Sep 01, 2010

Gimme Some Truth Collection to be released Oct 4th

JOHN LENNON

GIMME SOME TRUTH

 

FULL TRACKLISTS AND COVER ART UNVEILED FOR EIGHT ALBUMS REMASTERED FROM LENNON’S ORIGINAL MIXES AND SEVERAL NEW COLLECTIONS TO BE RELEASED ON 4TH OCTOBER


Sweeping Catalogue Initiative Overseen by Yoko Ono and EMI Music Commemorates Lennon’s 70th Birthday



London, England – September 1, 2010 – EMI Music unveils today the complete tracklists and cover art for a broad selection of remastered John Lennon albums and new collections to be released on CD and digitally on 4 October (5 October in North America). Announced last month, EMI Music’s global John Lennon ‘Gimme Some Truth’ catalogue campaign is being overseen by Yoko Ono and commemorates the music legend’s 70th birthday on 9 October, 2010. Featured in the sweeping initiative are eight remastered John Lennon solo albums and new titles including Double Fantasy Stripped Down, Power To The People: The Hits, Gimme Some Truth, and the John Lennon Signature Box.


For the first time, Lennon’s classic solo albums and other standout recordings have been digitally remastered from his original mixes. Double Fantasy, 1980’s GRAMMY Award winner for Album of the Year, will be presented with a newly remixed 'Stripped Down' version produced by Yoko Ono and Jack Douglas, Lennon’s original co-producers for the album. Some Time In New York City has been restored to include the six ‘Live Jam’ recordings featured on the original album.


The deluxe 11CD and digital John Lennon Signature Box includes 13 previously unreleased home recordings, and Yoko Ono, Sean Lennon, and Julian Lennon have each written personal essays for the lavish collection.


The cover art for the new titles includes original drawings by Sean Lennon for Double Fantasy Stripped Down, while the cover of 1974’s Walls and Bridges is restored to its original artwork.


John Lennon’s life and music will be specially feted this fall with a variety of commemorative releases and events around the world.  Please visit www.johnlennon.com for official announcements and updates.


Click HERE to view all of the John Lennon cover art images.

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Jun 29, 2010

'Gimme Some Truth' Campaign


JOHN LENNON ALBUMS REMASTERED FROM THE ORIGINAL MIXES AND NEW COLLECTIONS COMPILED FOR GLOBAL “GIMME SOME TRUTH” CAMPAIGN LAUNCHING IN OCTOBER

THE GRAMMY AWARD WINNING ALBUM 'DOUBLE FANTASY' WILL NOW BE AVAILABLE IN A NEWLY REMIXED 'STRIPPED DOWN' VERSION PRODUCED BY YOKO ONO AND JACK DOUGLAS


Sweeping Catalogue Initiative Overseen by Yoko Ono and EMI Music Commemorates Lennon’s 70th Birthday

Eight of John Lennon’s classic solo albums and other standout recordings have been digitally remastered from his original mixes for a global catalogue initiative commemorating the music legend’s 70th birthday, which falls on October 9.

Overseen by Yoko Ono, John Lennon’s “Gimme Some Truth” campaign will launch on 4 October (5 October in North America) with the worldwide release of eight remastered studio albums and several newly-compiled titles.

Double Fantasy, 1980’s GRAMMY Award winner for Album of the Year, will be presented in a newly remixed 'Stripped Down' version remixed and produced by Yoko Ono and Jack Douglas, co-producers of the original mix with John Lennon. The new stripped down version of the album comes in an expanded 2CD and digital edition pairing the new version with Lennon’s original mix, remastered.

