The legendary John Lennon, a cornerstone of The Beatles, gifted the world timeless anthems like “Here Comes the Sun,” “All You Need Is Love,” and “Strawberry Fields Forever.” His life was tragically cut short in 1980, but his artistic legacy extends beyond music to his two sons, Julian and Sean Lennon. These two men, John Lennon’s kids, carry forward their father’s creative spirit in their own unique ways.
Julian Charles John Lennon: The Elder Son
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Julian Charles John Lennon, the firstborn of John Lennon’s kids, arrived on April 8, 1963, in Liverpool, England. Originally named John Charles Julian Lennon, he later legally changed his name in 2020 to Julian Charles John Lennon. This decision, as Julian explained on the Word in Your Ear podcast, stemmed from years of travel-related complications and anxieties associated with constantly being identified primarily as “John Lennon.” He sought to alleviate the inevitable wisecracks and security hurdles that came with sharing his father’s famous first name on travel documents.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Julian carved his own path as a respected musician. With seven studio albums to his name, including 2022’s introspective album Jude, he has established himself as a singer-songwriter. The album title Jude is a poignant nod to the iconic Beatles song “Hey Jude,” penned by Paul McCartney in 1968 to comfort a young Julian during his parents’ divorce. Julian described Jude as a journey of self-reflection, aimed at finding inner peace amidst life’s complexities.
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In a 2020 BBC Radio interview with his brother Sean, Julian recounted a touching memory from his teenage years, offering a glimpse into his evolving relationship with his father before Lennon’s untimely passing. He recalled a phone call where John played him a mix of “Starting Over,” his final song before his death. Julian described feeling his father’s happiness and excitement for his music, a bittersweet last moment of connection.
Beyond music, Julian’s creative talents extend to filmmaking, photography, and writing. In 2017, he ventured into children’s literature with Touch the Earth, the first book in a trilogy designed to cultivate eco-consciousness in young readers. This project subtly honors his father’s legacy while addressing contemporary environmental concerns, reflecting Julian’s commitment to positive change.
Sean Taro Ono Lennon: The Younger Son
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Sean Taro Ono Lennon, John Lennon’s younger son, was born to John and Yoko Ono on October 9, 1975, coinciding with John’s 35th birthday. Growing up in New York City, Sean had an unusual childhood, including a close friendship with his neighbor, the renowned singer Roberta Flack. Their bond, which Sean fondly described as being like family, is highlighted in the documentary Roberta, where he affectionately refers to her as “Aunt Roberta.”
Like his father and older brother, Sean embraced music as a primary form of expression. He has released four solo albums, collaborated on five albums with his mother Yoko Ono, and contributed to three albums with the psychedelic rock group The Claypool Lennon Delirium. Sean’s musical versatility extends to production, with credits including Lana Del Rey’s 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 served as a way to connect with his father’s memory and process his grief. Music became a bridge to understanding his father on a deeper level, filling a void left by his absence.
Sean shares a strong and supportive relationship with his half-brother Julian. Despite a 12-year age difference, they consider each other close confidantes. In 2021, they attended a screening of The Beatles: Get Back together, a decision Julian initially hesitated on but ultimately embraced thanks to Sean’s encouragement. Julian has described Sean as his “best mate,” emphasizing their brotherly love and daily communication.
In 2020, Sean curated a special BBC Radio program to commemorate what would have been John Lennon’s 80th birthday. The show featured contributions from family and friends, including Paul McCartney and Elton John, celebrating John Lennon’s life and musical impact. Sean openly expressed the emotional weight of revisiting his father’s music, particularly songs from the Double Fantasy era, which evoke powerful memories of the time before his father’s death.
Sean has been in a long-term partnership with musician and model Charlotte Kemp Muhl since 2007. They met at Coachella in 2005 and have since collaborated extensively on musical projects, most notably in their band The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger, showcasing their shared artistic vision.
Both Julian and Sean Lennon, John Lennon’s kids, have successfully navigated the complexities of carrying a legendary name while forging their own identities in music and beyond. They stand as testaments to John Lennon’s enduring creative legacy, each contributing their unique talents to the world.
