John Lennon and Yoko Ono in bed Eric Koch / Anefo, CC0

John Lennon Quiz

How much do you know about John Lennon?

Step into the world of John Lennon, the legendary musician and peace activist who left an indelible mark on music and culture. This quiz will take you on a journey through his life, from the streets of Liverpool to the heights of global fame with The Beatles, and onto his profound solo career.

Test your knowledge about his songs, his activism, and his legacy that continues to inspire millions around the globe. Are you ready to explore the life and times of one of the most iconic figures in music history?

Let's see how much you know about John Lennon!

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Questions and answers about John Lennon

• What band was John Lennon a founding member of?

  John Lennon was a founding member of the iconic rock band, The Beatles. Formed in Liverpool in 1960, The Beatles became one of the most influential bands of all time, revolutionizing the music industry and pop culture. Lennon, along with Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, created a music legacy that still resonates today.

  • The Beatles
  • The Rolling Stones
  • The Who
  • The Kinks

• What was the title of John Lennon's first solo album?

  John Lennon's first solo album was titled "John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band." Released in 1970, this album marked Lennon's departure from The Beatles and a shift towards more personal and introspective songwriting. The album is known for its raw, minimalist sound and deeply personal lyrics, reflecting Lennon's experiences and emotions.

  • John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band
  • Imagine
  • Mind Games
  • Walls and Bridges

• Who was John Lennon's second wife?

  John Lennon's second wife was Yoko Ono, a Japanese artist and musician. They met in 1966 at the Indica Gallery in London and married in 1969. Yoko Ono played a significant role in Lennon's life and career, influencing his music and collaborating with him on various projects. Their relationship was often in the public eye and was a subject of much media attention.

  • Yoko Ono
  • Cynthia Powell
  • Pattie Boyd
  • Linda McCartney

• What year was John Lennon born?

  John Lennon was born on October 9, 1940. His birth took place during a tumultuous time in history, as World War II was unfolding. Lennon's early life in Liverpool was marked by personal challenges, including the separation of his parents and living with his aunt. These experiences, along with the cultural environment of post-war Britain, influenced his music and worldview.

  • 1940
  • 1942
  • 1938
  • 1945

• In what city was John Lennon born?

  John Lennon was born in Liverpool, England. This port city played a crucial role in his early life and musical career. Liverpool's vibrant music scene in the 1950s and 1960s was a significant influence on Lennon and The Beatles, contributing to their unique sound. The city's cultural heritage and its influence on The Beatles are celebrated to this day.

  • Liverpool
  • London
  • Manchester
  • Birmingham

• What song did Lennon write as a peace anthem during his bed-in protest against the Vietnam War?

  During his bed-in protest in 1969, John Lennon wrote "Give Peace a Chance" as a peace anthem, amidst the Vietnam War. Released by the Plastic Ono Band, this song quickly became an anthem for the anti-war movement and a symbol of peace activism. Its simple, repetitive chorus and straightforward message of peace resonated globally. While "Imagine" also conveys a message of peace, "Give Peace a Chance" was specifically written during the bed-in protest against the Vietnam War, making it the distinct answer to this question.

  • Give Peace a Chance
  • Imagine
  • Happy Xmas (War Is Over)
  • Revolution

• What is the name of John Lennon's first son?

  John Lennon's first son is Julian Lennon, born to his first wife, Cynthia Powell, in 1963. Julian was named after Lennon's mother, Julia. He followed in his father's footsteps, pursuing a career in music. Julian Lennon has been involved in various musical projects and is also known for his philanthropic work.

  • Julian Lennon
  • Sean Lennon
  • Zak Starkey
  • James McCartney

• Which famous artist did Lennon collaborate with on "Two Virgins"?

  John Lennon collaborated with Yoko Ono on the experimental album "Two Virgins." Released in 1968, this album was known for its avant-garde style and for the controversial nude cover featuring Lennon and Ono. The album marked one of the first of many collaborations between Lennon and Ono, blending their artistic and musical visions.

  • Yoko Ono
  • Paul McCartney
  • George Harrison
  • Eric Clapton

• What year did The Beatles officially disband?

  The Beatles officially disbanded in 1970. This marked the end of an era and the beginning of the members' solo careers. The breakup was attributed to various factors, including creative differences, management disputes, and the evolving personal dynamics among the members. The Beatles' legacy continues to influence music and culture worldwide.

  • 1970
  • 1969
  • 1971
  • 1968

• What was the name of Lennon's second son, who also became a musician?