The campaign’s other new collections include:

• A hits compilation in two editions titled Power To The People: The Hits
• A 4CD set of themed discs titled Gimme Some Truth
• A deluxe 11CD collectors box with the remastered albums, rarities, and non-album singles, titled the John Lennon Signature Box

All of the remastered albums and collections will be available on CD and for download purchase from all major digital service providers

YOKO ONO said: “In this very special year, which would have seen my husband and life partner John reach the age of 70, I hope that this remastering / reissue programme will help bring his incredible music to a whole new audience. By remastering 121 tracks spanning his solo career, I hope also that those who are already familiar with John’s work will find renewed inspiration from his incredible gifts as a songwriter, musician and vocalist and from his power as a commentator on the human condition. His lyrics are as relevant today as they were when they were first written and I can think of no more apposite title for this campaign than those simple yet direct words 'Gimme Some Truth'.”

The albums have been digitally remastered from Lennon’s original mixes by Yoko Ono and a team of engineers led by Allan Rouse at EMI Music’s Abbey Road Studios in London and by George Marino at Avatar Studios in New York. All of the remastered titles will be packaged in digisleeves with replicated original album art and booklets with photos and new liner notes by noted British music journalist Paul Du Noyer. The albums to be reissued are:

John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band (1970)
Imagine (1971)
Some Time In New York City (1972)
Mind Games (1973)
Walls and Bridges (1974)
Rock ‘n’ Roll (1975)
Double Fantasy Stripped Down (2010) / Double Fantasy (1980)
Milk and Honey (1984)

YOKO ONO added: “Double Fantasy Stripped Down really allows us to focus our attention on John’s amazing vocals. Technology has advanced so much that, conversely, I wanted to use new techniques to really frame these amazing songs and John's voice as simply as possible. By stripping down some of the instrumentation the power of the songs shines through with an enhanced clarity. Double Fantasy Stripped Down will be complemented by the original album in the 2CD format. It was whilst working on the new version of this album that I was hit hardest emotionally, as this was the last album John released before his passing."

Power To The People: The Hits gathers 15 of Lennon’s most popular songs, and will be available as a 15-track single-disc and digital package, and as an Experience Edition with additional content. Both versions will be packaged in digisleeves with booklets including a new liner note essay by Du Noyer.

Gimme Some Truth, to be packaged in a slipcase with rare photos and a new liner notes essays by respected American music journalist and author, Anthony DeCurtis, presents 72 of Lennon’s solo recordings on four themed CDs:

• ‘Roots’ – John’s rock ‘n’ roll roots and influences
• ‘Working Class Hero’ – John’s socio-political songs
• ‘Woman’ – John’s love songs
• ‘Borrowed Time’ – John’s songs about life

The John Lennon Signature Box is a deluxe 11CD and digital collection of the eight remastered albums, a disc of rare and previously unreleased recordings, and an EP of Lennon’s non-album singles. The CDs will be housed in digisleeves within a deluxe box including a collectible limited edition John Lennon art print and a hardbound book featuring rare photos, artwork, collages, poetry, and new liner notes by DeCurtis.

One of the world’s most celebrated songwriters and performers of all time, John Lennon was killed at the age of 40 on December 8, 1980. Lennon has been posthumously honoured with a Lifetime Achievement GRAMMY Award and two special BRIT Awards for Outstanding Contribution to Music, and he has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. In 2008, Rolling Stone ranked him in the Top 5 of the magazine’s “100 Greatest Singers Of All Time” list.

In celebration of his 70th birthday on 9 October, 2010, John Lennon’s life and music will be specially feted with a variety of commemorative releases and events around the world.

Please check back for official announcements and updates.

Mar 05, 2010

EMI Music To Release Limited Edition John Lennon Vinyl Exclusively For Record Store Day: April 17

To support Record Store Day on April 17, EMI Music will release a limited edition John Lennon vinyl package to be sold exclusively by participating independent music retailers across the U.S.

