LONDON, After nearly twenty years in the making, “Crying for John Lennon”, the final project ever produced by the late Phil Spector, is set for release on 3 October 2025 — the day that would have marked John Lennon’s birthday.
The song, written and performed by acclaimed artist Hargo, was originally composed in 2004 as a heartfelt plea for peace at the height of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. The track has now been reborn under the direction of producer Nate Ruvin (Beach Boys, Christian Love) and promoter Timmy Johnson, marking a moment of convergence between musical eras and generations.
From a Garage in California to Phil Spector’s Studio
What began as a spontaneous ten-minute session in Hargo’s parents’ converted garage two decades ago went on to capture the imagination of one of pop music’s most influential producers. Moved by Lennon’s message of unity, Hargo crafted “Crying for John Lennon” as a modern anthem for peace — a song that would later find its way to Spector, who was then nearing the end of his storied, if controversial, career.
Working privately between court appearances, Spector built what he envisioned as a signature “Wall of Sound” arrangement for the track — lush, symphonic, and emotionally charged. However, the project was never fully released, leaving it unfinished at the time of his death in 2021.
Two decades later, that musical vision has been restored. Thanks to the efforts of Nate Ruvin and Timmy Johnson, the song has been faithfully reconstructed, with contributions from Christian Love, son of Mike Love of The Beach Boys, alongside an ensemble of world-class musicians.
A Modern Reconstruction of a Classic Sound
“Rock and Roll is my lifeblood,” said producer Nate Ruvin. “When Timmy Johnson called about producing Hargo Khalsa’s ‘Crying For John Lennon,’ an unfinished Phil Spector project that paid tribute to the founder of The Beatles, it felt like an act of fate. My mission was to rebuild Phil’s ‘Wall of Sound’—booming drums, layered guitars, haunting keyboards, and no modern synths—just pure ’60s soul.”
Ruvin led production across five studios, using Spector’s original session tapes as the foundation. The new arrangement blends Mellotron textures reminiscent of Lennon’s “Strawberry Fields Forever” with Charlie Herrenbruck’s atmospheric slide guitar and orchestration by Jordan Rehak, who added strings, brass, woodwinds, and concert percussion to create a sweeping soundscape.
“This song has been on a journey—from a ten-minute burst of inspiration in a garage, to Phil Spector’s hands, to this new chapter today,” said Hargo. “It’s a reconnection to the peak of Lennon’s impact on the global stage as an ambassador for peace, and honouring his passionate commitment to that vision—especially in times of turmoil, war, and social upheaval.”
Ruvin’s approach deliberately avoided modern production shortcuts, opting instead for analogue recording techniques and live instrumentation to preserve the spirit of Spector’s original concept.
Bridging Generations and Legacies
“Crying for John Lennon is more than music—it’s history,” said Timmy Johnson, who first championed the project’s revival. “It’s the only tribute to John that Phil Spector ever chose to produce, and Hargo stands as the last artist to work with him. After a decade of waiting, this project has finally been brought to life.”
The result is a record that blends the emotional immediacy of modern songwriting with the grandeur of 1960s rock orchestration — a sonic tribute to both Lennon and Spector’s enduring legacies. The release also underscores the enduring influence of classic production techniques in an era dominated by digital sound.
A Message That Resonates Today
Beyond its historic and artistic significance, the release of “Crying for John Lennon” arrives at a time when its message of peace and unity feels particularly urgent.
“If there was another song written after ‘Let It Be’ to end all wars, this would be it,” said Gary Spector, Phil’s son. “It’s as if the song is asking for a second chance at peace.”
The song’s release on Lennon’s birthday further amplifies its symbolism — a reminder of the late Beatle’s lasting influence as a voice for social justice and harmony.
Global Release and Radio Promotion
“Crying for John Lennon” will be released globally on 3 October 2025 across all major streaming platforms and is currently being serviced to international radio networks. The campaign is being coordinated by Capital Music Promotions, with Hargo and Ruvin scheduled for a limited series of interviews and media appearances ahead of the release.
In an age defined by division and conflict, the song’s return — born of collaboration between generations of musicians — seeks to reignite the universal call for peace that Lennon championed decades ago.
For radio promotions, interviews, and further information, contact:
Tim Johnson – Capital Music Promotions
📧 [email protected]
📱 +1 (228) 313-1082
🌐 www.capitalmusicpromotions.com
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