Main content

John Lennon

Cultural commentator, John Harris champions singer John Lennon. With Matthew Parris and expert witness Barry Miles. From 2010.

Journalist John Harris, author of influential books on music, politics and popular culture, was born just as the Beatles were splitting up.

He was aged only 11 when John Lennon died. Yet Lennon's mischievous anti-establishment position - and the richness of his lyrics and music - makes him Harris's nomination for a Great Life.

Matthew Parris tries to define what it is that makes this enigmatic, often difficult figure an inspiring subject for reflection.

The expert witness is Barry Miles, in whose London gallery John first met Yoko in the mid 1960s.

Producer: Christine Hall

First broadcast on ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio 4 in August 2010.

*** Broadcast as part of 4 Extra's Fab 4 season marking the 60th anniversary of the Beatles first universal chart number 1, From Me To You, in May 1963.

Available now

30 minutes

Last on

Thu 1 Jun 2023 21:00

Broadcasts

  • Tue 3 Aug 2010 16:30
  • Fri 6 Aug 2010 23:00
  • Thu 4 Jan 2018 18:30
  • Fri 5 Jan 2018 00:30
  • Thu 1 Jun 2023 21:00

Featured in...

Beatles About

Beatles About

Programmes celebrating the 60th anniversary of The Beatles’ breakthrough year (1963).

Great Rock and Roll Lives

Great Rock and Roll Lives

Stories of inspiration from great musicians from Bowie to Billie Holliday

Download this programme

Subscribe to this programme or download individual episodes.

Podcast