John Winston Ono Lennon (born John Winston Lennon) (October 9, 1940 - December 8, 1980) is best known as a singer, songwriter and guitarist for the British rock band The Beatles. His creative career also included the roles of solo musician, political activist, humorist, artist, actor and author. As half of the legendary Lennon/McCartney songwriting team, he heavily influenced the development of rock music, leading it towards more advanced, multi-layered arrangements, mature lyrical sentiments, and musical eclecticism.

Lennon’s songwriting was an integral part of The Beatles’ profound commercial and critical impact. His melodies, written during the Lennon-McCartney era, and later, in his solo career, are distinctive and unashamedly romantic. Lennon’s lyrics reflected his personal and career demands, philosophical outlook, his unease with his fame and current events. He and McCartney popularized the use of electronic effects in rock music.

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