5 Of John Lennon’s Iconic Collaborations
via @johnlennon / X
Not every great collaboration is destined for the top of the charts, and that was especially true for John Lennon after his time with The Beatles. While his solo career gave him the freedom to explore his own ideas, he occasionally stepped back into the studio with fellow musicians—some friends, some fans, and others simply drawn in by mutual respect. These joint efforts weren’t always commercial smashes, but they often held something deeper: experimentation, chemistry, and a glimpse into the musical world Lennon continued to shape.
There’s always something intriguing about artists with strong identities working together. In Lennon’s case, it was more than just adding his voice or guitar—it was about influence, tone, and perspective. When he appeared on someone else’s track or invited them into his own orbit, it often felt like a conversation rather than a feature. That’s part of what made these moments so memorable, even if they didn’t dominate the airwaves.
This list takes a closer look at five of those standout collaborations—songs where Lennon didn’t just participate but left a lasting impression. Some are well-known, others fly under the radar, but each one captures a unique moment in his post-Beatles journey.
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Elton John
By the early 1970s, Elton John had become one of the most exciting acts in music. His energy, showmanship, and songwriting talent earned him praise from legends—including John Lennon himself. The two met and quickly clicked, resulting in collaborations that were both musically rich and personally meaningful. One of their early efforts was a rendition of The Beatles’ “Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds,” where Lennon played guitar and sang backing vocals under the alias Dr. Winston O’Boogie.
Their most notable joint project came in the form of Lennon’s “Whatever Gets You Thru the Night.” Released in 1974, the song featured Elton on piano and harmonies. It became Lennon’s first and only No. 1 solo single in the U.S. The two artists even made a playful wager: if the song topped the charts, Lennon would join Elton onstage. True to his word, Lennon appeared at Madison Square Garden that November to perform with Elton, marking his final major public concert appearance.
Their partnership wasn’t just about music—it showed Lennon’s willingness to connect with younger artists and have fun in the process. The collaboration captured both artists at their creative peaks and resulted in one of the more joyful moments in Lennon’s post-Beatles career. It also left fans with a rare live performance that still resonates decades later.
Frank Zappa
The pairing of Frank Zappa and John Lennon might seem surprising, given their starkly different styles and personalities. But in 1971, the two came together for a live jam session at the Fillmore East in New York. The performance was chaotic and electric—exactly what fans of both artists might expect. Yoko Ono also joined, adding her signature avant-garde style to the mix.
Despite the buzz at the time, their collaboration ended on a sour note. Zappa later accused Lennon of repackaging one of his songs without proper credit. According to Zappa, the song “King Kong” was renamed “Jamrag” on Lennon’s live album and credited to Lennon and Ono instead. Zappa was clearly disappointed, calling the experience “disheartening” and suggesting that Lennon’s team had acted unethically.
While the event remains a footnote in both of their careers, it’s a memorable one. It showed that Lennon was willing to experiment outside of pop and rock conventions. Unfortunately, not all musical pairings end in harmony, and this one remains a rare example of a Lennon collaboration that left behind more tension than celebration.
Harry Nilsson
Harry Nilsson and John Lennon shared both musical chemistry and a taste for wild nights. Their bond grew during Lennon’s so-called “Lost Weekend,” a turbulent 18-month period marked by heavy drinking and personal upheaval. Despite—or perhaps because of—the chaos, Lennon decided to produce Nilsson’s 1974 album Pussy Cats during this time.
The recording sessions were infamously rowdy, often overshadowed by the duo’s off-stage antics. Still, Pussy Cats has its charm. Though it peaked modestly at No. 60 on the Billboard 200, it features raw, heartfelt moments and captures a snapshot of two artists caught between brilliance and self-destruction. For Lennon, it was a way to support a friend and stretch his legs as a producer.
Their collaboration is remembered less for commercial impact and more for its behind-the-scenes lore. Lennon’s influence is all over the album, even if the results were uneven. It’s a reminder that great music can emerge even in moments of personal turmoil—and that Lennon remained invested in the success of artists he admired.
Mick Jagger
Though The Beatles and The Rolling Stones were often portrayed as rivals, their members occasionally crossed paths in more creative ways. John Lennon and Mick Jagger had a complicated relationship—marked by both admiration and biting criticism. Despite their differences, Lennon took on the role of producer for Jagger’s version of “Too Many Cooks (Spoil the Soup),” a soulful Willie Dixon tune.
The song itself, however, wouldn’t see daylight for decades. Recorded in the mid-1970s, it remained unreleased until 2007 when it finally appeared on The Very Best of Mick Jagger. It’s a smooth, funky track that showcases Jagger’s versatility and Lennon’s subtle but effective touch behind the scenes. Fans of both artists were thrilled to hear it after so many years in the vault.
This collaboration may not have been high-profile at the time, but it serves as a historical gem for music fans. It reflects a rare moment of partnership between two of rock’s most influential frontmen—proof that even amid rivalry, mutual respect could lead to intriguing musical outcomes.
David Bowie
David Bowie had long admired John Lennon, so when the chance to collaborate came, he seized it with excitement. The result was one of Bowie’s biggest hits—“Fame”—which he co-wrote with Lennon for the Young Americans album. The funky, infectious track marked Bowie’s first No. 1 single in the U.S., and Lennon’s biting lyrical contributions helped shape the song’s distinctive edge.
The pair also worked on a cover of “Across the Universe,” originally a Beatles track penned by Lennon. While not as commercially successful as “Fame,” the rendition added a fresh texture to the song. Lennon played acoustic guitar and added his characteristic vocal harmonies, giving the track a warm familiarity beneath Bowie’s soulful performance.
These sessions highlighted the deep mutual respect between two icons at different stages in their careers. For Bowie, it was a dream come true. For Lennon, it was a chance to engage with the new wave of sound that Bowie represented. Together, they bridged eras and genres, creating music that continues to inspire.
