Today is...the Anniversary of the Murder of John Lennon

On this day in 1980, John Lennon was murdered outside his New York City apartment building.

The Beatles were originally The Quarrymen and were formed by 16-year-old John Lennon. Paul McCartney joined as a rhythm guitarist. McCartney invited friend George Harrison, then 14, to watch the band, after which he auditioned as the lead guitarist.

Stuart Sutcliffe then joined the band on bass and encouraged them to rename themselves The Beatles.

After Sutcliffe left the band and original drummer Pete Best was replaced by Ringo Starr, the Beatles recorded their first song, Love Me Do on September 4, 1962.

After breaking up in 1970, all four Beatles released solo albums. Ringo Starr's 1973 album Ringo had collaborations with all three other Beatles, though on separate tracks.

In 1976, Lorne Michaels offered $3000 for The Beatles to reunite on Saturday Night Live. The following week, John Lennon and Paul McCartney were hanging out and considered going to the studio to claim the money, but decided against it. According to McCartney they were having a night off and going down would have been "work".

All four Beatles were awarded the honor of becoming Members of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II.

The Beatles are still the best-selling band in history.

Who is your favorite Beatle?