John Lennon Has A Top 10 Hit On A Billboard Chart Once Again–Without The Beatles

06 Dec 2023 by Hugh McIntyre · Forbes

Portrait of British musician John Lennon (1940 - 1980) (center) and his wife, artist and musician ... [+] Yoko Ono (extreme left) as they attend an unspecified rally in Hyde Park, London, England, 1975. (Photo by Rowland Scherman/Getty Images)Getty Images

John Lennon found immense success on the Billboard charts both as a member of The Beatles and as a soloist. The music he made in both of those periods of his life continues to be consumed by millions around the world, and this week, he’s back on several rankings with one of his most beloved solo compositions…and that’s to say nothing of his recent success with The Beatles.

This week, Lennon is back on the Rock Streaming Songs chart. Billboard releases the list each week and ranks the rock tracks that perform best on streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. This time around, the singer-songwriter doesn’t just find his way back to the tally–he appears inside the highest tier on the roster.

Lennon’s holiday hit “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” reappears on the tally at No. 10. The cut is officially credited not just to the former Beatle, but as John & Yoko, as it was released alongside his wife Yoko Ono. Also named on the tune are The Plastic Ono Band and The Harlem Community Choir.

“Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” may be back inside the top 10 already, but there’s still plenty of room to grow. Lennon’s Christmas hit has previously peaked at No. 3 on the Rock Streaming Songs chart. In the coming weeks, it’s likely that the hit will continue to climb up the Rock Streaming Songs chart.

“Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” is also up on the Holiday Streaming Songs chart as well this frame. Lennon’s smash rises back into the top 40, lifting from No. 44. The cut has climbed as high as No. 18.

Lennon also has a presence on a number of Billboard charts this week as a member of The Beatles. The band’s new single “Now and Then” is still performing well on a handful of rankings, largely in the rock genre. In fact, the cut rises to No. 1 on the latest edition of the Adult Alternative Airplay chart, giving the group their first leader on a radio-focused list in more than half a century.