The musician who left his stamp on history has been honored with a stamp. The U.S. Postal Service released the John Lennon forever stamp as the latest addition to its Music Icons series. Postmaster General Megan J. Brennan welcomed Lennon family members and other noted guests for the stamp dedication at the Naumburg Bandshell in New York's Central Park.
"It's a privilege to commemorate the life of John Lennon – one of the most celebrated musicians and iconic personalities of the 20th century," said Brennan. "The world was influenced by John Lennon's music and his commitment to the ideals of peace and unity. We continue to be inspired by his memory."
The Music Icons: John Lennon Commemorative Forever stamp features a photo of Lennon taken by noted rock 'n' roll photographer Bob Gruen in August 1974. Taken on the rooftop of Lennon's Manhattan apartment, the photograph is part of a series of images taken by Gruen during the photo session for Lennon's 1974 album Walls and Bridges. The original black-and-white image was treated in gradations of color to create the artwork for this stamp, which is available for purchase starting today.
Other musicians who have been part of the USPS Music Icon stamp series include Elvis Presley, Ray Charles and Sarah Vaughan.
The stamp pane is designed to resemble a vintage 45-rpm record sleeve. One side of the pane includes the stamps and brief text about Lennon's legacy. A black-and-white photograph of Lennon seated at his white piano appears on the reverse, along with Lennon's signature and the Music Icons series logo. Taken by photographer Peter Fordham, the original photograph was used to promote Lennon's landmark 1971 solo album, Imagine.
Art director Antonio Alcalá designed the stamp sheet with designer/typographer Neal Ashby.
Lennon collected stamps as a child. His stamp album with handwritten notes is on display from September 7, 2018 to February 3, 2019 at the National Postal Museum in Washington, D.C., and can be viewed on online at postalmuseum.si.edu/lennon. The young Lennon also displayed a precocious talent for cartoons and drawings. His art and childhood stamp collection have since been exhibited around the world.
Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/shop, by calling 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724), by mail through USA Philatelic, or at Post Office locations nationwide. Forever stamps will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.
