(Please Note: Some of the content of this post has appeared in a previous post on the blog)
I really loved purchasing this book by the late Scott Wheeler back in 2005. The book is about Charlie Lennon, John Lennon’s uncle, and the brother of Freddie Lennon, John’s dad.
Charlie Lennon : Uncle to a Beatle by Scott Wheeler –
2005 Outskirts Press, Incorporated
You can find the book at the following sources:
AMAZON US:
Charlie Lennon: Uncle To A Beatle: Wheeler, Scott: 9781598000092: Amazon.com: Books
AMAZON UK:
Charlie Lennon: Uncle To A Beatle : Wheeler, Scott: Amazon.co.uk: Books
MEETING CHARLIE
I met Charlie Lennon on the site where the Strawberry Fields orphanage once stood and we had a cup of tea together talking about the “Lennon” name living a long time as a result of his nephew’s music. He seemed very pleased with that distinct possibility. Several years later, I was shocked to see on YouTube a song that was posted with Charlie singing “The Ships of the Mersey.”
The late author of the book about Charlie shown below had recorded Charlie singing the song. Apparently, Charlie wanted to make sure that his brother Freddie did not outshine him in displaying the Lennon proclivity for exhibiting their musical aptitude.
Someone posted this Charlie Lennon song on YouTube
‘Uncle’ Charlie Lennon – Ships Of The Mersey – YouTube
The lyrics to Charlie’s song appear in the great book shown above:
Got this photo of John, Ringo, and Mal Evans, signed by Charlie Lennon. I obtained this autograph from noted UK Beatles collector Pete Nash! Based on the slant of his handwriting, Charlie must have been a leftist! LOL!
Julian Lennon and his great uncle, Charlie Lennon!
Freddie Lennon
John’s dad, Freddie Lennon:
A signed Freddie Lennon page from a Liverpool autograph book that I obtained from Omega Auctions in the UK:
Freddie Lennon – That’s My Life
The rare Dutch picture sleeve of Freddie Lennon singing his song that many critics saw as his attempt to capitalize on his son’s immense fame. This version is in the Dutch language which is far more rare and obscure than the English language version. Freddie actually did a lip-synched version of the song on Dutch TV. Unfortunately, no video of the performance remains! Hard to believe that both Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell of the Jimi Hendrix Experience were both backing Freddie Lennon on this recording, but they were!!!
Tony Cartwright the co-author with Freddie on the A-side re-issued the 45 under the label Right Recordings. Here are the photos from the promotion:
Amazon had an ad for the recordings but it no longer appears to be active:
Amazon.com: That’s My Life: CDs & Vinyl
Daddy Come Home – The True Story of John Lennon and His Father
A book put together by Freddie Lennon’s 2nd wife, Pauline Lennon based on Freddie’s unpublished memoir.
Freddie’s unpublished memoir was sent to John Lennon so that he could read his father’s version of the story!
John did speak to his dad over the phone one last time before Freddie passed away from stomach cancer in 1976.
This copy was signed by Pauline Lennon whose signature is very difficult to find and was sold to me by UK collector Pete Nash! Pauline has remarried since the death of Freddie and now has a different surname.
Little is known about their two sons David and Robin Lennon who have remained reclusive about being the half-brothers to John Lennon!
Pauline Lennon’s signature:
Picked up this nice item from the UK source company called TRACKS. It is a press release for the Freddie Lennon 45 pressed by PYE records in the mid-sixties:
Page 2:
A few samples of Freddie Lennon’s musical appearances on YouTube:
English language version of Freddie’s song
That’s My Life (My Love and My Home) – YouTube
The flip side of the record:
Freddie Lennon – The Next Time You Feel Important
The ultra rare Dutch language version of Freddie’s song co-written with Tony Cartwright:
That’s My Life – Freddie Lennon – Dutch version – 1966
Like the McCartneys, it seems that music seemed to be in the blood of the Lennon family as well.
Remember, both of John’s offsprings, Julian and Sean, both continue to issue their musical offerings!
Be healthy and be happy!
Buzz
Find out more about John Lennon at the Beatles Bookstore
John Lennon
Books about John Lennon
Thanks for highlighting! Both are great books worth reading to learn and understand more about John Lennon’s paternal side of the family.