JOHN LENNON

JOHN LENNON
JOHN LENNON
Excellent, fine association signed item, Lennon's 1974 album "Walls and Bridges" warmly inscribed and signed on the cover, with his addition of three original drawing including his trademark self-portrait. The album is inscribed to Richard Ross (1941-1984), who with his wife Cynthia was the owner of the New York restaurant "Home." Its music-oriented atmosphere attracted the likes of David Bowie, Ritchie Havens, Alice Cooper, Blood Sweat and Tears, Lennon, and many other top rock stars. Lennon and Richard became fast friends, and Lennon had some "Home" tee shirts printed - he wears one in a photo on his 1972 "Sometime in New York City" album. According to Nancy Ross, Ross' second wife, Lennon and Richard often shared jokes about elephants, and gave each other gag presents related pachyderms. This all helps explain Lennon's inscription: "To Richard and Cyn 'Home' with love and tee shirts from your old pal John [19]74" Beneath his signature, Lennon joking adds for his friend a drawing of a tusked elephant, a smiling dog (Ross owned a black German Shepard), and Lennon's bespectacled self-portrait. And simply for shock value and more laughter, Lennon adds genitalia to the red-shirted soccer player above his signature. The album shows typical wear and tear from handling, all at margins, with a water stain at upper-left and small seam split at top, is complete with record, sleeve, and sleeve protector, along with an 8 x 10 in. Apple photo of Lennon from the period. Also included is a 2014 letter of authenticity from internationally recognized Beatles handwriting expert Frank Caiazzo whose expertise is unquestionable. In addition to this album, Nancy Ross also offered Lennon's white suit from the "Abbey Road" album cover, and the jacket worn by Lennon in the "Imagine" video. A wonderful Lennon piece.