John Lennon's 1963 Chet Atkins Gretsch Country Gentleman 6120
Musician
John Lennon
(English, 1940 - 1980)
Maker
Gretsch
(American, founded 1883)
Date1963
ClassificationsMusic
Description1963 Gretsch Chet Atkins 6120 double cutaway guitar, serial number 53940, in Western Orange finish. The semi-hollow guitar features painted f-holes and horseshoe peghead inlay. This guitar was owned by John Lennon and used most prominently during an April 1966 recording session at EMI studios in London. From April 6 to June 21, 1966, The Beatles were regularly working on recording their album Revolver (1966). Although the songs "Paperback Writer" and its B-side "Rain" did not appear on Revolver, their recording occurred at the same time. Lennon was photographed with this guitar in the studio during these sessions. Although this guitar was specifically mentioned in connection with the recording of "Rain" it is also believed that he used the guitar throughout the session.
The guitar was also photographed at a later time in Lennon's home music room. In November of 1967, Lennon gave the guitar to his cousin David Birch who asked if he could have one of Lennon's guitars while visiting Lennon in his home music room. Birch was hoping to start his own band and recalled in 2015: “I was just cheeky enough to ask John for one of his spare guitars.”
John Lennon (1940-1980) was a musician, singer, and songwriter best known as the co-lead vocalist and guitarist for The Beatles. Lennon and Paul McCartney served as the primary songwriters for The Beatles, and their collaboration is credited as one of the most successful musical outputs of all time. Lennon was born in Liverpool, England where he was raised by his aunt, Mimi Smith. In 1956, Lennon received his first guitar and formed a band, the Quarrymen. While playing with the Quarrymen, Lennon met Paul McCartney and George Harrison who joined the skiffle and rock and roll group. The band changed their name to The Beatles in 1960.
Lennon and The Beatles released their first single in 1962, "Love Me Do," and their debut album, Please Please Me, in 1963. By 1964, the band had reached international stardom, with Beatlemania taking over both European and American airwaves. The Beatles toured extensively from 1964 to 1966, when they became a studio band. Their initial rock and roll sound transformed into new styles, with influences of the 1960s psychedelic and counterculture movements - led by Lennon's anti-war and protest activism. After the dissolution of The Beatles in 1970, Lennon embarked on a solo career. His 1971 album Imagine and its title track became his most popular solo release. Lennon left the music world during the mid-1970s, returning to the studio in 1980 for the album Doubly Fantasy.
On December 8, 1980, Lennon was shot and killed outside of his apartment building in New York City by a disillusioned fan of The Beatles. Lennon is remembered as one of the most influential musicians of all time. His work with The Beatles is credited with shaping the musical landscape of the 20th century. His early demise led to many tributes by his friends and colleagues such as Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Elton John, and the other Beatles.
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