John Lennon, a name synonymous with musical genius and cultural impact, remains an icon decades after his tragic passing. Best known as a founder of the Beatles, Lennon gifted the world timeless anthems like “Imagine,” “Let It Be,” and “Hey Jude.” Beyond his monumental musical achievements, Lennon’s legacy extends through his two sons, Julian and Sean Lennon, each carving their own paths while carrying forward their father’s artistic spirit. This article delves into the lives of John Lennon’s children, exploring their relationships with their father, their individual careers, and the unique legacies they have built.
Julian Lennon: The Elder Son
Julian Charles John Lennon, born on April 8, 1963, in Liverpool, England, is John Lennon’s first son, from his marriage to Cynthia Powell. Initially named John Charles Julian Lennon, he legally changed his name in 2020 to Julian Charles John Lennon. This decision, as Julian explained on the Word in Your Ear podcast, was driven by years of travel and security-related hassles due to the constant recognition of “John Lennon” as his first name on documents. Growing up in the shadow of his famous father was undoubtedly complex, yet Julian has navigated his life with grace, forging his own identity as a respected artist in multiple fields.
Early Life and “Hey Jude”
Julian’s early childhood was inevitably intertwined with the whirlwind of Beatlemania. However, the family life was disrupted by his parents’ divorce when Julian was young. It was during this difficult time that Paul McCartney famously penned “Hey Jude.” Originally titled “Hey Jules,” the song was intended as a comforting message to young Julian during his parents’ separation. This iconic song, while born from a personal family moment, would become a lasting symbol of both the Beatles’ musical genius and a poignant chapter in Julian’s childhood.
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Musical Career and Artistic Pursuits
Following in his father’s footsteps, Julian embarked on a successful music career. He has released seven studio albums, showcasing his talents as a singer-songwriter. His 2022 album, Jude, is particularly noteworthy, directly referencing the Beatles’ classic and marking a deeply personal and reflective phase in his artistic journey. As Julian shared with PEOPLE, the album was about “looking in the mirror deeply and trying to find that place of peace,” indicating a profound exploration of self and identity through his music.
Beyond music, Julian has explored various artistic avenues, establishing himself as a filmmaker, photographer, and author. In 2017, he ventured into children’s literature, releasing Touch the Earth, the first book in a trilogy aimed at fostering eco-awareness among young readers. This project reflects Julian’s commitment to using his platform for positive impact, subtly echoing his father’s own advocacy for peace and a better world. “I would hope that these books would serve as a gentle reminder of how beautiful the world we live in is, as well as the problems we face on a daily basis,” Julian explained, highlighting the books’ intention to nurture both environmental consciousness and meaningful conversations between parents and children.
Relationship with John Lennon
Julian’s relationship with his father was complex and evolved over time. While there were periods of estrangement, particularly during Julian’s younger years, they reconnected later in John Lennon’s life. Watching The Beatles: Get Back documentary offered Julian a chance to revisit fond childhood memories of his father. He described to PEOPLE a renewed appreciation for his father’s “goofy, funny, sarcastic, charming” side, recalling the man he knew before the complexities of fame and life took over.
In a poignant BBC Radio interview with his younger brother Sean, Julian recounted one of his last phone conversations with his father. He remembered John Lennon playing “Starting Over,” his final song before his death, over the phone, sharing his happiness and creative fulfillment. This memory, for Julian, represents a bittersweet final moment, capturing his father in a joyful and inspired state, just before his tragic passing.
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Sean Ono Lennon: The Younger Son
Sean Taro Ono Lennon, born on October 9, 1975, in New York City, is John Lennon’s second son, from his marriage to Yoko Ono. Remarkably, Sean was born on his father’s 35th birthday, a unique and special coincidence. Growing up in New York City with Yoko Ono, Sean’s upbringing was immersed in art, music, and a distinctive cultural environment. Like Julian, Sean has carved his own niche in the music world, while also maintaining a close bond with his family and his father’s legacy.
Birth and Childhood
Sean’s childhood in New York City placed him in a vibrant artistic community. He notably grew up next door to the legendary singer Roberta Flack, forming a close, lifelong friendship. Sean affectionately referred to her as “Aunt Roberta,” highlighting the warm, familial bond they shared. In the documentary Roberta, Sean fondly recalled his childhood neighbor, initially unaware of her iconic status, simply appreciating her as a “really cool neighbor.” This anecdote offers a glimpse into Sean’s unique upbringing, surrounded by both celebrity and genuine personal connections.
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Musical Career and Influences
Sean has established himself as a versatile and accomplished musician in his own right. He has released four solo albums, collaborated extensively with his mother Yoko Ono on five albums, and is part of the psychedelic rock band The Claypool Lennon Delirium, with whom he has released three albums. His musical style is diverse, reflecting influences ranging from rock and pop to psychedelic and experimental genres. Furthermore, Sean’s talents extend to production, having credits on albums such as Lana Del Rey’s Lust For Life.
Sean has openly spoken about how music became a way to connect with his late father. In a 2024 interview with PEOPLE, he shared, “I lost my father and I didn’t know how to fill that void. Learning how to play his songs on guitar was a way to process the loss with an activity that [made me feel connected to him].” For Sean, music is not just a career but a deeply personal connection to his father’s memory and artistic spirit. “Making music always made me feel like I was getting to know him better,” he explained, emphasizing the emotional and personal significance of his musical journey.
Relationship with Julian Lennon
Despite a twelve-year age gap, Sean shares a strong and close relationship with his half-brother Julian. They describe themselves as “best mates” and maintain daily contact. In 2021, they attended a screening of The Beatles: Get Back together, a significant moment for both brothers. Julian, who was initially hesitant, was persuaded by Sean to attend as “a team.” This joint appearance symbolized their bond and shared connection to their father’s Beatles legacy. Julian emphasized their brotherly love, stating, “We’re brothers and we love each other deeply on that level.”
Sean also hosted a special BBC Radio show in 2020 to commemorate what would have been John Lennon’s 80th birthday. The show featured conversations with family and friends, including Paul McCartney and Elton John, celebrating John Lennon’s life and musical contributions. During the program, Sean expressed the emotional depth of his father’s music, sharing, “I honestly do worry about crying because sometimes I think when I talk about certain songs that Dad wrote, they’re just so emotional.” This candid moment highlighted the profound and lasting impact of John Lennon’s music, not only on the world but especially on his son Sean.
Personal Life
Sean has been in a long-term relationship with musician and model Charlotte Kemp Muhl since 2007. They met at Coachella in 2005 and have since collaborated on numerous musical projects, most notably in their band, The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger. Their shared artistic partnership reflects a deep personal and creative connection, showcasing Sean’s ongoing dedication to music and artistic collaboration.
Conclusion
Julian and Sean Lennon, the children of John Lennon, have each carved out unique and impactful lives. Both have embraced their musical heritage, becoming accomplished musicians while also exploring other artistic fields. Beyond their individual achievements, they carry forward their father’s legacy, not just through their artistic pursuits but also through their personal reflections and relationships. Julian and Sean stand as testaments to John Lennon’s enduring influence, demonstrating how his spirit and creativity continue to resonate through his children in diverse and meaningful ways.
