On this day 30 years ago, former Beatle John Lennon was killed by a deranged shooter in New York City. It's hard to believe it's been that long. You can't overstate the influence that Lennon had on music and culture in the 20th century. With Sir Paul McCartney, he created a body of work unparalleled in modern music. His composing range ran from simple catchy pop tunes to complex rock symphonies. Many people remember hearing of his death for the first time when watching ABC's Monday Night Football, when Howard Cosell broke into the game to announce it.
Here are two of Lennon's memorable songs. First, his wistful tribute to Julia, his late mother, and the second, a live recording of his anthem to what we might imagine as human beings. RIP.