John Lennon Singles Bag (limited edition) Capitol/EMI:
Individually numbered Kraftpak envelope with button & string closure; custom plastic adaptor hub
24” x 36” poster + three postcards
Three 45 RPM vinyl singles with replicated original artwork:
- Single 1: John Lennon “Mother” / Yoko Ono “Why”
- Single 2: John Lennon “Imagine” / John Lennon “It’s So Hard”
- Single 3: John Lennon “Watching the Wheels” / Yoko Ono “Yes, I’m Your Angel”


Feb 26, 2010

Behind The Music Remastered

Behind the Music Remastered: John Lennon



Nov 10, 2009

Hard Rock International Announces IMAGINE THERE’S NO HUNGER Campaign

Hard Rock International Announces IMAGINE THERE’S NO HUNGER Campaign to Raise Awareness and Funding for WHY in its Fight Against Hunger and Poverty

Campaign Features SERVE4 – A Limited-Edition Digital Album of Previously Unreleased & Rare Tracks from O.A.R., Elvis Costello, Brett Dennen, Eric Hutchinson and More


In 1971, John Lennon expressed his vision of hope, peace and a world free of poverty through his powerful song “Imagine”. Decades later, his lyrics continue to influence and inspire. Lennon’s mission lives on as his wife, artist and musician Yoko Ono Lennon has joined Hard Rock International for IMAGINE THERE’S NO HUNGER, a global campaign to benefit WHY - a nonprofit organization that strives to fight against hunger and poverty around the world. Dedicated to its LOVE ALL, SERVE ALL motto, 100% of net proceeds from Hard Rock’s campaign will directly benefit WHY and its grassroots partners around the globe, that have developed ways to feed children worldwide who are victims of poverty and also teach them farming and entrepreneurial skills for the future.

Setting the foundation for the 2009 IMAGINE THERE’S NO HUNGER campaign, Hard Rock has partnered with several top musicians and bands, including Campaign Ambassadors O.A.R., who donated a live track of “Lay Down” to the SERVE4 digital album, a project dedicated to serving those in need. Following John Lennon’s lead track “Gimme Some Truth,” donated by Yoko Ono Lennon, SERVE4 will also feature versions of rare, live or previously unreleased tracks from some of music’s most influential artists, including O.A.R., Elvis Costello, Eric Hutchinson, Brett Dennen and more. SERVE4 will be available at Hard Rock locations around the world and on www.hardrock.com beginning November 9, 2009, with digital downloads available at iTunes and Amazon.

"This is a beautiful step towards world peace. By imagining there's no hunger, like what John sang in his song, we express our strong desire to bring a world in which children will never again suffer from hunger or poverty. Let's come together and help spread this message around the world," said Yoko Ono Lennon. "John would have loved the fact that so many illustrious and good meaning partners and organizations have stood up to make this effort together."

Hard Rocks’ IMAGINE THERE’S NO HUNGER campaign also includes a charity bracelet and a limited-edition pin, featuring the powerful message “IMAGINE THERE’S NO HUNGER.” 100% of net proceeds from the campaign will be donated directly to WHY to benefit local charities, including the Common Ground Program and Pathfinder Academy both located in Kenya; the Pattanarak Foundation located in Thailand; City of Joy located in India; Yéle Haiti located in Haiti; Hope North located in Uganda; Roots and Shoots located in China; Project Bona Fide located in Nicaragua and Sentabale located in Lesotho.

“Hard Rock has been a longtime supporter of WHY, and I’ve seen firsthand how the organization helps to make a difference around the world,” said Hamish Dodds, President and CEO, Hard Rock International, and Global Ambassador for WHY. “We are proud to continue to support WHY’s life-saving efforts, in hopes that one day, we will have a world without hunger and poverty.”

