John Lennon died 40 years ago today - here are 14 things you might not know about him

Max KalnitzDec 8, 2020, 23:54 IST

The famous picture of John Lennon and Yoko Ono in bed together during their "bed-in for peace" protest in 1969.Keystone/Getty Images

John Lennon was assassinated by Mark David Chapman outside his New York City residence on December 8, 1980.
On the anniversary of his death, we've rounded up 14 things you probably didn't know about the former Beatle and peace activist.
He was investigated by the FBI and was a talented drawer.
He was also overly critical of his own voice and The Beatles' catalog, going as far as to say he wanted to re-record every song The Beatles ever released.

Forty years ago today, on the evening of December 8, 1980, former Beatle and peace activist John Lennon was fatally shot on the doorstep of the Dakota, his New York City residence, after returning home from a recording studio.

Mark David Chapman, an obsessed fan from Hawaii, fired five shots at 40-year-old Lennon, four of which hit him in the back. Lennon was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Just hours before his murder, Lennon had autographed a copy of his and Yoko's album "Double Fantasy" for Chapman. Lennon's death remains one of the saddest days in music history.

Here are 14 facts you might not have known about the musician, artist, father, and peace activist John Lennon.

John Lennon was raised by his aunt Mimi, who didn't particularly approve of his interest in pursuing music as a career.

John Lennon as a boy, circa 1948. Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Lennon's first instrument wasn't the guitar or the piano.

John Lennon in 1964. Harry Benson/Getty Images

John Lennon reportedly stole the harmonica used in the intro of "Love Me Do."

John Lennon plays the harmonica in this 1962 portrait of The Beatles. V&A Images/Getty Images

Lennon was overly critical of his voice.

John Lennon in 1975. Rowland Scherman/Getty Images

He was unhappy with all of The Beatles' records.

The Beatles photographed in 1966. Clockwise from top left: Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. Roger Viollet Collection/Getty Images

Lennon used to take naps in an old coffin, according to a biography of his one-time manager.

The famous picture of John Lennon and Yoko Ono in bed together during their "bed-in for peace" protest in 1969. Keystone/Getty Images

He shares a birthday with his son Sean.

Sean Lennon in 2020. Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Sean Lennon found out his dad was a Beatle after seeing him on TV.

John Lennon with Yoko Ono and a young Sean Lennon in 1977. Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

John Lennon was investigated by the FBI.

John Lennon in 1969. Rolls Press/Popperfoto/Getty Images

Lennon didn't get his driver's license until he was 24.

John Lennon in a car with Yoko Ono and her daughter Kyoko in 1969. George Stroud/Getty Images

Lennon suffered from extreme near-sightedness.

John Lennon wearing his iconic glasses in 1971. Michael Putland/Getty Images

Despite being a prolific musician, songwriter, and activist, Lennon was self-conscious about how he'd be remembered after his death, according to Paul McCartney.

Paul McCartney (left) and John Lennon in 1964. William Vanderson/Getty Images

Two months before his death, Lennon revealed that The Beatles' song "Help!" reminded him of an unhealthy period of his life.

Yoko Ono and John Lennon sharing a meal in 1969. John Bulmer/Popperfoto/Getty Images

Music wasn't the only art form Lennon mastered - he was also a talented artist.

Some of John Lennon's drawings on display at Sotheby's auction house in 2014. Spencer Platt/Getty Images

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