  John Lennon's second son is Sean Lennon, born to his wife Yoko Ono in 1975. Sean Lennon followed in his father's footsteps, becoming a musician and songwriter. He has been involved in various musical projects, both as a solo artist and in collaborations, and has also worked in film scoring and visual arts.

  • Sean Lennon
  • Julian Lennon
  • Dhani Harrison
  • Zak Starkey

• What controversial comment did Lennon make about The Beatles in 1966?

  In 1966, John Lennon made the controversial comment that The Beatles were "more popular than Jesus." This statement sparked significant backlash, particularly in the United States, where it was met with protests and boycotts. Lennon later explained that his remark was not intended as a boast but as a comment on the decline of Christianity and the growing popularity of pop culture.

  • "More popular than Jesus"
  • "Better than the Rolling Stones"
  • "We're not just a band, we're a movement"
  • "The Beatles are an illusion"

• What is the name of the biographical film about Lennon's teenage years?

  The biographical film about John Lennon's teenage years is titled "Nowhere Boy." Released in 2009, the film explores Lennon's early life, his relationship with his mother Julia and his aunt Mimi, and the formation of his first band, which eventually evolved into The Beatles. The film provides insight into the personal and musical influences that shaped Lennon.

  • Nowhere Boy
  • Lennon: The Early Years
  • Backbeat
  • Imagine: John Lennon

• Which pair of songs did John Lennon consider his most honest work with The Beatles?

  John Lennon viewed "Help!" and "Strawberry Fields Forever" as his most honest and personal contributions to The Beatles' discography. In his interviews, he expressed that these songs were deeply reflective of his own life and experiences, contrasting with many of the band's other works.

  • Help! / Strawberry Fields Forever
  • Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds / A Day in the Life
  • I Am the Walrus / Revolution
  • Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown) / Julia

• What was the name of John Lennon's first band before The Beatles?

  Before The Beatles, John Lennon's first band was called The Quarrymen. Formed in 1956, The Quarrymen played a mix of skiffle and rock and roll. It was through this band that Lennon met Paul McCartney and later George Harrison, leading to the eventual formation of The Beatles. The Quarrymen played a significant role in the early development of Lennon's music career.

  • The Quarrymen
  • The Silver Beetles
  • The Blackjacks
  • The Nerk Twins

• What was the last album Lennon released before his death?

  The last album John Lennon released before his death was "Double Fantasy." Released in 1980, this album marked Lennon's return to music after a five-year hiatus. It was a collaboration with his wife Yoko Ono and included songs by both artists. The album is a mixture of love songs and reflections on everyday life, showcasing Lennon's songwriting at a mature stage of his career.

  • Double Fantasy
  • Walls and Bridges
  • Mind Games
  • Imagine

• In which city was John Lennon assassinated?

  John Lennon was assassinated in New York City on December 8, 1980. He was shot outside his residence at The Dakota, an apartment building near Central Park. Lennon's assassination was a shocking event that deeply affected fans worldwide and left a profound impact on the music industry and popular culture.

  • New York City
  • Los Angeles
  • London
  • Liverpool

• What was the title of Lennon's 1971 album that included a song with the same name as his wife?

  The title of John Lennon's 1971 album that included a song named after his wife is "Imagine." The album is one of Lennon's most famous solo works, featuring the title track "Imagine," which became an anthem for peace. The song "Oh Yoko!" is a joyful and affectionate tribute to his wife, Yoko Ono, and showcases Lennon's softer side as a songwriter.

  • Imagine
  • Mind Games
  • Walls and Bridges
  • Some Time in New York City

• What type of glasses was Lennon famous for wearing?

  John Lennon was famous for wearing round, wire-framed glasses, often referred to as "teashade" glasses. These glasses became an iconic part of his look, especially during the later years of his life. They were associated with his peace activism and his distinctive style, and they remain a symbol of Lennon's legacy in pop culture and fashion.

  • Round, wire-framed glasses
  • Aviator sunglasses
  • Square-framed glasses
  • Wayfarer sunglasses

• Which Beatles song was inspired by a circus poster Lennon bought?

  The Beatles song "Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!" was inspired by a circus poster that John Lennon bought. Featured on the 1967 album "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band," the song's lyrics were largely adapted from the language of the Victorian-era poster. The song is known for its vivid imagery and unique, whimsical narrative that reflects the circus atmosphere.

  • Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!
  • Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds
  • Yellow Submarine
  • Octopus's Garden

• What was the name of the experimental band Lennon formed with his wife in 1969?

  In 1969, John Lennon formed the experimental band "The Plastic Ono Band" with his wife, Yoko Ono. This band was a conceptual group that varied in its lineup, depending on who was available to record or perform at any given time. The Plastic Ono Band was a vehicle for Lennon and Ono to explore avant-garde and unconventional music styles, different from Lennon's work with The Beatles.

  • The Plastic Ono Band
  • The Dirty Mac
  • The Quarrymen
  • The Elephants Memory Band

• What song did Lennon write in response to critics of his marriage?

  John Lennon wrote the song "The Ballad of John and Yoko" in response to critics of his marriage to Yoko Ono. Released by The Beatles in 1969, the song chronicles the events surrounding their wedding and the subsequent public backlash. The lyrics are a candid reflection of their experiences, capturing the intense media scrutiny they faced.

  • The Ballad of John and Yoko
  • Woman
  • Jealous Guy
  • Oh My Love

• What symbolic gesture did John Lennon and Yoko Ono use in 1969 as part of their peace activism?

  In 1969, as part of their peace activism, John Lennon and Yoko Ono used the symbolic gesture of sending acorns to world leaders. This act was intended to represent the growth and nurturing of peace. They mailed two acorns, enclosed in a small, round case, to several world leaders with a letter expressing their hope that these acorns would be planted in their gardens as a symbol of support for world peace.

  • Sending acorns to world leaders
  • Planting olive trees in conflict zones
  • Distributing white feathers internationally
  • Creating peace-themed art installations

• What song did Lennon write for his son Julian?

  John Lennon wrote the song "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" for his son Julian. This song, featured on The Beatles' 1967 album "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band," was inspired by a drawing Julian made in school of his classmate, Lucy. While often associated with the acronym LSD, Lennon maintained that the song's surreal imagery was inspired by the drawing and Julian's imagination.

  • Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds
  • Hey Jude
  • Julia
  • Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)

• What year was Lennon granted permanent residency in the USA?

  John Lennon was granted permanent residency in the United States in 1976. His path to residency was a long and difficult one, involving a high-profile legal battle with the US government, which sought to deport him. The decision to grant him permanent residency was a significant victory for Lennon, who had been living in New York City since the early 1970s.

  • 1976
  • 1971
  • 1974
  • 1978

• Which famous protest event did Lennon and his wife hold in 1969?

  In 1969, John Lennon and his wife Yoko Ono held the famous protest event known as the "Bed-In for Peace." This event was a non-violent protest against war, particularly the Vietnam War. Lennon and Ono spent a week in bed in hotel rooms, first in Amsterdam and later in Montreal, inviting the press into their room to discuss peace. The event was part of their larger peace activism efforts.

  • Bed-In for Peace
  • Sit-In for Freedom
  • March for Love
  • Sleep-In for Harmony

• In which iconic New York building did Lennon live during his later years?

  During his later years, John Lennon lived in The Dakota, an iconic apartment building in New York City. Located near Central Park on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, The Dakota was known for its luxurious apartments and famous residents. It was outside this building that Lennon was tragically assassinated in 1980, making it a significant location in his life story.

  • The Dakota
  • The Plaza
  • The Empire State Building
  • The Chrysler Building

• What was Lennon's middle name?

  John Lennon's middle name was Winston. He was born John Winston Lennon on October 9, 1940. His middle name was given in honor of Winston Churchill, the British Prime Minister at the time. However, he later changed his middle name to Ono, in honor of his wife Yoko Ono, as part of his personal transformation and commitment to their relationship.

  • Winston
  • Paul
  • George
  • Richard

• Who was the producer notoriously known for his "Wall of Sound," who worked on Lennon's solo album "Imagine"?

  The producer known for his "Wall of Sound" technique who worked on John Lennon's solo album "Imagine" was Phil Spector. Spector, a prominent figure in the music industry, was known for his distinctive production style, which involved using a large number of musicians and layering their sound to create a rich, full effect. His collaboration with Lennon on "Imagine" contributed to the album's memorable and impactful sound.

  • Phil Spector
  • George Martin
  • Brian Wilson
  • Rick Rubin

• What was the name of Lennon's posthumous album, released in 1984?

  The name of John Lennon's posthumous album, released in 1984, was "Milk and Honey." This album was a collection of songs Lennon recorded in the last months of his life and was intended to be a companion album to "Double Fantasy." "Milk and Honey" featured both Lennon's songs and tracks by Yoko Ono, offering insight into his artistic state just before his untimely death.

