Wedding Album, signed and inscribed on the inside front cover of the album box, “To Howard, with love from John Lennon &,” and “Yoko Ono,” Lennon adding a double caricature sketch of himself and Yoko. The consignor indicates that signatures were acquired by the inscribee, the Lennons’ friend and Village Voice columnist Howard Smith, during an interview he conducted with Lennon in Canada; the front cover of box bears an affixed Toronto customs sticker. The Wedding Album was the last in a series of three experimental albums by Lennon and Ono. Released in 1969, it comprises two long tracks, one on either side of the album. “John & Yoko” is a recording of Lennon and Ono calling to each other through a range of emotions over the sound of their heartbeats. “Amsterdam” includes interviews, conversations, and captured sounds during the couple’s famous “Bed-In” honeymoon following their marriage in March of that year. The album was issued as an elaborate boxed set, designed by John Kosh, including photo sets, drawings, a reproduction of the marriage certificate, a picture of a slice of wedding cake (inside a white sleeve), and a booklet of press clippings about the couple. Among Smith’s many achievements during the 1960s and 1970s was a weekly column for the Village Voice titled “Scenes,” which chronicled the countercultural scene in New York City. It was during this time that Smith was asked by John and Yoko to conduct several long interviews. The results included candid conversation and commentary on a number of topics, including the Beatles’ impending breakup, the “Bed-In” for peace, the Beatles’ historic Shea Stadium concerts, John’s solo hit “Imagine,” and more. In fine condition, with a few corner and edge separations, some scuffing and surface wear to top and bottom covers, and a bit of mild toning to inside of front cover, lightly affecting last two letters of Ono’s signature. The record is included. COA Roger Epperson/REAL and R&R COA .
