On This Day in 1958, John Lennon's Mother and Inspiration for “Julia” Met Her Tragic End
As astronomically successful and unique as John Lennon’s short life was, tragedy and hardship punctuated his 40 short years, from the death of his mother on July 15, 1958, to his own fateful end in December 1980. The latter event would impact the entire world, not to mention his former bandmates. But the former tragedy was equally influential, deeply affecting Lennon, his band, and the music they created.
Without Julia Lennon, John might not have grown into a musician. Perhaps he would have settled for a blue-collar job or the bohemian life of a visual artist. Fortunately for John (and the rest of the world), Julia happily passed down her love of music to her son.
Considering her son’s global cultural influence, it should come as no surprise that Julia Lennon (née Stanley) was as every bit as charismatic, daring, and rebellious as her son, John Lennon, would come to be. If there were ever a problem child in the Stanley family, they would likely give Julia the title. She danced, sang, joked, and played instruments without any care for lady-likeness or societal (and familial) expectations that might be looming over her.
Julia married Alf Lennon in 1938, much to the chagrin of her family, who didn’t believe the Merchant Navy steward had the proper means to support the family. Nevertheless, the marriage persisted, and eventually, Julia and Alf became pregnant with their first and only son, John Lennon. Alf and Julia’s marriage fell apart shortly thereafter, and John’s life didn’t get much easier after that. Julia’s sister, Mimi Smith, insisted that John live with her instead of Julia. Various accounts dispute the reasoning behind this arrangement, but it went into effect nonetheless. John moved into a small bedroom in his aunt’s house in 1945.
Source: americansongwriter.com/Melanie Davis
