Last Updated on September 13, 2024
Yoko Ono is a Japanese multimedia artist, singer-songwriter, and peace activist. Ono has also involved herself in performance art and filmmaking over the years.
Ono rose to prominence in 1969 after marrying famous English musician and The Beatles singer John Lennon. The couple remained together until December 8, 1980, when Lennon was murdered in front of his apartment building.
After her husband’s death, Yoko Ono became more involved in activism and philanthropy.
Yoko Ono Quick Facts
| Full Name: | Yoko Ono |
| Popular Name: | Yoko Ono |
| Nicknames: | Mother |
| Birth Date: | February 18, 1933 |
| Age: | 90 years |
| Parents: | Eisuke Ono and Isoko Ono |
| Siblings: | Keisuke Ono |
| Birth Place: | Tokyo, Japan |
| Nationality: | Japanese |
| Ethnicity: | Japanese |
| Religion: | Buddhism and Christianity |
| Education: | Gakushin School, Keimei Gakuen School, Gakushin University, and Sarah Lawrence College |
| Marital Status: | Widow; previously married to Toshi Ichiyanagi (from 1956 until their divorce in 1962), American musician & filmmaker Anthony Cox (from 1962 until their divorce in 1969), and English musician John Lennon (from 1969 until his death in 1980) |
| Sexual Orientation: | Straight |
| Children: | 2, including Sean Lennon |
| Net Worth: | USD 700 million |
| Source of Wealth: | Multimedia Art Creation, Filmmaking, Film & Television Appearances, Album & Record Sales, Book Royalties, and Other Ventures |
| Height: | 5′ 1″ (1.57 m) |
| Weight: | In kilograms: 60 kg; In pounds: 132 lbs. |
Early Life and Career Information
Early Life
Yoko Ono was born on February 18, 1933, in Tokyo, Japan, to Eisuke Ono and Isoko Ono. Her father was a classical pianist who later became a wealthy banker.
Yoko Ono began her education at Tokyo-based Gakush?in School. She later attended Keimei Gakuen School.
After completing her basic education, Ono proceeded to Gakush?in University. However, she left Gakush?in after two semesters and later joined Sarah Lawrence College, where she pursued poetry, English literature, and music composition.
Music Career
Yoko Ono always desired to become a musician from a young age. Her musical ambitions received a massive boost when she became involved with English musician and The Beatles singer John Lennon in the mid-‘60s. She released her first collaborative album with Lennon in 1968, just a year before the couple tied the knot.
The album, titled ‘Unfinished Music No. 1: Two Virgins,’ was a critical success. It spawned its sequel a few months later, titled ‘Unfinished Music No. 2: Life with the Lions.’
Ono released two more studio albums with John Lennon in 1969. They include ‘Wedding Album’ and ‘Live Peace in Toronto 1969.’
In 1970, Yoko Ono released her solo studio album, titled ‘Yoko Ono/Plastic Ono Band.’ She followed up with the album ‘Fly’ the following year.
Ono went on to become one of the most prolific musicians of her generation. She has since released more than 15 other studio albums, including four with John Lennon before his death.
Ono’s other solo albums include;
• Approximately Infinite Universe (1973)
• Feeling the Space (1973)
• Season of Glass (1981)
• It’s Alright (I See Rainbows) (1982)
• Starpeace (1985)
• Rising (1995)
• A Story (1997)
• Blueprint for a Sunrise (2001)
• Between My Head and the Sky (2009)
• Yokokimthurston (2012)
• Take Me to the Land of Hell (2013)
• Warzone (2018)
Her other collaborative albums with John Lennon include;
• Some Time in New York City (1972)
• Double Fantasy (1980)
• Heart Play: Unfinished Dialogue (1983)
• Milk and Honey (1984)
Acting Career
Yoko Ono has appeared in scores of movies, many of which are short-length and documentary films. She also lent her voice to the 2018 animated film ‘Isle of Dogs.’
Ono has also landed several television roles over the years. She made her television debut by appearing as herself in a 1969 episode of ‘The David Frost Show.’
Yoko Ono is also a filmmaker in her own right. She has directed and produced many of the films and television shows she has appeared in.
Activism and Philanthropy
Yoko Ono has been involved in activism and philanthropy throughout her adult life. She and her late husband Lennon were part of anti-Vietnam war protestors.
Ono has continued to make significant philanthropic contributions towards arts, peace, and disaster relief. Most of her charitable works are focused around Japan and the Philippines.
Other Ventures
Yoko Ono has authored and co-authored several books and monographs. Notable mentions are Grapefruit (1964), Summer of 1980 (1983), and The John Lennon Family Album (1990). Others include Instruction Paintings (1995), Odyssey of a Cockroach (2005), and Acorn (2013).
Ono has also been an influential figure in the art scene. She created the ‘Wish Tree,’ an art concept that encourages people to write a wish, fold it, and tie it onto a branch of The Wish Tree. Her other notable artworks include ‘Arising,’ ‘Skylanding,’ Refugee Boat,’ and ‘Cut Piece.’
Awards and Recognitions
Ono has received numerous awards for his contribution to the arts and entertainment industry. They include a Primetime Emmy Award, Grammy Awards, and Glamor Awards, to mention but a few.
Yoko Ono’s Net Worth
Yoko Ono is not only one of Japan’s most talented artists and musicians of all time. She’s also one of the wealthiest. As at November 1, 2022, Ono had a net worth of $700 million.
Suffice it to say that the bulk of Yoko Ono’s wealth came in the form of inheritance money. When Ono’s husband Lennon died in 1980, he was worth $200 million.
Besides inheriting her husband’s estate, Ono continues to make millions from her various engagements in the entertainment industry.
Lessons from Yoko Ono
1. Pay tribute to those who significantly impacted your life
Yoko Ono continues to honor her husband more than four decades after his death. She has funded numerous initiatives geared toward preserving Lennon’s legacy.
2. Spare a thought for the less-privileged
Ono understands that true success consists more in giving than receiving. She has continually donated millions to numerous philanthropic organizations in support of peace, arts, and disaster relief.
3. There’s a reason for everything
Yoko Ono’s family was hard hit by the Second World War. At some point, her family had to beg for relief food. In a past interview, Ono stated that she developed her compassionate attitude for humankind during this period.
Famous Quotes by Yoko Ono
• Controversy is part of the nature of art and creativity.
• Experiencing sadness and anger can make you feel more creative, and by being creative, you can get beyond your pain or negativity.
• Nobody’s life is a bed of roses. We all have crosses to bear, and we all just do our best. I would never claim to have the worst situation. There are many widows, and many people dying of AIDS, many people killed in Lebanon, people starving all over the planet. So we have to count our lucky stars.
• Smile in the mirror. Do that every morning and you’ll start to see a big difference in your life.
• There’s a long life ahead of you and it’s going to be beautiful, as long as you keep loving and hugging each other.
Final Word
Yoko Ono is a legendary Japanese artist, actress, and activist who’s revered for her far-reaching philanthropic efforts. Ono has a net worth of $700 million, a huge portion of which she inherited from her late husband John Lennon.
