Where Were You The Day The Music Died?

All I can hear as I write this is ...."I heard the news today, oh boy...."

On December 8, 1980, John Lennon and Yoko Ono had just left a recording studio and were returning to their New York Apartment in The Dakota, when Mark David Chapman approached Lennon from behind.  Chapman pulled out a .38 Special revolver, shooting five hollow point bullets in Lennon's back in rapid succession. Lennon staggered up five steps to the security station, and said "I'm shot, I'm shot" before collapsing to the floor, scattering a number of cassette tapes he had been carrying. Ironically, earlier that day, Lennon had autographed a copy of an album for Chapman and exchanged pleasantries.

I grew up with the Beatles. Heck, with all apologies to Buddy Holly, Little Richard and Elvis, I was of the impression that The Beatles actually invented popular music! The murder of John Lennon 31 years ago still stings.

I remember exactly where I was when I learned of Lennon's death.  As I have been known to do on occasion, I had dozed off while watching Monday Night Football. Jay, a friend and fellow Beatles fan, called to tell me the horrible news.  I sat straight up, looked at the television and, at that moment, there was a clearly shaken Howard Cossell announcing Lennon's death to the world. For those of you not yet born or too young to remember, the world seemed to stop for a few days. The death of one of the Beatles, for many of us, was truly the end of an era.

"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans"

—John Lennon

Love him or not, it cannot be denied that John Lennon was part of one of the greatest songwriting partnerships in history.  His music, writings, drawings, and wit have left an indelible imprint on our social fabric.

So, where were you 31 years ago?  Do you remember where you were when you heard of John Lennon's death? What are your memories of John Lennon?