John Lennon, the iconic musician and Beatles co-founder, remains an enduring figure in the world of music. His legacy is kept alive, in part, by his two sons, Julian and Sean Lennon, who have both embraced their father’s artistic heritage while carving out their own paths in the industry.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Julian-Lennon-and-Sean-Ono-Lennon-091523-1-267abb1d09a2412fafd90a824e37d8cf.jpg)
John Lennon had two children during his lifetime. His first son, Julian Charles John Lennon, was born on April 8, 1963, in Liverpool to his first wife, Cynthia Lennon. Later, with Yoko Ono, he welcomed his second son, Sean Taro Ono Lennon, on October 9, 1975, coinciding with his 35th birthday. Following their father’s tragic death in 1980, both Julian and Sean have continued to honour his memory through their music and various artistic pursuits.
Julian Lennon, now 63, has found a meaningful way to connect with his father’s legacy. He recently reflected on how viewing the 2021 documentary series *The Beatles: Get Back* allowed him to revisit cherished memories of John. In an interview with *PEOPLE*, Julian described his father as “goofy, funny, sarcastic, charming,” and expressed joy in reconnecting with the man he remembered from his childhood.
Born John Charles Julian Lennon, Julian officially changed his name to Julian Charles John Lennon in 2020. He explained during a podcast appearance that this decision was prompted by the complications he faced with travel and security, where his name often evoked the legendary status of his father. This change, he believes, has brought him peace and a measure of personal autonomy.
Julian has established a successful music career of his own and released seven studio albums, including his 2022 work, *Jude*. This album title references the classic Beatles song “Hey Jude,” which was written by Paul McCartney to comfort Julian during his parents’ divorce. He expressed that working on *Jude* involved a profound self-exploration, aiming to find peace and connect with his identity.
In addition to music, Julian has ventured into writing and filmmaking. His first children’s book, *Touch the Earth*, published in 2017, focuses on environmental awareness and subtly pays homage to his father’s influence. He views the books as a means to nurture parent-child relationships and spark discussions about love and life.
The bond between Julian and Sean is strong, despite their age difference of twelve years. Julian fondly recalled a poignant memory of one of his last conversations with John. He described listening to John’s final song, “Starting Over,” over the phone during a time when their relationship had improved. Julian was filled with happiness for his father, who seemed to be thriving with his music in those moments.
Meanwhile, Sean Lennon, now 50, has also made a name for himself in music. He grew up in New York City, forming a deep friendship with singer Roberta Flack, whom he describes as an inspiring neighbour. Like his father and brother, Sean is a talented musician, releasing several solo albums and collaborating on various projects. His musical journey has often been a means to process the emotional void left by his father’s passing.
In 2020, Sean hosted a special BBC Radio show to celebrate what would have been John Lennon’s 80th birthday, inviting family and friends to share their memories. During the show, he admitted to feeling overwhelmed with emotion when discussing his father’s songs, particularly recalling their collaborative work on the album *Double Fantasy*.
Sean and Julian share a close relationship, with Julian referring to Sean as his “best mate”. They communicate regularly, offering each other support akin to that of any loving siblings. They even attended a screening together of *The Beatles: Get Back*, although Julian initially had reservations about revisiting the past through the film.
In his personal life, Sean has been in a long-term relationship with musician and model Charlotte Kemp Muhl. The couple, who began their romance in 2005, have worked together creatively in various projects. Recently, they announced the birth of their first child, a son named Aurelius, celebrating this joyful milestone together.
The efforts of Julian and Sean Lennon reflect their dedication to preserving their father’s legacy while establishing their own identities. Through their music, art, and personal projects, both brothers honour the memory of John Lennon while navigating their unique paths in the creative landscape he helped shape.