John Lennon: The New York Years

text & images by Bob Gruen

A musical genius, an innovator, a peace activist--John Lennon was all these and more, and he continues to be revered a quarter century after his shocking murder in New York elevated him to mythic stature. Published to coincide with the 25th anniversary of Lennon's death, this intimate album of 150 photographs--most of which have never been published before--offers a very personal view of the rock legend in his last decade by someone who had astounding access to his private life.

Bob Gruen first photographed Lennon in 1971 and became his personal photographer and close friend shortly thereafter. Over the course of the next nine years, right up until Lennon was killed, Gruen would photograph him extensively. This book assembles the most revealing of those images, taken during Lennon's years in New York, together with Gruen's reflections on the circumstances surrounding the photos, including John's relationship with Yoko, how he dealt with fame, and his experiences with fatherhood. The result is a remarkable behind-the-scenes look at John Lennon as a performer, a legend, and a person.

Bob Gruen is one of the world's most respected photographers of the rock scene, and was John Lennon's personal photographer through the 1970s. He has also worked with major rock and roll figures including Elton John, Led Zeppelin, the Rolling Stones, and Tina Turner. His work has appeared in numerous publications and galleries including the National Portrait Gallery in London. He lives in New York City.