March 10, 2023 —– Chart #186
Hello Music Friends,
Hey folks, welcome to another edition of Chart of the Week. The Fab 4 were one of if not The Greatest rock and roll band ever. There is no end to that debate, but these guys could write songs like few ever have or will. In 1971 John Lennon released a solo album and it was true to form. “Imagine” is a song by British rock musician John Lennon from his 1971 album of the same name. The best-selling single of his solo career, the lyrics encourage listeners to imagine a world of peace, without materialism, without borders separating nations and without religion. Shortly before his death, Lennon said that much of the song’s lyrics and content came from his wife, Yoko Ono
Lennon and Ono co-produced the song with Phil Spector. Recording began at Lennon’s home studio at Tittenhurst Park, England, in May 1971, with final overdubs taking place at the Record Plant, in New York City, during July. In October, Lennon released “Imagine” as a single in the United States, where it peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was first issued as a single in Britain in 1975, to promote the compilation Shaved Fish, and reached number six on the UK Singles Chart that year. It later topped the chart following Lennon’s murder in 1980.
“Imagine” has sold more than 1.7 million copies in the UK. More than 200 artists have performed or covered the song, including Madonna, Stevie Wonder, Joan Baez, Lady Gaga, Elton John and Diana Ross. After “Imagine” was featured at the 2012 Summer Olympics, the song re-entered the UK Top 40, reaching number 18, and was presented as a theme song in the opening ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics. The song remains controversial, as it has been since its release, over its request to imagine “no religion too”.
I don’t know about you, but when I hear this song it’s hard to get it out of my head. This song is just fun to sIng and play. Recorded on piano, I find it is just as beautiful on guitar. Give it a try.
Keep rockin’,
Stan Bradshaw