Servin’ Up Some Rockin’ Charity . . .
Following John Lennon’s lead track “Gimme Some Truth,” the SERVE4 digital album also features live versions of never-before-released or rare tracks by a unique blend of major multi-platinum, award-winning and acclaimed recording artists. The songs on SERVE4 reflect the generosity of the artists that donated them to the project on behalf of serving those in need. All net proceeds from the campaign will be donated directly to WHY and grassroots partners around the globe. ($12 or .99¢ per track at online retailers)

SERVE4:
Artist Track Title
John Lennon “Gimme Some Truth”
O.A.R. “Lay Down”
Brandi Carlile “If There Was No You”
Starsailor “Listen Up”
Elvis Costello & Allen Toussaint “The River In Reverse”
Earth, Wind & Fire / Chicago “You”
Eric Hutchinson “OK, It’s Alright With Me”
The Low Anthem “Home I’ll Never Be”
Arno Carstens “Heartbreak Monday”
Brett Dennen “Heaven”
Toby Lightman “One Day”
moe. “Wicked Awesome”
The Raveonettes “Oh I Buried You Today”
Uncle Kracker “Smile”


In addition to SERVE4, beginning November 9th, Hard Rock locations around the globe will offer IMAGINE THERE’S NO HUNGER merchandise, including a limited-edition bracelet and pin to benefit WHY. These beneficial items will be available for a limited time only, exclusively at Hard Rock’s Rock Shops and www.hardrock.com, including:

IMAGINE THERE’S NO HUNGER Charity Bracelet – Accessorize fashionably and charitably. This wristband is adorned with the influential message “IMAGINE THERE’S NO HUNGER” and John Lennon’s self-portrait. Available in red, this must-have item also features the WHY and Hard Rock International logos. 100% of the net proceeds benefit WHY and grassroots partners around the globe. ($1 or more donation in cafe)

IMAGINE THERE’S NO HUNGER Pin – This limited-edition benefit pin features John Lennon’s portrait, a peace sign and Hard Rock’s logo inside the frames of the musician’s world-famous wire eyeglasses, and surrounded by the statement “IMAGINE THERE’S NO HUNGER.” This intricate design sits atop Lennon’s signature. 100% of the net proceeds benefit WHY. ($12, available in Rock Shop)

In addition to Hard Rock’s Rock Shops throughout the world, the SERVE4 digital album, charity bracelet and pin will also be available for sale through Hard Rock’s Web site at www.hardrock.com beginning November 9, 2009. All songs featured on SERVE4 will also be available for download at major online retail stores and mobile carriers worldwide via The Orchard’s digital distribution network.

“WHY's partnership with Yoko Ono Lennon and Hard Rock International, along with a growing number of artists, is a dynamic part of our global commitment to fighting hunger and poverty by empowering young people with the skills to grow food that feeds themselves and their communities,” said Bill Ayres, founder of WHY. “By working together, we will not only imagine a world without hunger – we will one day achieve it.”

For more information, please visit www.hardrock.com.



Nov 05, 2009

40th ANNIVERSARY ‘GIVE PEACE A CHANCE’ TO HELP UNITED NATIONS PEACE BUILDING FUND

To celebrate the unifying spirit and 40th anniversary of the Plastic Ono Band's universal anthem, "Give Peace a Chance," Yoko Ono, Sean Lennon and Julian Lennon have partnered with EMI Music and Sony/ATV Music Publishing to donate net proceeds from the sale of a commemorative 40th Anniversary digital single to the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund (PBF). Beginning today, iTunes will exclusively offer the single's special anniversary edition for download purchase, with net proceeds benefiting the PBF through December 31.

Says Yoko Ono, "I am thrilled that so many in the music business are readily supporting 'Give Peace a Chance' on its 40th anniversary. It is indeed a time when we are all getting more aware of the necessity of doing something to achieve world peace, no matter how small. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I feel deeply that we are all one, regardless of where we stand."

"I am delighted to see that a song so closely identified with the pursuit of peace, will shine a light on the United Nations' peacebuilding efforts and financially support PBF projects," the Chairperson of the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), Ambassador Heraldo Muñoz of Chile said.

