"Why John Lennon, and Why Now?" --> January 1981

[drjohncarpenter]

800822_w Yoko_arriving Hit Factory_NY.jpg

With wife Yoko, entering the Hit Factory, New York - Friday, August 22, 1980
353 West 48th Street, New York, NY.
First day of overdubbing after completing 22 basic studio tracks.





Forty-one years ago.

Critic and historian Greil Marcus caught the odd significance of the horrible moment.

Many of his points seem more pertinent today than in December 1980.

John would have been 81 this past October.

If only.

800822_leaving Hit Factory_NY.jpg

Leaving the Hit Factory, New York after signing autographs - Friday, August 22, 1980
John would turn 40 on October 9th.



And the piece is below.

Rolling Stone #335 - January 22, 1981
https://www.elvis-collectors.com/forum/download/file.php?id=148486


'

[AndrewJ]

Thanks for posting this, I had not read it before. I agree that Marcus' comments are as pertinent today - particularly his point about the political discourse.

[drjohncarpenter]

Thanks for posting this, I had not read it before. I agree that Marcus' comments are as pertinent today - particularly his point about the political discourse.

I read it so long ago, and parts of it were hard for me to process. I was young.

Revisiting it last week was like an entirely new experience. Marcus is an incredible and perceptive writer.

800918_in limo_Kishin Shinoyama.jpg

In limo, New York City - Thursday, September 18, 1980
Photo: Kishin Shinoyama

[AndrewJ]

If I could write half as well as Marcus with his clear insights and ability to provide a clear context and depth to his pieces I would be happy. All his work is essential reading to those interested in the history of music.

[drjohncarpenter]

If I could write half as well as Marcus with his clear insights and ability to provide a clear context and depth to his pieces I would be happy. All his work is essential reading to those interested in the history of music.

Very nicely put!