Lennon gets posthumous award for peace goals

June 22, 1997
Web posted at: 12:11 a.m. EDT (0411 GMT)

(CNN) -- Former Beatle John Lennon was honored posthumously Friday for his contributions to world peace at a star-studded ceremony in London for the 22nd Silver Clef awards.

His widow Yoko Ono accepted the award, which also recognizes Lennon's outstanding contribution to British music. Ono said he believed passionately in the healing powers of music.

Lennon's song "Imagine" has been a leading anthem for the peace movement.

A specially commissioned statue of the rock star was auctioned at the lunch; it was purchased by the Beatles' museum in Liverpool. Lennon, a guitarist and songwriter, was shot to death in 1980 by a fan outside his apartment building in New York City.

Also on hand was Elvis Costello , the British singer-songwriter who received this year's Silver Clef Award.

Proceeds from the luncheon went to the Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy charity, which helps autistic and disabled people and others with special needs.

Reuters contributed to this report.

 

Related sites:

• Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy
• Imagine's Lennon Hideout
• Instant Karma!
• Bob's Beatle Links
• The Beatles Cafe

Search for related CNN stories:   [Help] Tip: You can restrict your search to the title of a document. Example: title:New Year's Resolutions

Sound off on our message boards Tell us what you think! You said it...

© 1997 Cable News Network, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

Terms under which this service is provided to you.