May Pang’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and unexpected intimacy with the world’s most famous rock star. As John Lennon’s companion during the so-called “Lost Weekend”—an 18-month period of personal and creative renewal—May became both muse and confidante, helping Lennon reconnect with his music, his friends, and even his family. Her journey from New York secretary to a central figure in Beatles lore is a testament to the unpredictable ways that history is made—and remembered.
Early Life: Roots in New York and a Love of Music
Born October 24, 1950, in New York City to Chinese immigrant parents, May Pang grew up in Spanish Harlem, surrounded by the city’s energy and diversity. Her early years were shaped by her parents’ hard work and her own curiosity about art, music, and pop culture. May attended Catholic school and discovered a passion for rock and roll as a teenager, idolizing acts like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones.
After graduating high school, May entered the workforce, quickly landing a job at ABKCO, Allen Klein’s influential music management company. Her organizational skills, intelligence, and easygoing manner soon made her indispensable to the company’s roster of artists.
Apple Corps and Meeting John Lennon
May’s professional break came when she was hired by Apple Records’ New York office, where she worked with Lennon and Yoko Ono on various projects. Initially, she handled administrative and promotional duties, but her role quickly expanded—May became a trusted assistant and fixer for the Lennons, handling everything from travel arrangements to creative brainstorming.
Her first-hand view of the Beatles’ world was both exhilarating and daunting. May navigated the shifting alliances and high-stakes drama of the post-Beatles era with poise, earning the respect of artists, producers, and executives alike.
The Lost Weekend: Love, Music, and New Beginnings
In the summer of 1973, John and Yoko’s marriage hit a rocky patch. Yoko, recognizing John’s need for space and support, suggested May as his companion. What began as a pragmatic arrangement soon blossomed into a deep and genuine relationship. John and May moved to Los Angeles, where Lennon embarked on a period of intense creativity, collaboration, and personal exploration.
The “Lost Weekend,” as Lennon later dubbed it, lasted from mid-1973 to early 1975. Far from being a period of aimless excess, these months saw John reconnect with his estranged son Julian, reconcile with Paul McCartney, and record some of his most vital solo work—including the acclaimed albums Mind Games and Walls and Bridges.
May was more than a romantic partner; she was a creative collaborator and emotional anchor. She encouraged John’s musical ambitions, helped organize legendary jam sessions with the likes of Elton John, David Bowie, Harry Nilsson, and Ringo Starr, and provided the stability and affection Lennon sorely needed. Under May’s influence, John’s relationship with Julian flourished, leading to some of their most cherished father-son moments.
Behind the Scenes: Producer, Muse, and Problem Solver
May’s contributions to Lennon’s life and music during the Lost Weekend were substantial. She served as production coordinator on Walls and Bridges and Rock ‘n’ Roll, handled logistics for recording sessions, and even contributed backing vocals to select tracks. Her photographic eye captured candid moments in the studio and at home, many of which have become iconic images of Lennon’s later years.
May’s diplomatic skills also helped Lennon mend fences with old friends. She played a pivotal role in arranging John’s surprise appearance at Elton John’s 1974 Madison Square Garden concert, a triumphant return to live performance that marked a turning point in Lennon’s life.
Return to New York: The End of the Affair
By early 1975, Lennon and Yoko Ono reconciled, and John returned to the Dakota apartment they shared. The end of May and John’s relationship was bittersweet—May was heartbroken, but she remained proud of the positive influence she had on Lennon’s music and personal life. She returned to New York, determined to build her own career in the music industry.
Life After Lennon: Author, Advocate, and Entrepreneur
May Pang continued to work in music, collaborating with artists such as David Bowie, Harry Nilsson, and Cheap Trick. In the 1980s, she married music executive Tony Visconti and had two children. May became a successful entrepreneur, launching a jewelry line and working as a radio host.
Her memoir, Loving John, published in 1983, offered a candid, compassionate account of her relationship with Lennon. The book—along with her 2008 photographic collection, Instamatic Karma—helped reframe the Lost Weekend as a period of growth and creativity, rather than chaos.
May has become an advocate for mental health awareness, women’s empowerment, and Asian-American representation in the arts. She remains a sought-after speaker and commentator on Beatles history, sharing her unique perspective with fans around the world.
Legacy: The Woman Behind the “Lost Weekend”
May Pang’s influence on John Lennon’s life and music is undeniable. She helped Lennon rediscover joy, reconnect with loved ones, and create some of his most enduring solo work. Her story is one of strength, adaptability, and the transformative power of love and friendship.
Today, May is celebrated not only for her role in Beatles history but for her own creative achievements and advocacy. Her journey—from a New York teenager to the heart of rock and roll’s most mythic era—is a testament to resilience, self-belief, and the enduring magic of music.