Written during John Lennon and Yoko Ono's 1969 honeymoon bed-in protest against the Vietnam War, "Give Peace a Chance" was inspired by Lennon's off-the-cuff explanation to a visiting reporter of the couple's purpose for protesting the war by remaining in their honeymoon bed. From March 25 to March 31, the newlyweds invited the world's media to visit and interview them daily between the hours of 9am and 9pm in their bed at the Amsterdam Hilton Hotel.

The song was recorded live on June 1, 1969 in a room at Montreal's Queen Elizabeth Hotel, with several well-known friends joining Lennon and Ono to sing the chorus. Since the single's original release on July 4, 1969, it has been the world's foremost anthem for peace, beginning most notably with the Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam's massive protest in Washington, DC on November 15, 1969, where more than 500,000 people gathered and sang "Give Peace a Chance."

DOWNLOAD 'GIVE PEACE A CHANCE'

Oct 07, 2009

FREE ADMISSION TO ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME ANNEX NYC OCT. 9

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Annex NYC will offer fans free admission on October 9th and 10th to provide the ideal place to pay special tribute to legendary artist, John Lennon on what would have been his 69th birthday.

Jun 11, 2009

Check out the recent press clippings for JOHN LENNON: THE NEW YORK CITY YEARS at the Rock & Roll Hal

Check out the recent press clippings for JOHN LENNON: THE NEW YORK CITY YEARS at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Annex NYC.

New York Times, May 10, 2009

New York Times, May 16, 2009

Rolling Stone, May 11, 2009

Entertainment Weekly, May 13, 2009

USA Today, May 11, 2009

New York Daily News, May 11, 2009

amNY, May 12, 2009

MetroNY, May 11, 2009

MetroNY, May 27, 2009

Associate Press, May 11, 2009

NY Post, May 11, 2009

BBC, May 12, 2009

NY1, May 11, 2009

WPIX, May 12, 2009


JOHN LENNON: THE NEW YORK CITY YEARS, created for the NYC Annex by Yoko Ono and curated by Jim Henke, Vice President of Exhibitions and Curatorial Affairs for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, serves as a tribute to Lennon. The exhibit opened May 12, 2009 to the praise of critics alike.

Anthony DeCurtis from The New York Times says, “John Lennon: The New York City Years chronicles the powerful love story between a brilliant, restless artist and the city that took him deeply to its heart. Anyone who cares about either one should see this exhibit.”

Q104 raves, “It's not often that an exhibit in a museum will make you dance - and bring you to tears...’John Lennon: The New York City Years’ at the R&R HOF Annex NYC is a MUST see for any Beatle fan, music fan, or New Yorker. It humanizes the "icons" of John & Yoko, while showing us the behind-the-scenes genius of an artist who changed the world with his pen and piano. Thanks, Yoko, for bringing us closer to the man you loved - and clearly still do."

Apr 13, 2009

'JOHN LENNON: THE NEW YORK CITY YEARS' TO OPEN IN MAY 2009

&S220;I have a love of this country. Two thousand years ago, we would all have wanted to live in Rome&S230;and now this [NYC] is Rome. This is where the action is.&S221; ~John Lennon

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Annex NYC is proud to present JOHN LENNON: THE NEW YORK CITY YEARS, which opens May 12, 2009. This feature exhibit explores John Lennon&S217;s passion for music, art, politics and film, with New York City as his backdrop. Capturing a time in Lennon&S217;s life that was full of political and social activism, the exhibit reflects the spirit of the era during which he created some of his best work. Highlights of Lennon&S217;s artifacts include his inimitable fashion statements, iconic photographs, legendary instruments, original handwritten lyrics and artwork.

To denote Lennon&S217;s lengthy fight against deportation, instigated by the Nixon administration&S217;s belief that his anti-war campaign presented a threat to its power, his green card and never-before-seen letters of support for his American visa are on display. These private letters are penned by the likes of famed singer/songwriter Joan Baez, entertainer Dick Clark and John Lindsay, the mayor of NYC from 1966 to 1973. Also debuting is an original self portrait of Lennon with fist in air, in the guise of New York City&S217;s famed landmark, the Statue of Liberty. Created in the early Seventies, this powerful work of art represents a tumultuous and impactful period in American history; a time that focused on freedom and the power of the people.

