John Sinclair

Album: Sometime in New York City (1972)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song was sung by Lennon to free a political activist named John Sinclair who was sentenced to 10 years in prison for giving an undercover female officer two marijuana joints. Lennon performed this song at a rally for Sinclair in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and two days later, Sinclair was released from prison. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Kris - Mississauga, ON
  • John Sinclair was a Detroit poet, who before his arrest in 1969 managed the punk pioneering band MC5 for three years and lead the White Panther Party. After his release, he wrote articles for musical publications, promoted the legendary Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival and taught blues courses at Wayne State University. After moving to New Orleans in the early 1990s, he became a radio DJ and released several spoken word blues and jazz-oriented albums.

Comments: 5

  • AnonymousIt’s
    What else can judge Columbia do
    And
    Let got Oun Plamondon too
  • Barry from New York, NcThe posthumously released album ACOUSTIC contains John's set at the 1971 John Sinclair rally. Short but sweet. Worth checking out.
  • Reed from New Ulm, MnWhat a sad pathetic injustice it was, what happened to John Sinclair---I praise John Lennon for having the guts to speak out about it!
  • Bob from Southfield, MiJohn Sinclair moved to New Orleans in the mid 80s but has returned to the Detroit area. He is still a popular figure around town making many appearances at jazz venues and poetry readings.
  • George from Calumet City, IlVery underrated song from the late, great John Lennon.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Dino Cazares of Fear Factory

Dino Cazares of Fear FactorySongwriter Interviews

The guitarist/songwriter explains how he came up with his signature sound, and deconstructs some classic Fear Factory songs.

Michael W. Smith

Michael W. SmithSongwriter Interviews

Smith breaks down some of his worship tracks as well as his mainstream hits, including "I Will Be Here For You" and "A Place In This World."

Allen Toussaint - "Southern Nights"

Allen Toussaint - "Southern Nights"They're Playing My Song

A song he wrote and recorded from "sheer spiritual inspiration," Allen's didn't think "Southern Nights" had hit potential until Glen Campbell took it to #1 two years later.

Best Band Logos

Best Band LogosSong Writing

Queen, Phish and The Stones are among our picks for the best band logos. Here are their histories and a design analysis from an expert.

TV Theme Songs

TV Theme SongsFact or Fiction

Was a Beatles song a TV theme? And who came up with those Fresh Prince and Sopranos songs?

Elton John

Elton JohnFact or Fiction

Does he have beef with Gaga? Is he Sean Lennon's godfather? See if you can tell fact from fiction in the Elton John edition.