Sunday 14 July 1974 | Record Plant, New York City | Producer: John Lennon
On 14 July 1974, John Lennon began the first recording session for what would become his Walls and Bridges album at the Record Plant in New York City. The session opened with rehearsals of several songs before moving into the first proper recording of ‘Beef Jerky’, with a rough mix made of the best take by the end of the night.
The Session
The session began with rehearsals of four songs:
- ‘Move Over Ms L’
- ‘Bless You’
- ‘Whatever Gets You Thru The Night’
- ‘What You Got’
Lennon and the session musicians then moved into recording ‘Beef Jerky’. Towards the end of the session, a rough mix was made of the best take — a standard practice in Lennon’s working method, allowing him to assess the material away from the studio before deciding on next steps.
Beef Jerky
‘Beef Jerky’ is an instrumental track that would appear on the finished Walls and Bridges album, released in September 1974. It is one of the more unusual entries in Lennon’s solo catalogue — a driving, funk-inflected instrumental that showcases the tight session band he assembled for the album. The track features a prominent guitar riff and a loose, improvisational energy that reflects the relaxed but focused atmosphere of the Record Plant sessions.
Walls and Bridges: The Album
Walls and Bridges was recorded during Lennon’s ‘Lost Weekend’ — the eighteen-month period from late 1973 to early 1975 during which he and Yoko Ono were separated, and Lennon lived in Los Angeles and later New York with May Pang. The album was produced entirely by Lennon himself and recorded at the Record Plant in New York.
The album would go on to be one of Lennon’s most commercially successful solo records, reaching number one in the United States. It included the chart-topping single ‘Whatever Gets You Thru The Night’ — a collaboration with Elton John that led to Lennon’s famous return to the stage at Madison Square Garden in November 1974, his last-ever live performance.
The Record Plant, New York
The Record Plant on West 44th Street in New York City was one of the premier recording studios of the 1970s, used by artists including Jimi Hendrix, Bruce Springsteen, and John Lennon. Lennon recorded both Walls and Bridges and Rock ‘n’ Roll there during this period. The studio’s relaxed, creative atmosphere suited Lennon’s working style during the Lost Weekend years.
Key Facts: 14 July 1974
| Date | Sunday 14 July 1974 |
| Studio | Record Plant, New York City |
| Producer | John Lennon |
| Songs rehearsed | Move Over Ms L; Bless You; Whatever Gets You Thru The Night; What You Got |
| Song recorded | Beef Jerky (rough mix of best take) |
| Album | Walls and Bridges (released September 1974) |
| Context | First session of the Walls and Bridges recording sessions; Lennon’s ‘Lost Weekend’ period |
Record Plant Studios, West 44th Street, New York City — where John Lennon recorded Walls and Bridges in July–August 1974.
John Lennon: New York City
Officially licensed John Lennon merch celebrating his New York years.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did John Lennon start recording Walls and Bridges?
The first recording session for John Lennon’s Walls and Bridges album took place on 14 July 1974 at the Record Plant in New York City. The session began with rehearsals before moving into the first recording of ‘Beef Jerky’.
What is Beef Jerky by John Lennon?
Beef Jerky is an instrumental track by John Lennon that appeared on his 1974 album Walls and Bridges. It is a driving, funk-inflected instrumental featuring a prominent guitar riff, and was first recorded on 14 July 1974 at the Record Plant in New York City.
What was John Lennon’s Lost Weekend?
The Lost Weekend was an eighteen-month period from late 1973 to early 1975 during which John Lennon and Yoko Ono were separated. Lennon lived in Los Angeles and later New York with May Pang, and during this time recorded the albums Walls and Bridges and Rock ‘n’ Roll.
Did Whatever Gets You Thru The Night reach number one?
Yes. Whatever Gets You Thru The Night, a collaboration between John Lennon and Elton John, reached number one in the United States — Lennon’s first US number one as a solo artist. The success of the single led to Lennon’s famous appearance at Madison Square Garden in November 1974, his last-ever live performance.
Where was the Record Plant studio in New York?
The Record Plant was located at 321 West 44th Street in New York City. It was one of the premier recording studios of the 1970s, used by artists including Jimi Hendrix, Bruce Springsteen, and John Lennon, who recorded Walls and Bridges and Rock ‘n’ Roll there.
→ Travel: John Lennon – New York City to London – 14 July 1971
→ Radio: Top Gear – 14 July 1964
→ The Beatles live: ABC Theatre, Blackpool – 14 July 1963
→ 14 July in Beatles History
→ John Lennon: Beatles History, Solo Career, Songs & Legacy
→ Paul McCartney: Beatles History, Solo Career, Songs & Legacy
→ George Harrison: Beatles History, Solo Career, Songs & Legacy
→ Ringo Starr: Beatles History, Solo Career, Songs & Legacy
→ The Beatles Knowledge Hub
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