Liverpool-born John Lennon was the founder and co-leader of one of the most influential rock groups of all time, The Beatles. Along with Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Pete Best (later replaced by Ringo Starr), Lennon led the Beatles to the pinnacle of popular success. Lennon wrote or co-wrote most of the group’s music, from the early, fresh pop tunes to the later innovative work of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1970). The group disbanded in 1970 and Lennon was shot to death in front of his apartment in 1980.