Visitors to JOHN LENNON: THE NEW YORK CITY YEARS will also be the first to see Lennon&S217;s actual &S220;New York City&S221; t-shirt, which became indelibly identified with John Lennon, as well as the famed Telecaster guitar Lennon used during the historic Elton John concert at Madison Square Garden in 1974. In addition, JOHN LENNON: THE NEW YORK CITY YEARS presents numerous rare and original hand written lyrics, with more than ten songs on display, including &S220;Nobody Told Me,&S221; &S220;Luck of the Irish,&S221; and the legendary &S220;Whatever Gets You thru the Night.&S221;

Created for the NYC Annex by Yoko Ono and curated by Jim Henke, Vice President of Exhibitions and Curatorial Affairs for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, JOHN LENNON: THE NEW YORK CITY YEARS serves as a tribute to Lennon, his work both in and out of the music scene and the undeniable influences of New York City. A portion of the cost of each ticket to the exhibition will be donated to Spirit Foundations, a charitable foundation set up by John Lennon and Yoko Ono, to further their philanthropic initiatives. Exhibition Planning and Design for JOHN LENNON: THE NEW YORK CITY YEARS is by the New York based company Ralph Appelbaum Associates Incorporated.

As JOHN LENNON: THE NEW YORK CITY YEARS personifies the true spirit of John Lennon, New York City and rock & roll, all of which are synonymous with pulsating nightlife, the NYC Annex will extend its hours throughout the special exhibit&S217;s stay. The extended exhibit hours are Sunday &S211; Thursday from 11:00am to 10:00pm and Friday &S211; Saturday from 11:00am to Midnight with last admission one hour prior to closing. For tickets call (866) 9-ROCKNY or (866) 976-2569, go to www.rockannex.com or visit the box office located at 76 Mercer Street (between Spring & Broome Sts.), New York, NY 10012. For general information please call (646) 786-6680.



Dec 01, 2008

Hard Rock International Announces the "Imagine There's No Hunger" Campaign

More than just the words on the walls, Hard Rock International has remained true to its motto - "LOVE ALL, SERVE ALL" - since the company’s founding in 1971 by continuing its pledge to serving others. Hard Rock is proud to announce the launch of its 2008 global "Imagine There’s No Hunger" campaign to benefit WHY, a nonprofit organization that strives to fight against hunger and poverty in America and around the world.

Setting the foundation for the "Imagine There’s No Hunger" campaign, artist and musician Yoko Ono has graciously donated her late husband John Lennon's inspirational song "Give Peace A Chance" to the SERVE3 compilation. The CD will also include rare, new or previously unreleased tracks from some of music's most influential artists, including Bruce Springsteen, Joss Stone, Avril Lavigne, Starsailor, My Morning Jacket and more. SERVE3 will be available at Hard Rock locations around the world and on www.hardrock.com, with digital downloads available at iTunes.com.

"I am glad that WHY is using John's lyrics to communicate the seriousness of this issue to the world," said Yoko Ono. "Let's all work together to make a world without hunger as soon as humanly possible. We owe this battle to our children. WAR IS OVER if you want it. In brotherhood and sisterhood."

The "Imagine There’s No Hunger" campaign also includes a charity bracelet, as well as a limited-edition pin and holiday ornament, featuring John Lennon's famous self-portrait and signature. All net proceeds from the campaign will be donated directly to WHY to benefit grassroots efforts in Kenya, Haiti, Indonesia, Thailand, South Africa, Venezuela and New Orleans.

GET MORE INFORMATION ON SERVE3 AND HOW YOU CAN HELP

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