SLO County songwriters pay tribute to John Lennon
You have to wonder what John Lennon might have done with an additional 35 years.
Even up to his death, the former Beatle continued to create memorable, sonically pleasing songs, including “Woman,” “Nobody Told Me” and “(Just Like) Starting Over.” But on Dec. 8, 1980 — not long after he wrote “Grow Old With Me” — Lennon was gunned down in New York City.
If former band mate Paul McCartney is any indication, Lennon, who would have turned 75 on Oct. 9, would have continued to create music. But his tragic murder requires Lennon be remembered for the vast catalogue he compiled during his 40 years.
Several local performers will offer their own interpretations of those songs during tribute concerts at the Shell Cafe tonight and on Oct. 13 at SOhO in Santa Barbara — two special editions of the Songwriters at Play Series, which occasionally features tribute nights.
We asked three of the performers to write about the Lennon songs they chose to sing.
LOREN RADIS, NIPOMO - ‘All You Need is Love’
This has long been my favorite song, and it’s more than just beautiful to listen to — it’s a true and powerful statement that could improve the world if more people (myself included) applied it. When I play this song, I try to make it new, like you’re hearing it for the first time. It’s a gorgeous song and more than anything — I just want to do it justice.
By: Patrick S. Pemberton
Source: The Tribune
