Getty Sean Ono Lennon At Empire State Building Lighting Ceremony In Honor Of Father John Lennon's 80th Birthday on October 08, 2020 in New York City.
Sean Ono Lennon was just a young boy when his dad, John Lennon, was gunned down outside the family’s Manhattan apartment. Sean Lennon is the son of Yoko Ono. John Lennon had two sons, Sean and Julian.
Sean Lennon spoke to ABC 20/20 in an episode airing shortly after Lennon’s birthday and as the anniversary of his murder draws near. Lennon would have turned 80 on October 9, 1940. The episode, “John Lennon: His Life, Legacy, Last Days” airs Friday, October 16, 2020 at 9 p.m. Eastern time.
Here’s what you need to know:
Sean Lennon Is a Musician & Released His First Album in 1998
Lennon made his debut in music on Yoko Ono’s Season of Glass in 1981, repeating a story his dad used to tell him as a little boy. He also performed on “It’s Alright” on his mom’s tribute album, “Every Man Has a Woman” (1984). Four years after that, he was featured in Michael Jackson’s “Moonwalker” video, according to Biography.
He later contributed lyrics to Lenny Kravitz’s 1991 album, “Mama Said,” and he was a part of the band for Ono’s 1996 album, “Rising.” His debut solo album, “Into the Sun,” was released in 1998.
He has continued releasing music during the coronavirus pandemic. He is 45 today.
“Check out this brand new end of summer banger, Paraphernalia, that I worked on with these sexy beasts! @templesofficial (YouTube link in my bio.) The official 2020 dancing alone in quarantine smash!” he wrote on Instagram September 2, 2020.
Lennon has been in a relationship since 2006 with model and singer Charlotte Kemp Muhl, according to Cheat Sheet. They met at Coachella in 2004.
They recently sang together on a Marc Bolan/T Rex cover album with Nick Cave and Joan Jett.
“The Marc Bolan/T Rex cover album we sang on with Nick Cave and Joan Jett and others is out now! Produced by our beloved and late Hal Wilner,” Kemp Muhl wrote on Instagram September 7, 2020.
Sean Lennon Was Born on His Dad’s 35th Birthday & Makes Public Appearances That Day Each Year for the Lighting of the Empire State Building
Sean Lennon and his father share a birthday. The younger Lennon was born October 9, 1975, on his dad’s 35th birthday. He was five years old when John Lennon was killed.
Each year, Sean Lennon makes a public appearance at the Empire State Building, which is lit in John Lennon’s honor every year for his birthday. This year, it was lit sky blue and illuminated with a peace sign. Sean Ono Lennon flipped the switch for the celebration, which you can watch here or above.
“My dad moved to New York in 1971. He always said that New York is the greatest city in the world, and I’m really grateful that he raised me here,” he said in the interview.
He said he hoped the celebration of his dad’s life would help spread his message of “peace,” “love” and “truth.”
“They say it’s your birthday…” the Empire State Building wrote on its Facebook page. “We’re joining Universal Music Group & Sean Lennon in honoring the 80th birthday of musical legend & The Beatles member John Lennon by shining sky blue with a peace sign in our mast tonight. Our lights also celebrate the ‘Gimme Some Truth’ Album Release!”
READ NEXT: Mark David Chapman Now: Where Is John Lennon’s Killer Today in 2020?