Loved Every Second

Over the weekend on August 29th and 30th, Julian went to England to take a blood test to check on his latest health issues he have been having. After having a delayed flight, Julian arrived safely to get a successful check up with his doctor and decided to make most of his limited time in London: Julian visited Belouis Some, he walked by his old home in Kensington where he once lived with Cynthia and Roberto Bassanini, and spent lunch with Zoe Grace, Simon Aboud, and Mary McCartney.

Abbey Road Visitor

It's very well known that once John and Yoko got together and became inseparable, Yoko was a constant presence in the studio while The Beatles were making music. Paul, George, and Ringo weren't exactly thrilled with this new thing John was doing - the recording studio was their sanctuary. It was one thing with George Martin, Geoff Emerick, Brian Epstein, Neil Aspinall, and Mal Evans were looming around (after all, they were working!) but having someone sit there, day after day, barely doing anything (to her credit, Yoko did bring along an "activity bag" to keep herself occupied when boredom comes). Prior to Yoko's presence, the wives and girlfriends have visited the studio. Maybe the whole day happened rarely. I would say both Linda and Pattie came the most, followed by Maureen, then Cynthia, and finally Jane when no working commitments. If there by chance, they would sing backing vocals. I mentioned in my previous post The Hidden Singer of the Lennons that Cynthia sang backup on Yellow Submarine; unfortunately at the time I didn't find this particular quote I had wanted to use. The great news is I have recently found the quote from the article I was looking for... 7 years later since I last wrote about Cynthia singing. As well as some more additional quotes and information while I am on the subject. Better late than never.

In May of 1972, Cynthia apparently was willing to have a singing career while married to Roberto Bassanini at the time. In media reports then, it was rumored that John was willing to produce her album.... obviously not. I'm sure Cynthia was willing to put herself out there as a singer, but that dream went nowhere for a little over 20 years. However, while married to John Twist and running Oliver's Twist, Cynthia dabbled in songwriting with Angie McCartney playing the piano. I believe that was more of a lark than serious business. Fast forward to the 1990s when Cynthia was soon approached to record a single:

"It was a German record company trying to poach my son Julian for their label.  I was just telling them I couldn't help when Jim told them I would be willing to make a record.  At first it all seemed a bit of a joke.  I had only sung once before, and that was just in the backing vocals for Yellow Submarine."

Cynthia, 1995

"I was a good friend of Mary and was present when the song was recorded. I always thought the song was for an older woman and I hope I do it justice."

Cynthia, 1995

Hmm, that sounded puzzling - the song was recorded by Mary on July 28, 1968 and was produced by Paul McCartney. By then John and Cynthia had already broken up and John was running around with Yoko. Unless Paul invited Cynthia to Abbey Road Studios to watch the sessions, I don't think so. Yet, then again, I wasn't there, Cynthia was. Anyway, let's continue on:

"I was a little surprised when I heard that Cynthia had recorded the song. But I wish her all the best."

Mary Hopkin, 1995

"It was so exciting to be doing what I had watched others do for years.  I spent so much time in the studio in the early Beatles days and even sang in the chorus of Yellow Submarine.  Now singing is something for me.  I know there will be all kinds of criticism, but at this stage in my life I don't care.  I don't seriously imagine I will be a pop star, but its not bad for someone who hasn't sung properly since she was in a church choir aged 13."

Cynthia, 1995

Ringo Starr, Neil Aspinall, and Cynthia arriving at EMI/Abbey Road Studios on August 11, 1964.

I don't know exactly when Cynthia first visited EMI/Abbey Road Studios - it certainly wasn't before February of 1964 because Cynthia didn't meet George Martin until they were both in Miami, so it's safe to know that after the first US visit, Cynthia started visiting her husband working on new songs in a recording studio. I don't know if she visited during A Hard Day's Night, but definitely Beatles For Sale.

Cynthia was present when The Beatles worked on Baby's In Black on August 11, 1964. The following year, Cynthia took John's sisters, Julia and Jacqui, to watch The Beatles record Day Tripper (on October 16, 1965) and We Can Work It Out (recorded on October 20, 1965) during their visit from Liverpool.

"While John and the boys got to work in the studio, Jacqui, Cynthia, and I  were shown into the control room. We were joined by producer George Martin and his chief engineer Normal Smith who had been out on the floor making last-minute adjustments to the amps and microphones."

Julia Baird (John Lennon My Brother, 1985)

On June 1, 1966, Cynthia, along with Mal Evans, Neil Aspinall, George Martin, Geoff Emerick, Pattie Harrison, Brian Jones, Marianne Faithfull, and Alf Bicknell, sang backup vocals on Yellow Submarine. Unfortunately, Cynthia is often overlooked on credit while everyone else got named but according to both herself and Pattie, Cynthia did indeed sang backup (and I believe them) as I posted earlier. 

