On this day in 1980, singer/songwriter John Lennon (1940-1980) was shot and killed outside his apartment building across the street from New York's Central Park by deranged fan Mark Chapman.

A senseless and heartbreaking tragedy, Lennon's death profoundly touched others. The lyrics of Queen's Freddie Mercury 1982 tribute, Life is Real, included: "Lennon is a genius/ Living in every pore."

Of Chapman, an angry Elton John sang in Empty Garden (1982), "It's funny how an insect can damage so much grain."

Bruce Springsteen said of Lennon, "He had a lot of courage and humor. He was wonderful to have in the world. I'm still angry he's not here."

The death inspired many others. Mourning the loss of his friend, fellow Beatle George Harrison wrote in All Those Years Ago, "Deep in the darkest night/I send out a prayer to you."

Paul McCartney, describing his writing partner in 2005 as "one of the great men" of the past century, wrote in the song Here Today (Song for John), "I still remember how it was before/ And I am holding back the tears no more/ I love you."

After all these years, Lennon still lives in the hearts and minds of millions around the world though his music and lyrics. His best-known solo hit Imagine (1971) has become a poignant anthem for change and peace:

You may say I'm a dreamer,
but I'm not the only one,
I hope some day you'll join us,
And the world will live as one.

Listen to the truth of music.