The Beatles, in a March 1966, were interviewed by journalist Maureen Cleave. John Lennon said that the public was more infatuated with the band than with Jesus and that the Christian faith was declining.
His opinion caused angry reactions from Christian communities when it was republished in the United States the following July.
His comments caused protests and threats throughout the Bible Belt, resulting in radio stations refusing to play Beatles songs, records were publicly burned, press conferences canceled, and the Ku Klux Klan picketed their concerts. This controversy preceded the Beatles1966 US tour and press coverage of their newest album Revolver. Lennon apologized in a series of press conferences and explained that he was not comparing himself to Christ.
Later in July, Disc Jockeys Doug Layton and Tommy Charles of WAQY-AM 1220, (Birmingham, Alabama) got a copy of the interview. During their July 29th breakfast show, they asked for listeners’ views on Lennon’s comment, and the responses were mostly negative. Their listeners felt it was absurd, sacrilegious, and blasphemous by right-wing religious groups.
More than 30 radio stations, including some in New York and Boston, followed WAQY’s lead by refusing to play the Beatles’ music. Some radio stations broadcast hourly editorials condemning the Beatles; bonfires to burn the Beatles album were scheduled. Organized demonstrations abounded.
This became known as the “More popular that Jesus” controversy or the “Jesus controversy”
The controversy resulted in the band’s disappointing tour, which they never undertook again. Lennon also refrained from touring during his solo career.
In 1980, he was murdered by a Christian fan of the Beatles Mark David Chapman, who stated that Lennon’s quote was a motivating factor in the killing, although in later years he denied it was a motive.
Here is a television interview with the Beatles:
The Skylar Drake Mystery Series
-
I thought it would be fun to look back at the popular toys given for the holidays during the 1960s. This research brought back a flood of memories as both receiving them for gifts and buying them for the younger ones in my family. Hope you enjoy this walk down memory lane, also.
-
In the 1950s, Spade Cooley was a beloved national treasure and one of the greatest stars of Western swing. But he soon became famous for something very different when he suspected his wife of having an affair and beat her to death.
-
The Beatles, in a March 1966, were interviewed by journalist Maureen Cleave. John Lennon said that the public was more infatuated with the band than with Jesus and that the Christian faith was declining. His opinion caused angry reactions from Christian communities when it was republished in the United States the following July. His comments caused protests […]
-
The genre of novels that seems to endure are the spy thrillers and stories of behind-the-scenes government scandals. Here are some very interesting and I’d even say, “watershed” novels about the cold war that have colored our vision of the past and the future. After researching some, I’ve made a list of just a few of the more influential titles and included a short synopsis of each:
-
Partners in Crime, Janet Elizabeth Lynn and Will Zeilinger write the Skylar Drake Mysteries, hard-boiled detective stories set in the 1950s.
Featured Books
MY FRIEND JACKSON
Can Jasmine untangle her life and reclaim her identity, her life—her soul?
More info →
SEVERED RELATIONS
Detective Finn O'Brien catches the call: two kids and their nanny are dead behind the gates of Freemont Place.
More info →