In December of 1966, Pete Shotton came to Weybridge to surprise John, but he wasn't home. Cynthia told Pete John was still at the recording studio, recording Sgt. Pepper. Pete decided to surprise John there and, despite his unfamiliarity getting around London, Cynthia provided him with excellent directions. During the recording of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Cynthia accompanied Mike and Phyllis Nesmith to EMI/Abbey Road Studios to watch The Beatles and an orchestra worked on A Day in the Life (already posted on Hey, Hey, With The Monkees on February 10, 1967.

Cynthia and John leaving the recording studio on March 3, 1967

Photographed by Denise Werneck

On March 3, 1967, The Beatles started work at 7 PM on the brass section of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and the basic track of Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds. The session ended at 2:15 AM. Cynthia was there and was seen wearing John's black cape when leaving.

Tony Barrow, Judith Sims (editor of Teen Set magazine), Terry Doran, and Cynthia sitting on the sidelines while The Beatles worked on March 29, 1967

Photographed by Leslie Bryce

John and Cynthia leaving EMI/Abbey Road Studios in the early hours of March 30, 1967

On March 29, 1967, The Beatles worked on Good Morning Good Morning, Being For The Benefit Of Mr Kite!, and With A Little Help From My Friends. Judith Sims reported that Cynthia had recently dyed her hair as ash blonde. Session end times varied: some say 2:45 AM and others say 5:45 AM.

"Yoko being in the studio a lot was a new thing. It was all new. We're very Northern: the wives stayed at home and we went to work - we dug coal and they cooked dinner. It was one of those flat-cap attitudes which we were losing by then. I think if Maureen came to the studio 5 or 6 times that would be about it, and in all the years Pattie came several times at the most. I don't remember Cynthia coming much when she was married to John. It was just something that didn't happen. And suddenly we had Yoko in bed in the studio."

Ringo Starr

Arrival Home

 

Restaurant Invite

An invitation to Cynthia's restaurant Lennon's private party opening. From Terry Doran's private collection.

Book Party

John and Cynthia at his book release celebration at Bloomsbury Offices in London hosted by Jonathan Cape in London on April 19, 1964.

At a Party

 

Plane Stairs

 

Take a Wiff

While a student at Liverpool College of Art, Cynthia took a part time job selling cosmetics and perfume at Woolworths. A fellow co-worker, Colette Winterburn, saw John Lennon often visiting Cynthia (she also saw The Beatles perform at the Cavern and had a crush on John). I believe this was when Cynthia was living with Aunt Mimi during 1961-1962 college term before eventually getting her own place to live. She needed money to pay rent. 

"Considering there were so many books about my life, etc, etc. I became pregnant before I could finish my teaching. I did teaching for a while. Then I became pregnant and following that The Beatles and everything else that happened. But, no, I haven't had a job. The work I had as a student was working in Woolworths. On the perfume counter. The cosmetic counter. But, that was when I was a student during holidays. But full-time work, I haven't really done. I have worked in recent years."

Cynthia

Years later, after Cynthia's 3 year contract was over with Vantona Vyella (designing houseware products), she started a new venture with Ellan Vannin Perfumery and created her own design company, Cynthia Lennon Creations Limited, launched on March 30, 1988. At the time, Cynthia and her boyfriend Jim Christie were living at Isle of Man.

"The actual island is a very small place and you get to know people very quickly. I went to the Ellan Vannin factory to choose some perfume, then we got to know the people socially. The idea came about that we should all get involved, bringing out my artwork for the design and the packaging. It all happened gradually over a period of about six months. The factory is 10 minutes away from where we live. Now we have gone into partnership with two other people and we are going to launch a range in the autumn with the perfume Woman, named after John's song. We're working on a range of skin creams and body treatments and a man's aftershave. I am achieving a dream now, even though I missed out during the Beatle years. I just wish I had as much energy now as I did then!"

Cynthia. 1988

The perfume was named Woman, a song by John during his solo years (it's on Double Fantasy, released in 1980) ironically written for Yoko Ono. However, it was one of Cynthia's favorite songs and she felt it wasn't just for Yoko but also for herself and May Pang. 

"I'll be criticized for using the name, but it has taken a lot from me. I don't think it's unfair to take something back." 

Cynthia 1988

The packaging designed by Cynthia

As for the launch party, the perfume was released in 1988.

"We're having a party at Stringfellows, and Maureen and Pattie are coming along. I did ask Paul, George, and Ringo but they can't make it."

Cynthia, 1988

I don't know if Maureen and Pattie really came - only pictures that surfaced from the event were just of Cynthia and Jim. Maybe they did come? I don't know, hopefully one day more pictures will surface.

I don't know how the sales did for Cynthia, but I think her time with Ellan Vannin Perfumery quickly came to an end; there was another perfume released but no fanfare as Woman had gotten and it's so rare that no one knows the name of it - it's practically non existing. Woman may have since discontinued but you can still find it on eBay, maybe Amazon on rare occasions, and other auctions. I even have my own, thanks to eBay: my opinion is that it's a strong perfume, strong on the floral notes and it's something I think my late Grandmother would wear. You'd have to have two squirts to be enough without it being overpowering.

