Jay Bergen's 'Lennon, The Mobster & Lawyer - The Untold Story' is an absolute masterpiece

In all fairness, I am still working away at Jay Bergen’s Lennon, The Mobster & Lawyer - The Untold Story but unless he goes into a random handful of chapters switching topics to why Marvel is better than DC, rest assured this new John Lennon must-read book is flawless and worth having in your collection.

I am getting more and more to the point of knowing from the first few chapters of books I start reading what the overall feel and vibe will become. Jay Bergen’s foreword, introduction and initial chapters suck you right in to the sum of around 50 chapters detailing his time with the late iconic singer during a wild courtroom situation - er - showdown between the Beatles legend’s lawsuit against the notorious Morris Levy.

Jumping to the point? It’s a quick and shockingly fun read. Let’s face it - we’re living in times where your time and attention span are tested on a regular basis and unless you either get to the point or can provide enough content to keep people tuned in, you’ll lose them fast. Bergen’s writing and pure honesty - notably his first encounter with Lennon and his thoughts throughout their working relationship and friendship throughout is breathtaking.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with a physical book in your hand - feeling like time is against you and there’s not enough hours in the day but within moments - not minutes, but rather moments - of resuming reading Lennon, The Mobster & Lawyer - The Untold Story, you’re sucked in.

Whether you’ve come across this article because you’re remember the life of John Lennon on the anniversary of his tragic killing December 8 or you’re just curious about what this book is all about - maybe a pure Beatles fan too, the fact remains. This is must-read.

I take this book a bit more deeply and serious because of my close proximity - growing up a New Yorker and residing just minutes outside of New York City, Bergen’s descriptions of local places, meetings and places I’ve frequented as well makes me connect even deeper.

There’s no sugarcoating his words, either. Bergen gives you everything and then some. As previously mentioned, getting to go inside of his head and feeling like you’re actually seeing his encounter during this turbulent time period? Being an 80’s baby, getting this taste of the 70’s and how things operated in the city and with Lennon? It’s something you just couldn't get out of a documentary or film.

To help illustrate a bit better on what this book is all about, how about a rundown with the background?

Before John Lennon retreated peacefully into private life in 1975, he fought a major legal battle that flew under the public’s radar. At the same time John’s Rock 'n' Roll oldies album hit the market, the notorious Mob-connected owner of Roulette Records, Morris Levy, released Roots, an unauthorized version of the same record. Levy used rough mixes of John's unfinished Rock 'n' Roll recordings, claiming the former Beatle had verbally agreed to the arrangement. The clash led to a lawsuit and countersuit between Levy and Lennon.

In his new memoir, Jay tells the intimate story of how he worked closely with Lennon to rebut Levy's outrageous claims. He also recounts how John explained his recording process in poetic, exacting terms before a judge who knew little about the Beatles and rock and roll. Lennon, the Mobster & the Lawyer (Devault Graves) captures the high drama of the courtroom skirmishes in this previously untold story, using transcripts, testimony and documents from the trial. It also paints a detailed personal picture of John and his world in 1975-76, when he was soon to have a new son and went into happy seclusion to be a husband and father.

What I planned on reviewing and gifting to my aunt - who is a massive Beatles fan - has now become something I must keep and proudly display in my book collection while getting her a personalized copy. Jay Bergen’s masterpiece is the perfect read and gives a perspective music fans have never had on one of the most iconic musicians of all time.

Jay Bergen’s Lennon, The Mobster & Lawyer - The Untold Story is now available for purchase.