Yoko Ono Readies John Lennon Remasters, Extensive Project

It happened to the music of the Fab Four and now it’s happening to one of its members. Widow of John Lennon, Yoko Ono, announced on her website recently that remasters of Lennon’s solo music are in the works.

“Dear Friends,” she writes. “In this very special year, which would have seen my husband and lifetime partner John Lennon reach the age of 70, I was surprised that so many musicians from all over the world sent me their ideas of how they were making a tribute to John this year.”

According to Ono, her biggest surprise came from a little group called EMI (perhaps you’ve heard of it). She says that EMI Music approached her with a project they planned to undertake and complete by the end of this year. In addition to remastering all 121 songs from Lennon’s extensive collection of albums and singles, EMI will also add unreleased recordings, a book, repackaging, artwork, collages, prints, essays and liner notes.

Ono’s website also says that the entire catalogue initiative commemorating Lennon will be released on Oct. 9 this year, which would have been his 70th birthday.

Read Ono’s letter and the press release on her website here.

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