Imagine Audiobook By Charles J. Shields cover art

Imagine

The Story of a Song

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Imagine

By: Charles J. Shields
Narrated by: Brian Troxell
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From the acclaimed literary biographer of Kurt Vonnegut and Harper Lee comes the life story of a song, one of the most iconic ever written: John Lennon's "Imagine".

"Twenty-two lines of graceful, plain-spoken faith in the power of a world to repair and change itself," said Rolling Stone. Only 183 seconds long, the simple melody and poetry captured the wounded hopefulness of its moment - and transcended its time to inspire generations that followed.

Charles J. Shields traces the song's origins - from the fire-bombing of Tokyo during Yoko Ono's youth to the violent death of Lennon's mother during his adolescence, from Lennon's post-Ed Sullivan skepticism to John and Yoko's Bed-Ins of 1969 - and unearths the secrets of its lasting import. If music can change the world, "Imagine" came as close as any song might. This is its story.

©2014 Charles J. Shields (P)2014 Audible Inc. Music Celebrity
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one of my favorites and why paparazzi has become a bad word.glad i listened to

i learned

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‘Imagine’ is a good overview covering the history surrounding the Beatles era, from snippets of their lives to UK society at the time. Nice for a quick listen.

Quick listen

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This was the interesting background for the lovely song “Imagine” by the late John Lennon. A history for John and Yoko, then a brief history of the Beatles. I hope they do more of these short stories, this was entertaining.

Background on the Song

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Was quite an interesting story about the song and of course, John Lennon and Yoko Ono. I definitely enjoyed the story.

Favorite song of all time

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A very well put together history of the song. I was impressed by the thorough research and background behind it. I thought the narration was excellent as well!

Excellent!!

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Not particularly interesting- few facts interspersed provided interest. Quick listen good for easy relaxing time.

Little slow moving

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Have enjoyed learning the backstory of a song I’ve loved concurrent with my own journey and The Beatles, then Lennon-Ono and John’s assassination.

Imagine!

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I lived through the era of all that was occurring before & after John wrote the song Imagine. I always feel moved & optimistic when I hear it- last night a extraordinary cover at the opening of the 2024 Olympics by French vocalist Juliette Armanet

Historical context for the writing of Imagine -

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