New Biography Redefines Yoko Ono's Legacy in Music, Art, and Activism

David Sheff's book challenges long-standing narratives, highlighting Ono's influence on John Lennon, the Beatles, and her enduring cultural contributions.

• David Sheff's biography, 'Yoko,' argues that Yoko Ono may have helped sustain the Beatles during their final years rather than causing their breakup.
• The book reveals Ono's pivotal role in inspiring John Lennon's iconic song 'Imagine,' though she was not initially credited as a co-writer.
• Ono's early life, marked by trauma during World War II and emotional neglect, shaped her avant-garde art and peace activism.
• The biography examines how racism and sexism fueled Ono's vilification in the media, alongside her personal struggles, including separation from her daughter Kyoko.
• Recent retrospectives at major institutions and tributes from artists like Lady Gaga underscore a growing recognition of Ono's artistic and cultural impact.

3 Articles

New York Post USA TODAY The Christian Science Monitor