John Lennon - From Buddy Holly Wannabe to Legend
                     John Lennon - From 
Buddy Holly 
Wannabe to Legend

Every Beatles fan will have a favorite incarnation of John Lennon's public 
persona. For some, it will always be the fresh-faced, mop-topped cheeky 
chap of the 60s. Others prefer the edgier image that came with the 
peak of Beatlemania. Many will always associate Lennon with his sage, 
long-haired look during the Sergeant Pepper years.
For Helen Anderson, a lifelong friend of John Lennon and designer of 
some of his iconic appearances, John Lennon and Buddy Holly were 
initially linked. When Anderson met Lennon as a sprightly 17-year-old at 
Liverpool College of Art, it was Buddy Holly that John Lennon was 
seemingly taking aesthetic inspiration from – though it was another pop 
sensation that sparked the meeting of these two creative minds.
Helen Anderson met Lennon when he asked if she was "the bird that 
drew Lonnie Donegan." This was a reference to Anderson's artwork, 
which included a commissioned portrait of the King of Skiffle featured in 
the national press. A firm fan of Donegan, Lennon noted this and paid 
attention to the artist who had successfully captured his likeness.
Helen Anderson always knew that John Lennon was potentially something 
special, though even she would admit to having no idea just how famous The 
Beatles would become. However, when she first laid eyes on a spotty teenage 
John Lennon, Buddy Holly came to mind. Lennon was sporting square glasses 
commonly associated with Holly and greased back hair in a Teddy Boy fashion.
Whether sported by John Lennon or Buddy Holly, the look was popular in 1959. 
Of course, Lennon would change his appearance in short order. Who can say if 
he, and The Beatles, would not have enjoyed the same success if that wasn't the 
case? All the same, John Lennon's Buddy Holly era has been immortalised by 
Helen Anderson.
Ever keen to practice her craft, Anderson sketched John Lennon in his Buddy 
Holly glasses and hair. It was warts and all portrait, including a dose of teenage 
acne, acting as a reminder that even the legendary John Lennon was once an 
awkward teenager, just like you and I. The sketch is now immortalized in the My 
Buddy John range of clothing.
Just like John Lennon, Buddy Holly died tragically young. Thankfully, John Lennon 
and Buddy Holly both left behind an evergreen legacy of wonderful music. 
Lennon's look may have evolved over time, but his Holly-aping era will remain 
part of his unique charm and personal journey.
Contact  US
HELEN ANDERSON Design
Website - https://www.helenandersondesigns.com/