  • Milk and Honey
  • Borrowed Time
  • Real Love
  • Free as a Bird

• What pioneering guitar sound technique was used in The Beatles' song "I Feel Fine"?

  The Beatles' "I Feel Fine," recorded in 1964, is distinguished by a pioneering guitar sound technique. This technique, involving the innovative use of feedback, was a groundbreaking element in popular music production. Music historian Richie Unterberger recognizes this song as having one of the earliest uses of feedback on a commercial rock record, marking a significant moment in the evolution of rock music sound.

  • Use of guitar feedback
  • Reverse tape effects
  • Artificial double tracking
  • Distortion through overdrive

• Which avant-garde artist influenced Lennon's transition to more experimental music?

  The avant-garde artist who influenced John Lennon's transition to more experimental music was Yoko Ono. Ono, a Japanese artist and musician, introduced Lennon to the world of avant-garde art and music. Her influence played a significant role in his shift towards more experimental and unconventional music styles, both in his late Beatles work and in his solo career.

  • Yoko Ono
  • Andy Warhol
  • Karlheinz Stockhausen
  • John Cage

• What is the name of the album Lennon released with Frank Zappa?

  The album John Lennon released with Frank Zappa was titled "Some Time in New York City." Released in 1972, this album included live jam sessions with Zappa and his band, The Mothers of Invention, at the Fillmore East. The collaboration showcased Lennon's exploration of more experimental music and his willingness to blend various genres and styles.

  • Some Time in New York City
  • Double Fantasy
  • Walls and Bridges
  • Rock 'n' Roll

• What rare musical instrument did Lennon play on "Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)"?

  On the song "Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)," John Lennon played the sitar, a rare musical instrument in Western pop music at the time. The song, featured on The Beatles' 1965 album "Rubber Soul," is notable for being one of the first Western rock songs to incorporate the sitar, an Indian string instrument. This marked a pioneering moment in the fusion of Western pop and Indian classical music.

  • Sitar
  • Harpsichord
  • Mellotron
  • Theremin

• In what unique location did Lennon record the album "Live Peace in Toronto 1969"?

  John Lennon recorded the album "Live Peace in Toronto 1969" at the Toronto Rock and Roll Revival festival. This live performance was a spontaneous event, with Lennon assembling a band including Yoko Ono, Eric Clapton, Klaus Voormann, and Alan White on short notice. The concert marked Lennon's first live performance without The Beatles since the band's rise to fame.

  • Toronto Rock and Roll Revival festival
  • Madison Square Garden
  • Woodstock Music Festival
  • Isle of Wight Festival

Joost Evers / Anefo, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

About John Lennon

John Lennon, born on October 9, 1940, in Liverpool, England, was a renowned musician, singer, and songwriter, best known as a founding member of The Beatles, one of the most successful and influential bands in the history of music. Here are some key aspects of his life and career:

Early Life: Lennon grew up in a working-class family in Liverpool. His early interest in music was heavily influenced by rock and roll and skiffle, a popular genre in Britain in the 1950s.

Formation of The Beatles: Lennon formed his first band, The Quarrymen, as a teenager. Paul McCartney joined in 1957, followed by George Harrison. This group eventually evolved into The Beatles, with Ringo Starr completing the lineup.

Beatles Success: Lennon, with McCartney, formed one of the most successful songwriting partnerships of the 20th century. The Beatles' innovative music and cultural impact during the 1960s were profound, with Lennon playing a key role.

Solo Career: After The Beatles disbanded in 1970, Lennon embarked on a solo career. His albums, including "Imagine" and "John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band," were critically acclaimed. His song "Imagine" remains an anthem for peace.

Activism: Lennon was also known for his political activism and pacifism, particularly during the late 1960s and early 1970s, alongside his second wife, Yoko Ono.

Personal Life: Lennon's personal life, including his relationships, was often in the public eye. His marriage to Yoko Ono was a significant aspect of his later life and career.

Death: Tragically, Lennon was murdered on December 8, 1980, by Mark David Chapman, a deranged fan, in front of his residence at the Dakota building in New York City. His death was a shock to the world and left a profound impact on music and popular culture.

Legacy: Lennon is remembered as a musical genius, a cultural icon, and a symbol of peace. His work with The Beatles and his solo music continue to influence artists and musicians worldwide.

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