John Lennon, an icon of music and peace, left an indelible mark on the world as one of the founding members of the Beatles. Beyond his legendary career, Lennon’s personal life, including his two sons, Julian Charles John Lennon and Sean Taro Ono Lennon, continues to fascinate fans. This article delves into the lives of John Lennon’s sons, exploring their relationships with their father, their own artistic endeavors, and the legacies they carry forward.
Julian Charles John Lennon: The Elder Son
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Born on April 8, 1963, in Liverpool, England, Julian Lennon is John Lennon’s first son, from his marriage to Cynthia Lennon. Originally named John Charles Julian Lennon, he legally changed his name in 2020 to Julian Charles John Lennon, citing travel and security complications due to the constant association with his famous father’s name, “John Lennon,” on documents. He expressed that it caused him anxiety and unwanted attention.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Julian has carved out a successful career as a musician. He has released seven studio albums, showcasing his own musical talent and style. Notably, his 2022 album, Jude, is a poignant reference to the Beatles’ song “Hey Jude.” This iconic song was written by Paul McCartney in 1968 to comfort a young Julian during his parents’ divorce. The album Jude represented a period of introspection for Julian, as he described it as “looking in the mirror deeply and trying to find that place of peace.”
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In a BBC Radio interview with his younger brother Sean, Julian shared a touching memory of one of his last conversations with his father. He recalled John Lennon playing “Starting Over,” his final song before his untimely death, over the phone. Julian remembered his father being “extremely happy” and in “a happy place,” a comforting final memory of his father’s passion and joy before the tragic events of 1980.
Beyond music, Julian is a multifaceted artist, venturing into filmmaking, photography, and writing. In 2017, he added author to his list of accomplishments with the release of Touch the Earth, the first book in a children’s trilogy focused on environmental awareness. Through these books, Julian aims to educate young readers about the beauty of the world and the environmental challenges it faces, hoping to inspire conversations about “life and love” between parents and children.
Sean Taro Ono Lennon: Carrying Forward a Musical Heritage
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Born on October 9, 1975, in New York City, Sean Taro Ono Lennon is John Lennon’s second son, born on his father’s 35th birthday. His mother is Yoko Ono, Lennon’s widow and artistic collaborator. Growing up in New York City, Sean had a unique childhood, even living next door to the legendary singer Roberta Flack. He developed a close, familial relationship with Flack, fondly calling her “Aunt Roberta.” This connection is highlighted in the documentary Roberta, where Sean speaks warmly of his childhood neighbor, initially unaware of her iconic status.
Like his father and older brother, Sean is also a highly accomplished musician. He has released four solo albums, along with five albums in collaboration with his mother, Yoko Ono. His musical versatility extends to psychedelic rock, as evidenced by his three albums with the band The Claypool Lennon Delirium. Sean’s talents also extend behind the scenes; he is a credited producer on numerous albums, including Lana Del Rey’s critically acclaimed 2017 album, Lust For Life.
In a 2024 interview, Sean shared how music became a way to cope with the profound loss of his father. Learning to play John Lennon’s songs on guitar became a way to “fill that void” and feel connected to his father’s legacy. He articulated that music became a way to understand his father better after his passing, a means of processing grief and forging a deeper connection to his father’s artistic spirit.
Sean shares a strong bond with his half-brother Julian, who is twelve years his senior. Despite Julian’s initial hesitation, Sean encouraged him to attend a screening of The Beatles: Get Back in 2021. Julian recounted how Sean’s insistence led to a positive experience, strengthening their bond as brothers. Julian affectionately calls Sean his “best mate,” emphasizing their close and loving relationship, characterized by daily communication and mutual support.
In 2020, Sean curated and hosted a BBC Radio special to commemorate what would have been John Lennon’s 80th birthday. The program featured interviews with close friends and family, including Paul McCartney and Elton John, celebrating Lennon’s life and musical contributions. During the show, Sean spoke emotionally about the impact of his father’s music, admitting that some songs, particularly from the Double Fantasy era, are emotionally challenging to listen to, serving as a “time machine” back to precious moments before his father’s death.
Sean has been in a long-term relationship with musician and model Charlotte Kemp Muhl since 2007. Together, they have collaborated on numerous musical projects, most notably as the band The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger, showcasing their shared artistic vision and partnership.
Conclusion
Julian and Sean Lennon have both successfully navigated the complex legacy of their father, John Lennon. Each has forged his own path while honoring their father’s memory through their creative pursuits. Julian’s work in music, writing, and filmmaking, alongside his environmental advocacy, demonstrates a commitment to both artistic expression and positive change. Sean, through his diverse musical projects and collaborations, continues to explore and expand upon the musical heritage he inherited. Together, John Lennon’s sons represent not just the continuation of a family legacy, but also individual stories of talent, resilience, and brotherly love.
