John Lennon's Long And Winding Life In 40 Rare Photos

source: Reddit

The Beatles -- John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison -- are among the most influential and successful rock bands of all time. Of the four, John Lennon had the most turbulent and ultimately tragic story. It was John who had a secret wife and child; he had the artist-girlfriend (Yoko Ono) who "broke up" the band; he was viewed as a messianic figure, he was a constant advocate for peace; he was always getting naked; he was publicly bitter about his time with the Beatles and privately violent with the people he loved the most. 

In 1980, John Lennon was murdered on the street outside his apartment building in New York City. Lennon's music is still loved and played today, and he will forever remain in our hearts. The following photos trace Lennon's short life from his birth in England to his last day on Earth.