The Reason John Lennon Didn’t Care About Making Hits
English musician, singer and guitarist with the Beatles, John Lennon (1940-1980) pictured during production and filming of the British musical comedy film Help! on New Providence Island in the Bahamas on 2nd March 1965. (Photo by William Lovelace/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
One of the most recognizable members of the Beatles, John Lennon, was more than just a hitmaker. Even though his name was widely associated with success in music, Lennon had a more profound view of his craft. He explained why being loyal to his profession was more important than topping the charts in an open 1975 Rolling Stone interview.
A Wake-Up Call
In 1975, Lennon shared a profound realization that changed how he viewed his career.
“I’ve come to learn something big this past year,” he said. “I cannot let the top 10 dominate my art. If my worth is only to be judged by whether I’m in the top 10 or not, then I’d better give up.”
For Lennon, the obsession with chart success threatened to overshadow genuine artistry. He believed that focusing too much on commercial achievements could stifle creativity and true expression.
Art Over Numbers
At 34, Lennon had already experienced immense fame, but his priorities began to shift. He emphasized the importance of staying true to himself as an artist. He explained:
“The art is more important than the thing, and sometimes I have to remind myself of it.”
This mindset highlighted Lennon’s commitment to long-term artistic integrity rather than the fleeting nature of chart rankings.
The Trap of Validation
Lennon was also honest about the human need for validation and the risks it posed for artists. He admitted:
“There’s a danger there, for all of us, for everyone who’s involved in whatever art they’re in, of needing that love so badly that … In my business, that’s manifested in the top 10.”
He worried that the desire for approval through chart success could dilute the authenticity of his music.
Success on His Own Terms
Even if he was hesitant to pursue singles, Lennon’s performance on the charts was indisputable. Three of his albums peaked at number one on the Billboard 200, while seven of them made it into the top 10. In the UK, he also had multiple chart-topping hits and two Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 songs.
Lennon’s genius is still evident in his ability to strike a balance between artistic honesty and commercial success. His legacy is characterized by his unrelenting dedication to creativity and self-expression rather than by numbers. We are constantly reminded by Lennon’s music that genuine artistry transcends the charts.
