of songs that will be loved and cherished — and sung — for generations. Whether through his work with the Beatles, as a solo artist, or his collaborations with wife and artistic partner Yoko Ono, Lennon’s songs are embraced around the world.

Related: Watch the short film about the Beatles' new song, "Now and Then"

Tonight at First Avenue in Minneapolis, Curtiss A will host the 44th annual John Lennon tribute, playing covers of John Lennon’s great songs. Let’s get the party started with a John Lennon tribute of our own.

For today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs by John Lennon do you want to hear?


Respond with your song ideas in the comments below.

Have an idea for a Coffee Break topic? Submit your idea for a future theme and browse past Coffee Breaks in our archive.

Songs Played
The Beatles - Now And Then
John Lennon and Yoko Ono - Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)
John Lennon - Instant Karma!
The Beatles - I Am The Walrus
The Beatles - Norwegian Wood
The Beatles - Tomorrow Never Knows
John Lennon and Yoko Ono - Watching the Wheels
The Beatles - Dear Prudence (bonus)