Years after I met John Lennon I got the idea that I should write to his son Sean and tell him about it. I guess I thought that since he was so young when his father left this world I wanted to let him know what a real nice man he was; not the Beatle, not the Rock Star but a real nice man who allowed a 19 year old kid from Brooklyn to sit and talk with him one early morning in Manhattan.
Dear Sean,
My name is Frederick Wilfert. I’m from New York (Brooklyn) City now living in Northern Virginia for the past 30 years. I’m 61 years old and I guess you could say I’m a sentimental old fool. So, if you wouldn’t mind reading this letter and indulging an old man I would greatly appreciate it.
It was August 1977. I was 19 years old and driving a truck for an electronics company known as; Crazy Eddie. My runs were usually Manhattan and The Bronx, with an occasional Connecticut run. Every time I was in Manhattan I’d drive up West 72nd Street and hopefully catch a glimpse of my Idol; John Lennon. On that day, passing by the Dakota, I was out of luck. Or, so I thought.
I decided to drive up the street to Columbus Avenue where there was a luncheonette type of business right on the corner and grab a cup of coffee for the ride. I thought I was extremely lucky to find parking, especially for a truck, on any street in Manhattan. However, I pulled right in. I ordered a cup of coffee and a bagel and took my tray and proceeded to find a seat at a table in this, relatively empty, restaurant. I turned around and couldn’t believe my eyes. Sitting at the rear of the room…John Lennon. I said to myself I couldn’t pass up saying hello to the greatest singer/songwriter/musician ever and my Idol.
I approached his table and said “My Lennon”. He looked up and said “hum”. I started to tell him that he is my Idol and it is so nice to meet him. With his right foot, he pushed out a chair across from him and indicated that I sit down. I couldn’t believe it and still can’t till this day that I was sitting down and speaking with John Lennon.
We spoke about music, The Beatles and his solo work. Then, I said thanks to him I write songs, play guitar and piano. I asked him if I could send him a couple of my songs and asked him if he wouldn’t mind letting me know what he thinks of them. He said “send them to me at Dakota and I’ll get them”. I never received a response but it never really mattered. Meeting John Lennon was enough for me. Then he said “It was very nice meeting you”. And, I knew it was time for me to say goodbye and leave. I shook his hand and left. I was on a natural high all day.
John Lennon was the nicest, kindest and most sincere man I ever met. I’ll always cherish that time I got to sit and talk with my Idol.
After almost 42 years have passed, I hope you don’t mind an old fool writing about a sentimental time in my life. Thank you for reading this letter and indulging an old man.
God Bless You and Your Mother. And always remember; Peace and Love, Peace and Love.
Sincerely,
Frederick Wilfert