Celebrating John Lennon's 83rd Birthday at Strawberry Fields

Commemorating John Lennon’s 83rd Birthday

On a crisp morning that gradually transformed into a warmer autumn afternoon, music lovers, Beatles fans, and passersby gathered at Strawberry Fields in Central Park, New York City, to commemorate what would have been John Lennon's 83rd birthday on October 9, 2023. 

As someone whose life has been deeply influenced by The Beatles and founding member John Lennon’s music, I found myself always drawn to this memorial when in the area—situated just across the street from The Dakota apartment building on West 72nd St. where Lennon was tragically killed in 1980.

The Imagine mosaic, installed within Strawberry Fields in Central Park as a tribute to John Lennon, was finalized in 1985. It is a unique, black and white circular pathway mosaic crafted from carefully inlaid stones. It famously features a singular word at its center: "Imagine," the iconic title of Lennon's most well-known song. Surrounded by flowers, gifts, notes, tributes, and people of all ages, backgrounds, and even species—from babies to dogs. 

“Strawberry Fields is a place of community, happiness, and music. It's hard to find such a tranquil place anywhere else in the city,” shared Ivan Manimbo, a fan in attendance–and longtime friend. The atmosphere was a beautiful showing of shared love for a man and his music—proof that the Beatles' legacy endures and John’s spirit lives on. Ivan continued, "Whether you are walking by, sitting on a bench, or in the crowd singing along, there is an overwhelming sense of togetherness and peace that is hard to get anywhere else. It is truly amazing to see how John has affected people's lives to this day."

My Personal Ties

For me, the Beatles have always been more than just a band. They've been a massive presence in my life for the past four or so years, sparking my interest in their journey from “Revolver” to “Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band” to “Abbey Road.” Arguably, my passion for music wouldn't have been as deeply ingrained without experiencing my lengthy “Beatles phase.” 

Their albums, though recorded in the 1960s, still sound fresh and relevant today. The transformative power of the Beatles, obviously partly driven by John Lennon's innovative force, has been a guiding light in my journey as a music lover.

To me, Lennon's range as an artist was supreme—seemingly moving effortlessly from the “Beatle-y” boy-band tunes like "I Should Have Known Better" or “Eight Days A Week” to heartfelt ballads like “Woman” and “Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy).” His contributions to both The Beatles and his own solo endeavors are just so remarkable to me—leaving behind enduring legacies through the music he created in each era. 

He went beyond singer-songwriter status; he was almost like a poet and a visionary with his lyricism. His sudden and tragic assassination at the age of 40 left a void in the world, a sense of ‘what if?’ I often wonder where his creative journey would have led him through the evolution of music and technology—but I guess we can only wonder.

The Music and the Fans

The mosaic, with its "Imagine" inscription, is obviously the heart of Strawberry Fields. During the day of the celebration, the once all blue sky slowly transitioned—revealing a scattering of white clouds that bore what looked like a resemblance to the iconic cover art of "Imagine," John Lennon’s 1971 album. As a crowd gathered around the mosaic, singing just about his whole catalog, you couldn't help but feel the profound impact of Lennon's words and music on generations past and present. 

The assembled fans serenaded themselves with all of John’s Beatles classics—"I Want To Hold Your Hand" to the timeless "Help!" While it may be a party in honor of John, the fans who gather always celebrate the other three Beatles, as well. The crowd found themselves singing to iconic Paul McCartney hits like "Let it Be,"—to George Harrison's big songs such as "Something" and "Here Comes the Sun." Of course, Ringo Starr was not forgotten as fans passionately included "With A Little Help From My Friends."

Watching the musicians smoothly transition from one song to another while the enthusiastic crowd joyfully observed and sang along was quite captivating. 

The mood shifted with each song–evoking a sense of togetherness and empowerment during renditions of "Come Together" and "Give Peace a Chance." Meanwhile, songs like "This Boy" and "If I Fell" brought out a sentimentality and tenderness that resonated with everyone as they sang in perfect harmony. It was inspiring to see every instrument and backing vocal flawlessly remembered by the fans. Even a spontaneous fiddle player unexpectedly joined the crowd–impressively showing off his skills on the strings. 

The Long-Lasting Legacy of Lennon

At the age of 90, Yoko Ono, singer-songwriter, artist, peace activist, and the widow of John Lennon, is believed to still reside in The Dakota building across the street—symbolizing her enduring love for John and a strong connection to what once was. I find this enduring connection to John's life adds to the specialness of Strawberry Fields. What makes it even more special is that Yoko Ono, drawing inspiration from her background as a conceptual artist, played a pivotal role in shaping the idea for her late husband’s memorial at Strawberry Fields. 

Collaborating with the Central Park Conservancy and landscape architect Bruce Kelly, they came up with a design that not only honored Lennon's legacy but also brought back a dying section of Central Park, creating a peaceful and inclusive space for visitors from across the globe. It's not just a memorial; it's a living testament to a man who simply wanted peace and change through his music.

Throughout the day, people of all walks of life came to join in the celebration. From the youngest kids to the oldest fans, as many strollers as wheelchairs, and even some four-legged friends—everyone united in song and joy. As the afternoon sun began to set, the mosaic became gently illuminated by a small group of candles placed by fans. It was an emotional sight—a view which reminded me that even in the darkness, music and love can, of course, light the way. 

“The memorial was lit up by the candles, left by those remembering John,” stated Ivan. The city's skyscrapers loomed in the distance, casting long shadows through the trees of Central Park, but the remaining crowd at Strawberry Fields even into the night was a beacon of hope, love, and peace. Ivan added, “All at once, the crowd began to sing the words of a man who was no longer with us. It made me appreciate Lennon, his memory, and the music more than I already had.”

The enduring power of John Lennon's music is evident not only in the hearts of these fans that came out to Strawberry Fields but also the hearts of people across the world. As of late November 2023, John Lennon continues to attract 15 million monthly listeners on Spotify, and the Beatles, as a collective, still pull in 36.4 million monthly listeners. The Beatles reign as the 81st most streamed artist on the streaming service.

Despite two of their bandmates having passed away and their breakup occurring over 50 years ago, the Fab Four remain a dominant cultural influence.

In a world that feels divided and against each other, Strawberry Fields on Oct. 9, 2023, reminded me of the unifying power of music. For an artist who left the world before I was even born, the emotional connection to John Lennon and The Beatles is undeniably strong in not only me but many others. 

"I can't wait to be back there soon," Ivan added. The message of peace, love, and imagination lives on in Strawberry Fields, where a mosaic and a crowd of diverse, passionate fans come together every day to honor a legend. Every October 9th–John’s birthday–fans gather at Strawberry Fields to sing and celebrate throughout the day and night. 

Additionally, on December 8th, in remembrance of the day he was tragically shot and killed across the street at the Dakota–a similar commemoration takes place. These celebrations have been a longstanding tradition at the memorial. John Lennon's work has proven to transcend time and generations–a testament to his enduring legacy.

As the sun finally dipped below the horizon and the candles illuminated the Imagine mosaic, it was clear that John Lennon's spirit still shines brightly in the world. 

The experience of attending his 83rd birthday celebration at Strawberry Fields will forever remain a cherished memory for me, and another chapter in the story of his remembrance.

In the words of John Lennon himself, “You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will live as one.” And on that October day in Central Park West, for a brief moment, it really felt like the world was as one, united in love and music at Strawberry Fields.