John Lennon's Endorsement: The Impact of Alice Cooper's 'Elected' on the Music Industry
Alice Cooper, known for his shock rock persona, drew inspiration from classic rock and roll artists. His songwriting was influenced by the iconic songs of the 1960s, particularly those of The Beatles. Cooper admired the songwriting prowess of McCartney and Lennon, considering their compositions to be perfect three-minute rock songs that anyone would aspire to write.
In the 1970s, Alice Cooper was part of the legendary Los Angeles drinking club called "The Hollywood Vampires," which included notable members like Keith Moon, Harry Nilsson, and Ringo Starr. Cooper, self-proclaimed president of the club, cherished the opportunity to connect with John Lennon, who was also associated with the group when in town. Lennon's appreciation for Cooper's controversial and satirical songs, such as 'Elected,' showcased a genuine endorsement of Cooper's music.
During a hangout with John Lennon, Cooper received high praise for his single 'Elected' from the album Billion Dollar Babies. The song, released during the 1972 presidential election cycle, humorously expressed Cooper's desire to be elected president, mocking the political landscape of the time. Lennon admired the track for its bold take on politics and enthusiastically shared it with others, acknowledging its impact and creativity.
Alice Cooper's interaction with John Lennon and the recognition he received for 'Elected' highlighted the respect and admiration Lennon had for Cooper's music. Despite Lennon's playful remark about Paul McCartney potentially doing the song better, his genuine appreciation for Cooper's work was a significant validation for the rock artist. Lennon's endorsement of 'Elected' underscored the song's impact and relevance in the music industry.
Listen to 'Elected' from Alice Cooper's Billion Dollar Babies album to experience the satirical and politically charged essence of the song.