John Lennon was often his own worst enemy as his public comments and convictions would often lead to intense public relations problems. Here is a good example – this unpublished book containing his comments and quotes about politics over several years. Put together at a time when he arrived in the US and his political leaning were labelled as being to the left. The impact of these views at this time certainly negatively impacted his record sales as is evidenced by the poor sales of Sometime in New York City!
The Political Thoughts of John Lennon
John Lennon
Power to the People: the Political Thoughts of John Lennon, London: New English Library, 1972
Though the book was never published, a few prototype copies exist. The book was probably was withdrawn from publication for fear it would jeopardize John’s attempt to remain in the US during the American government’s attempts to deport him. The reasons for the deportation were stated by the Immigration service as due to a marijuana conviction in the UK. However, the more likely reason was the conservative leanings of the government in power who feared John’s influence with the youth during the Sixties. Tried to find a prototype copy of the book to buy, but when I saw the price, that eliminated me from contention as it was listed at several thousand dollars at a few auction venues. As the Rolling Stones quoted in their song, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.” I posted this book cover on Facebook when I had a Beatles print page there and many people in their comments objected to the cover photo saying the likeness was not an accurate depiction. I see the artist’s attempt to draw similar to the style of Klaus Voormann in the portrayal of John’s head and face but I may be wrong in that perception.
Jude Kessler has a series of wonderful books and has a very difficult task to undertake as historical narratives are not easy to write. This 9-volume Lennon narrative currently being written by author Jude Southerland Kessler is certainly up to the task. Jude spends countless hours researching her series of books, interviewing many individuals who were “there” to recreate the ambiance and milieu of the story of one of the most interesting people to have been born during the twentieth century. This man was to start a rock ‘n’ roll band that was to sell over a billion records worldwide. He was an instrumental part of the cultural changes that occurred in the Sixties and his power with the youth culture was so strong during that decade, that the US government and the President of the United States tried to get him deported.
Series Number 9
Jude’s comprehensive Lennon historical biography is slated to run 9 volumes, however with the intense detail she presents in the books, it probably will run even more. The difficult aspect of writing these books is the attempt to get into that “complicated mind” of John Lennon with all of the inconsistencies that were present in that brilliant mind. Jude has published 5 books thus far in the narrative and the covers are pictured in this post. Even though we already know the ending to the story, Jude’s writing and research skills help to bring the wonderful man that brought us so much joy and laughter, back to life!!!
In Jude Kessler’s stunning debut narrative biography, you’ll learn the truths behind the Lennon legend. You’ll discover why the popular, rich, famous singer called himself a “Nowhere Man.” There are no hard copies left, but you can get it on Kindle by clicking here for $9.99
But for John Lennon, the hectic rise to glory failed to cure the constant Shivering Inside. He was still searching for something…or someone…to fill the hole in his heart. There are no hard copies left but you can get it on Kindle here for $9.99.
1964 in John’s life! “A Hard Day’s Night”, and created/recorded the accompanying, best-selling soundtrack; a World Tour, a Scottish sojourn, a lengthy North American Tour hitting cities all across the U.S. and Canada.
THE HOLIDAYS CAME EARLY THIS YEAR THANKS TO TWO SPECIAL PEOPLE
The holidays came early to me this year as I was able to acquire two very hard to find signatures that have a connection to the Beatles story. One is the signature of Freddie Lennon, John’s dad, which I have been seeking for more than 30 years. Through the information provided to me by renowned “John Lennon expert, Chip Madinger, who was aware that I have been searching for Freddie’s signature for a very long time. Chip informed me that the signature on this page was being auctioned off at Omega auctions.
Alf Lennon Signature
The person who was selling it said that the signature was in an old autograph book which he purchased in an antiques store in Liverpool. I had photos of two other examples of Freddie’s signature for comparative authenticity purposes.
In addition the person that helped me the most in this enterprise was my excellent internet friend, Seamus Hayes, who bid on the item for me with his Omega account. Seamus and I have been helping each other out in acquiring items for our respective collections and our trust in one another is without question. When Seamus acquires an item for me, I inform him of my price range and if he is able to secure it, I then issue the compensation for his efforts. This arrangement works in reverse if Seamus, who lives in the UK needs something from the States. This shows the importance of networking when seeking out rarities across the world.
Both Chip and Seamus have been part of the sterling network helping me to expand my Beatles collection the last several years. Acquiring Freddie’s signature has now narrowed my Beatles-related autograph want list.
Still Looking!
I am still looking for the late James McCartney (Paul’s dad), Magic Alex (the so-called Beatles electronic expert), Dick Rowe (The Decca executive who turned down the Beatles), Robin and David Lennon- (John’s two half-brothers) Ingrid Pederson, (aka Victoria Lennon, John’s half-sister that Julia put up for adoption), the Maharishi, Tommy Moore (Beatles drummer), Kyoko, Yoko’s daughter, Beatrice, Paul’s daughter, Jason and Lee Starkey, two of Ringo’s children. (I have Zak’s).
Here is the Freddie Lennon signature acquired and a few photos I am probably going to frame the piece with:
The Freddie Lennon signature acquired the day after what would have been John Lennon’s 83rd birthday!
Alf “Freddie” Lennon’s Signature
This photo and the following few photos I was able to find on the internet, but there was no attribution accompanying the photos. If anyone knows who these should be attributed to, please let me know and adjustments will be properly made to the post.
A young Freddie Lennon at the center of the photo. Appears to have been taken on a boat with his fellow merchant seamen.
Alf “Freddie” Lennon (centre)
Another photo of a young Fred
Freddie Lennon
Freddie holding the 45 he made in 1965/66 to probably capitalize on his son’s fame. Freddie actually did a lip-synced TV performance of the song on Dutch TV but no video apparently survives!
