When Julian Lennon met the Fonz!
Every generation seemingly has the need of portraying the time in which they grew up as the “best time” and their generation as being the best and the most exciting. We all have the tendency as we get older to enhance the good times and to minimize the bad ones in which we came of age. Even the music we listened to while growing up holds special memories and has special associations with momentous events in our lives. I want to share with you an item that I actually purchased twice in my years of collecting.
Julian and the Fonz
The photo below without Julian’s signature was given as a gift to Julian Lennon as a gift by me at a book signing at Barnes and Noble in New York City. The original photo was signed by Henry Winkler, the actor who played “The Fonz” in the TV show “Happy Days.” Julian stared at the photo when I handed it to him, broke a wonderful smile, and mentioned to his personal assistant and said, “Look, it’s me and the Fonz.” He thanked me for the gift and gave it to his PA for safekeeping.
Years later, I had the opportunity to purchase another signed photo. This time the photo was also signed by Julian, along with Ron Howard, the award winning director and actor, Henry Winkler, Anson Williams and Don Most. Ron Howard was to go on to direct the special film that dealt with the Beatles touring years entitled “Eight Days a Week.”
Happy Days
The photo below was taken the first year of “Happy Days” production. John Lennon, May Pang and Julian visited the cast members on the set when this photo was taken. Could not resist getting this one as a permanent part of the collection because of all of the signatures.
Having Julian’s signature on this photos is of special importance to me, knowing that he was having a great time with his father during this time frame!
Will have this professionally framed.
Photo Signed by: Henry Winkler, Ron Howard, Don Most, Anson Williams & Julian Lennon
The Beatles film directed by Ron Howard: Eight Days a Week
A SONG OF NOSTALGIA THAT JULIAN PARTICIPATED IN: “TO THE GOOD OLD DAYS”
Julian Lennon singing lead vocal on a nostalgic song written by Styx lead singer Dennis DeYoung. The two singers do a great job on this song of “looking back.”
Julian Lennon + Dennis DeYoung – “To The Good Old Days” (Art Track) – YouTube
The best way for me to conclude this post is to say growing up in the 50’s and 60’s in particular WAS the most exciting time to be around and to come of age. There was so much change occurring in the culture and so many things going on challenging previously held beliefs that it made you wonder, “What Was Coming Next?” I will argue this point with all subsequent generations!!! Be prepared for a peaceful battle if you disagree with my assessment! LOL! in either case, be healthy and happy!
Finally, this is the song that really tugs on the heartstrings as it features Julian Lennon singing a rare song about his dad. Someone posted this radio performance of Julian singing this obscure number on YouTube! Julian at the time of this performance was touring (in the 90’s) What a heartfelt beautiful song this is!
Julian Lennon – Loving Is Easy When You Don’t Count The Costs – YouTube
Trivia Question:
What was Julian’s full name given at birth? Answer below in the comments.
Buzz
Alfred: It is my belief (and I could be wrong about this) but I believe Julian was actually birth named: John Charles Julian Lennon. His mom ,Cynthia, called him Julian around the house to distinguish him from his dad, and as a result he was then to be known as Julian Lennon. However, Julian because of problems with such things as his passport reading “John Lennon,” he recently officially changed his name to Julian Charles John Lennon!
Correct!
Julian Charles John Lennon?