Bro Luv

 

On Julian's Behalf

United Kingdom Performing Right Society hosted by American Society Composers, Authors, and Publishers.

Feargal Sharkey, Simon Climie, ASCAP President Morton Gould, John Parr, Cynthia, and Billy Ocean.

Julian won three awards that night but was unable to attend so Cynthia was there on his behalf.

Joyful Mum

 

Massive Crowd

 

Getting Off

 

England to Austria

 

On Their Way In

 

Wild Birthday Night

Stephanie La Motta

Stephanie La Motta was born in July of 1959 to Jake and Dimitria La Motta; Jake was a professional champion boxer. Stephanie was an actress, musician, model, boxing and fitness instructor until she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1979. Stephanie started to date Ringo in October of 1979 after meeting at Tramps nightclub. They traveled to Vienna, Austria and Greece but after returning to London, they saw little of each other.

Ringo and Stephanie in Vienna, October of 1979

"You know, I'd never noticed that until today. I just used to be in Tramps and that's where you would meet people. I was sitting at a table when the manager came over to say that Ringo wanted me to go and join him at his table. He didn't know who I was and he was curious. I told the manager that I was a lady and if Ringo wanted to meet me, he had to act like a gentleman and come over to my table. He came over apologised and introduced himself. He was so funny. We dated regularly for about six months. It was a wonderful time for me. Ringo is a beautiful person - he really is. He makes you laugh all the time. I cried my eyes out when we parted."

Stephanie La Motta, 1982 

"Our affair was crazily happy, yet tinged with sadness. I think I left a little of my heart with Ringo and that I am still a bit in love with him...I loved Ringo for his mind, his cute ways, his funniness, his great warmth. On our third day together we felt we had known each other all our lives. We were so comfy together. Like my favourite movie star Humphrey Bogart - I've seen Casablanca 23 times - Ringo is the sexiest unsexy man I've ever met." 

Stephanie La Motta, 1981

Julian and Stephanie went to see Billy Connolly in concert at Cambridge Theatre in London and went to a nightclub with Pamela Stephenson, December of 1981.

 In 1981, she was romantically linked to Julian Lennon. They met through mutual friends at Tramps (she sure liked going there and meeting romantic flings).

"I met Julian through a mutual friend of ours. We sat talking in Tramps, the London club, for about three hours and I had no idea who this kid was."

Stephanie La Motta, 1982 

It was pretty much around the exact anniversary of John's death and Julian was still very much grieving. Stephanie at first didn't realize Julian was John's son and questioned why Julian looked so sad, full of sorrow. Julian told her who he was.

"I said I was really sorry, that I didn't know - and I started to cry."

Stephanie La Motta, 1982 

Julian ended up comforting Stephanie. 

"He said he felt we were going to be friends for a very long time."

Stephanie La Motta, 1982 

At the time, Stephanie was going through a music phase - she was in the recording studio for her one and only single I'm Here At Last (with B side So Forget The Past). Julian often accompany her to the recording studio. He was originally going to sing on the B side but it didn't happen. Since childhood, Stephanie played music as a child piano at 5, guitar in teens. had a group The Feathers until multiple sclerosis diagnosis. 

"I'd do anything for him. He was in the studio every single day, rooting for me. He kept running in the door, kissing me on the cheek and telling me I could do it, then running back again behind the glass!"

Stephanie La Motta, 1982

However, their brief romance pretty much ended when it started as Julian already was in between two serious relationships with Sally Hodson and Debbie Boyland.

"Julian — well he's just a good friend. He's someone else with a lot of problems, though. I guess I understand people like that. Julian gets followed around by loads of hangers-on. London is like that. It's such a false place. If you have money or a name then everyone wants to know you. Julian's wise, though, he knows that. I saw him only a few weeks ago. He was going on holiday. The thing was I couldn't stand the way he looked like a clone of his father. I told him to cut his hair off and throw away those glasses, because the only way you're going to make it in life is to be yourself. And do you know what - he cut off his hair and threw away his glasses. I told him: Go on vacation and get away from it all, take off your father. And he did it!"

Stephanie La Motta, 1982

Cynthia, Zak, and Maureen 

Peter Stringfellow and Maureen celebrating Julian’s 19th birthday 

On April 8, 1982, Julian celebrated his 19th birthday at Stringfellows in London. with a singing telegram girl, champagne flowing, custard pies were thrown, and a white horse came with Stephanie riding it. Cynthia, Maureen, Zak, Lulu, John Entwistle, and Sian Adey Jones were among the guests.

"At his 19th birthday party he was presented with a white horse at my club. I'll always remember because it did its business on the edge of the bar. Julian was like a son to me and I named a drink after him – the Blue Julian." 

Peter Stringfellow, 1995

In 1984, Stephanie founded Death Row Dogs Rescue, saving animals from dire situations. She married Jacques Dreyfus in 1991. Lives in New York City.