I remember the day it happened like it was yesterday. I went out to fetch the morning paper and, upon unfolding it from its plastic sleeve, I saw the banner headline "JOHN LENNON SHOT DEAD". It was like someone kicked me in the stomach. I was devastated for days....weeks even. It affected me like few, if any, deaths of those near and dear to me have either before or since. I never really realized the influence and importance he had on my life until he was gone. His talent was pure genius. His charismatic pull even greater....the voice of a generation lost in the haze and hedonism and hate and horror of the 1960s and 70s. Scarcely a day goes by when I don't at least think of him in some capacity. He had (and continues to have) a profound presence and affect on my life and he always will.
I know that Don McLean wrote and recorded the song "American Pie" as a reference to the tragic and untimely death of another great icon of Rock 'n' Roll, Buddy Holly....but to me, December 8, 1980 will always be the day the music died. I sorely miss and dearly love my good friend, mentor and brother John Lennon.