Alf “Freddie” Lennon with his Record
The rare Dutch picture sleeve of Freddie’s 45. He sang this very rare version in the Dutch language and was backed by a few (to become famous) musicians on the recordings, Mitch Mitchell and Noel Redding, who were to become part of Jimi Hendrix’s Experience!
Freddie Lennon’s Record
Freddie about to go to work:
Alf in the kitchen
Another Great Set of Autographs! – Ken Scott, Beatles Engineer
Abbey Road to Ziggy Stardust with Ken Scott
Magical Mystery Autograph! Whose Is It?
Below is the signed Magical Mystery Tour LP and the description of the item. What was significant to me as a collector is even though John Van Hamersveld is well-known in the art world, very rarely do you hear about his involvement in designing the Beatles Magical Mystery Tour cover. Peter Blake is acknowledged for his ornate Sgt. Pepper cover design, but the design for the Magical Mystery Tour album has been greatly understated in my humble opinion!!! I am happy to have acquired 2 of the signatures of men that had something to do with the final product!
The following description of the item is from the Ebay
seller
The designer of the Magical Mystery Tour cover, John Van Hamersveld and an engineer on the record, Ken Scott. Scott was promoted to engineer, where his first session was with the Beatles on their song “Your Mother Should Know”. His first orchestral recording session came a few days later when he recorded the strings, brass and choir for the band’s song “I Am the Walrus”. During his time with the Beatles, Scott also worked on the songs “Lady Madonna”, “Hello, Goodbye” and “Hey Jude”, as well as The Beatles and Magical Mystery Tour albums.[4]
Among the notable songs from those albums that he worked on are “The Fool on the Hill”, “Glass Onion”, “Helter Skelter”, “Birthday”, “Back in the U.S.S.R.”, “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” and “Not Guilty”, the last of which was recorded for the White Album, but not included on it.
Van Hamersveld created over 300 album covers and the iconic poster and artwork for the ultimate surfers movie, Endless summer.
And here is the signed album cover: I have never seen a signed album cover by the album cover designer before…
John Van Hamersveld’s Autograph
I hope you enjoyed this?
Have you got any Beatles autographs? What is your most treasured piece of Beatles memorabilia? Let me know in the comments.
A few interesting John Lennon print items I was able to acquire on eBay in the last 5 years:
The first item is an educational guide printed by the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame intended to help educators in the task of being able to teach youngsters about the life and contributions of John Lennon to both music and culture.
John Lennon His Life And Work A Guide For Educators Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame
Guide to Lennon His Life and Work
Contents
Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame
This is the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame Lennon catalog summarizing John’s life and contributions to worldwide culture. This wonderful book is available both at the Hall of Fame in Cleveland, at their website, and through such organizations as eBay.
Lennon His Life and Work
John Lennon Tribute Tribute Concert 1990
A wonderful Lennon tribute concert program from Liverpool in 1990. This is the program that was available at the event. I love items like this as it serves as a memento of the concert even if you were not fortunate enough to be able to attend. There was a DVD, laser disk, and VHS release of this concert, with actor Michael Douglas serving as the narrator/host.
Bill Zygmant Takes The First Photos of John and Yoko
David Bedford interviewed Zygmant about these photos.
“When it came to taking the first photos of John and Yoko; I was working freelance then and had been doing a late shift in a printing factory, as I had a family to support. Tony Cox, Yoko’s first husband, turned up, and they were making the film Bottoms at the time.
“Yoko went away, and didn’t actually pay me, as I said ‘have it on me’! When I arrived at the Beatles Tailoring shop for John Lennon, Yoko was also there in the background. She saw me, looked over and gestured to say it was ok to take the photo, and stood there so that I could see John in the foreground, and Yoko behind him. That was the first photograph ever taken of John and Yoko. They had only got together a few days earlier.
John Lennon with Yoko in the Background
COPYRIGHT BILL ZYGMANT
“The invitation to the tailor shop came because they knew I would get the photos in the papers.”
Apple Tailoring (Civil and Theatrical) at 161, Kings Road, London, was opened to the public on 23rd May 1968. It was part of the developing Apple Corps launched by The Beatles, following on from the Apple Boutique that had opened on Baker Street. This store, previously known as Dandie Fashions, run by Australian John Crittle.
John Crittle with John Lennon
COPYRIGHT BILL ZYGMANT
Discover these and many more incredible photographs taken by Bill Zygmant in his book, “Where Did You Get That Shirt?” Each photograph has a story from David Bedford’s interviews with Zygmant.
Bill Zygmant – Where Did You Get That Shirt? (Signed Limited Edition)
Get your copy of Bill Zygmant’s portfolio book of unique photographs covering his career from the late 1960s to the 1980s.
This will be a signed, numbered edition – maximum of 250 numbered editions.
It comes with one of Bill’s signed photographs, which usually sells for £50!
Room 902 – John Lennon and Yoko Ono Amsterdam 1969
An obscure hardcover book about John and Yoko’s Amsterdam Bed-In, featuring the photography of Nico Koster. The books come in both an English edition and a Dutch edition. The book is about 50 pages long and features many photos of the event that gathered press coverage all over the world.
In Your Mind – The Infinite Universe of Yoko Ono (Signed Hardback)£44.00
Inside Number Three – The Illustrated History of Apple Records
Bill Zygmant – Where Did You Get That Shirt? (Signed Limited Edition)£75.00
Just Like Starting Over: John Lennon and The Quarrymen£15.00
The One After 9:09£2.16
Shoulda Been There (Vol. 1) 1940 – Dec 1961£7.20
Shivering Inside (Vol 2) Dec 1961 – Jan 1963£7.20
She Loves You (Vol. 3) 1963 – 1st March 1964£7.20
