Julian Lennon

John Charles Julian Lennon was born April 8, 1963 in Liverpool, England. He is the only child of singer/songwriter John Lennon and artist/writer Cynthia Powell.

While growing up, Julian was kept from the hype that was Beatlemania due to Beatles manager and godfather Brian Epstein feeling that John Lennon's appeal would falter if many of his adoring fans discovered he had a wife and child. It was a strain not only felt by his mother, but John as well who, at the time, was too involved with his career and lifestyle to be a present father.

This absence has continued to be an issue with Julian, before and after John's death, and at times he seems to have lukewarm feelings about the status of his father's impact on the world as a whole.

This is not to say that Julian's existence was completely ignored by his father or the Beatles. It is noted that Julian's drawing of a lady flying through a diamond filled sky became the inspiration of one of his father's most famous songs, "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds."

"Good Night," a track from the White Album (sung by Ringo Starr), was written by John as a lullaby for his son.

"Hey Jude," one of the Beatles most popular songs, was written by Paul McCartney as a comfort to Julian who appeared caught between his parents bitter divorce.

After the death of his father on December 8, 1980, Julian quit school and began to focus on a musical career.

His first solo claim to fame came through the 1984 release of his Grammy nominated album, Valotte, and the popular singles "Too Late for Goodbyes" and the title track "Valotte."

Although many would find his musical career checkered due to the vast similarities and comparisons the industry has unfairly placed on him to his father (looks, voice), an expectation he feels he shouldn't have to meet, it can be understood that Julian Lennon is an artist who indeed can stand on his own.

His last release was the very eclectic and moving Photograph Smile in 1998.

However, according to his official website, Julian is expected to release a new album in 2007 and it is well overdue.

For more information on Julian Lennon, please visit Wikipedia/Julian Lennon or his official site, Julian Lennon.