Yoko Ono

Yoko Ono
Ono in 2016
Background information
Born	(1933-02-18) February 18, 1933 Tokyo City, Japan
Years active	1961–2021
Spouse(s)	Toshi Ichiyanagi ​ ​ (m. 1956; div. 1963)​ * Anthony Cox ​ ​ (m. 1962; ann. 1963)​ ​ ​ (m. 1963; div. 1969)​ * John Lennon ​ ​ (m. 1969; died 1980)​
Website	imaginepeace.com

Biography

Yoko Ono is a Japanese multimedia artist, singer, songwriter, and peace activist known for her avant-garde art, groundbreaking music, and influential activism. Born on February 18, 1933, in Tokyo, Japan, she moved to the United States with her family in the 1950s and later studied at Sarah Lawrence College. Ono quickly became immersed in the New York City avant-garde art scene, where she gained recognition for her conceptual art and performance pieces that often invited audience participation, such as her iconic Cut Piece (1964).

In 1966, Ono met John Lennon of The Beatles at one of her exhibitions in London. Their relationship soon evolved into a personal and creative partnership that significantly impacted both their lives and work. They married in 1969 and became prominent voices for peace, staging famous "Bed-Ins for Peace" during the Vietnam War. Together, they created experimental music and art, challenging traditional norms and encouraging global dialogue on social issues.

Ono’s influence in music continued through her solo work, which explored themes of feminism, loss, and resilience. Although initially polarizing, her music has since been reevaluated and celebrated for its innovation, especially within the realms of punk, new wave, and experimental genres.

After Lennon’s assassination in 1980, Ono continued to honor his legacy while further establishing her own. She has remained an active voice in social justice, environmental causes, and the promotion of world peace through art. Her Imagine Peace Tower in Iceland is a tribute to Lennon and their shared ideals.

Despite controversy and public scrutiny, Yoko Ono has carved out a unique and enduring legacy as a pioneering artist and activist. Her work continues to inspire new generations to challenge boundaries, advocate for peace, and embrace creative expression without limits.

Music (likes)

BBC's Desert Island Discs (2007)

• Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien - Édith Piaf
• Lilli Marlene - Lale Andersen
• Liverpool Lou - Dominic Behan
• One Love / People Get Ready - Bob Marley & The Wailers
• When I Grow Too Old To Dream - Gracie Fields
• Beautiful Boy - John Lennon
• Magic - Sean Lennon
• Seoul - amiina

Literature (likes)

Miscellaneous

• Sai-Yu-Ki (Monkey: Journey to the West) - Wu Cheng'en