McCartney Times

There are few figures more controversial in rock history than Yoko Ono. For decades, fans and critics have theorized about the extent of her influence on John Lennon and debated her role in the Beatles’ breakup. It should come as no surprise, then, that even Lennon and Ono’s first meeting is mired in uncertainty.Born in Japan, Ono became interested in experimental art when she attended college in New York in the ’50s. By the time she met Lennon in the ’60s, she was on her second marriage, to American jazz musician Anthony Cox, which had produced a daughter, Kyoko Chan Cox, in 1963. According to Ono, the relationship between Cox and her had soured, although they remained married. She left the raising of little Kyoko to her husband so that she could focus on her avant-garde artwork. Ono’s involvement in the art community brought her to London in the mid-’60sLennon, meanwhile, was part of the most famous rock band on the planet. He was married to Cynthia Lennon, who had delivered a son, Julian (also born in 1963). The Beatles were in the middle of their most creative era, phasing out their live performance commitments in favor of experimenting further on studio recordings. At the time of Lennon and Ono’s first meeting, Ono was either completely unaware of Lennon (being focused on the art world and not pop stars) or she knew exactly who he was (and maybe even pursued the rock singer).

Source: 50 Years Ago: John Lennon Meets Yoko Ono