John Blake signs acclaimed music biographer and author Lesley-Ann Jones to unravel the enigma that was John Lennon
Publishing Director Kelly Ellis acquired world all language rights from Clare Hulton.
Kelly Ellis, Publishing Director, Bonnier Books UK, acquired World All Languages Rights from Clare Hulton to publish Who Killed John Lennon? The book will be released Autumn 2020 in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of Lennon’s death, and of what would have been his 80th birthday.
Published under the John Blake imprint, Who Killed John Lennon? will pull back the layers of the music legend to present a complete portrait of the man, his life, his loves, his music, his untimely death and ultimately his legacy.
Jones will closely track the life events and personality traits that led to Lennon living in self-imposed exile in New York where he was shot dead outside his apartment. But who, or what, really killed John Lennon? And when did the ‘real’ John Lennon die?
This richly written biography will feature many exclusive interviews with those who knew Lennon best, offering a spellbinding, 360-degree view of one of the world’s most iconic music legends.
Based on fresh, first-hand research and unseen material, Who Killed John Lennon?delves deep into his psyche – the good, the bad and the genius – forty years on from his death.
This is the latest in-depth music biography from journalist Jones, who has previously penned the life stories of David Bowie and Marc Bolan. She has enjoyed recent success with her definitive biography of Freddie Mercury, Bohemian Rhapsody – a Sunday Times bestseller which has sold over 58,000 copies through Nielsen Bookscan and rights in more than 20 territories.
“It is the vulnerable, raw, unvalidated John, the man behind the superstar, whom I set out to get to know by writing this book.”
Lesley-Ann Jones, Author
Lesley-Ann Jones said, “Like millions of John’s fans, I grew up on Lennon-McCartney music, and have been passionate about the Beatles since I was born. The world looked to John for answers during the Sixties and Seventies unaware that he himself was on a quest for deliverance. It is the vulnerable, raw, unvalidated John, the man behind the superstar, whom I set out to get to know by writing this book.”
“Lesley-Ann is incredibly well-connected in the music world and has interviewed all of the greats. Along the way she’s also worked with many of Lennon’s most intimate friends and family members, including Cynthia and Julian Lennon, allowing her to offer fans a completely fresh, revealing insight into one of music’s most complex characters.”
Kelly Ellis, Publishing Director, John Blake
Kelly Ellis, Publishing Director, added, “Lesley-Ann is incredibly well-connected in the music world and has interviewed all of the greats. Along the way she’s also worked with many of Lennon’s most intimate friends and family members, including Cynthia and Julian Lennon, allowing her to offer fans a completely fresh, revealing insight into one of music’s most complex characters. While researching her books, she never leaves a stone unturned and handles her findings with an acute level of insight and sensitivity. I’m really excited about what she will achieve with such a rich subject as Lennon and his art.”
About Lesley-Ann Jones
Lesley-Ann Jones is an acclaimed biographer, novelist, broadcaster and keynote speaker. She honed her craft on Fleet Street, as a newspaper journalist. She is the bestselling author of Bohemian Rhapsody: The Definitive Biography of Freddie Mercury,Hero: David Bowie, and Ride a White Swan the Lives & Deaths of Marc Bolan. A childhood friend of David Bowie, Lesley-Ann has interviewed many of the world’s best-loved artists, including Paul McCartney, Madonna and Prince, often forming lifelong friendships with her subjects. She is a mother of three and lives in London.