Songwriter, rock singer and guitar player, best known for his work with The Beatles during the 1960s and 1970s. Inducted into Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1987. Inducted into Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 1994 (Performer). Born: 9 October 1940 in Liverpool, Lancashire, UK. Died: 8 December 1980 in NYC, NY, USA. John Winston Ono Lennon (MBE, gave it back) was an English singer, songwriter, and peace activist, who gained worldwide fame as the founder, co-lead vocalist, and rhythm guitarist of the Beatles. His songwriting partnership with Paul McCartney remains the most successful in musical history. In 1969, he started the Plastic Ono Band with his second wife, Yoko Ono (parents of Sean Lennon).