David Sheff’s insightful biography, *Yoko*, seeks to dismantle the whirlwind of rumors that have long clouded the life of visionary artist Yoko Ono and her legendary husband, John Lennon. Sheff, who had the unique privilege of interviewing the couple shortly before Lennon’s tragic passing in 1980, has delved deep into Ono's multifaceted life and career, providing an unprecedented glimpse into both her artistry and her humanity.

Having maintained a friendship with Ono for decades, Sheff was not only a close observer but also a compassionate ally during a time of profound grief. Following Lennon’s assassination, Sheff was among the few to witness Ono's raw emotions as she mourned her partner. This personal connection adds a rich layer to his storytelling, though Sheff remains candid about the complexities within their friendship. His previous work, *Beautiful Boy*, drew from personal experience, linking him to Ono through shared struggles, particularly with addiction, as his son faced serious life challenges.

Published by Simon & Schuster on March 25, *Yoko* aims to champion Ono’s legacy as a pioneer of avant-garde art and dismantle the pervasive myths that have labeled her as a divisive figure. The biography promises to shift the narrative, showcasing her significant contributions across various mediums, including visual arts, music, and performance.

In interviews, Sheff candidly speaks about the motivations behind writing the biography now. He expressed disappointment over the common portrayal of Ono as the woman who “broke up the Beatles” or “hypnotized” Lennon. After coming across a bumper sticker proclaiming “Still Pissed at Yoko,” he felt compelled to uncover the truth behind the headlines, making this work a much-needed corrective to the sensationalism that has followed her for decades.

Sheff tackled the delicate balance of being an admiring friend and an objective biographer. He was determined to present an honest account, engaging in self-reflection about his own biases. He recalls how both John and Yoko championed truth in art, an ethos that propelled him through the writing process.

Despite the challenges of limited new access to Ono—who has entered retirement and did not review the manuscript before publication—Sheff leveraged their history of interviews and pivotal conversations to enrich his narrative. Insights from Sean Lennon and Kyoko Ono, who rarely speaks publicly, further expand the scope of the biography, offering new perspectives on Yoko’s life.

A significant focus of Sheff’s research lies in the often-overshadowed aspects of Ono’s life, particularly her relationship with her daughter, Kyoko. This nuanced portrayal reveals the depth of Ono's experience, shedding light on the personal sacrifices and trials that have defined her journey. In exploring her struggles with reliance on psychics, especially after Lennon’s death—an emotional period where her fears compounded—the biography emotionally resonates, offering an unfiltered view of an artist often boxed into a singular narrative.

As *Yoko* prepares to hit the shelves, it boldly asserts that the time has come for Yoko Ono to be seen beyond the rumors and controversies that have followed her. David Sheff's meticulous research and heartfelt storytelling promise to offer a fresh and necessary perspective on one of art history’s most exhilaratingly complex figures, reminding the world of her enduring influence on music and art.