May Pang

May Fung Yee Pang was born on October 24, 1950, in Manhattan to Chinese immigrants. She spent her early years in Spanish Harlem before her family relocated to an apartment near 97th Street and 3rd Avenue. After graduating from Saint Michael Academy and attending New York City Community College, Pang initially pursued a modeling career but was told she was too “ethnic.” Her professional journey began as a song plugger in the music industry. In 1970, she started working as a receptionist at ABKCO Records, Allen Klein’s management office, which represented Apple Records and former Beatles members John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. Her role quickly expanded as she was asked to assist Lennon and Yoko Ono with their avant-garde film projects, “Up Your Legs Forever” and “Fly,” in December 1970. This led to a permanent position as their personal assistant, coordinating an art exhibition for Ono’s “This Is Not Here” art show at the Everson Museum in Syracuse, New York, on October 9, 1971. This coincided with Lennon’s 31st birthday, attended by notable figures like Ringo Starr and Phil Spector.

In mid-1973, while working on Lennon’s “Mind Games” album, Pang became involved in a relationship with him at Yoko Ono’s suggestion, a period Lennon famously called his “Lost Weekend.” During this time, Pang played a significant role in his creative output and personal life. She accompanied Lennon to Los Angeles in October 1973 for the promotion of “Mind Games,” where he embarked on recording projects, including his old rock ‘n’ roll songs and producing Harry Nilsson’s “Pussy Cats” album. Pang encouraged Lennon to reconnect with his family and friends, leading to a reconciliation with Paul McCartney and more regular visits with his son, Julian Lennon. Julian later stated that his memories from this period with his father and May were “the happiest time I can remember with them.” Pang also facilitated collaborations with notable artists like Elton John and David Bowie.

Upon returning to Manhattan in June 1974, Lennon, with Pang, moved into a penthouse apartment. She received an RIAA gold record award for her work on Lennon’s “Walls and Bridges” album, where he achieved his first number-one solo US single, “Whatever Gets You thru the Night.” Pang’s voice can be heard whispering Lennon’s name on the track “#9 Dream,” and “Surprise, Surprise (Sweet Bird of Paradox)” was written about her. She continued her role as production coordinator for Lennon’s “Rock ‘n’ Roll” album, credited as “Mother Superior.” Their relationship concluded in February 1975 when Lennon reconciled with Ono. After this, Pang worked as a public relations manager for United Artists Records and Island Records, contributing to albums by Bob Marley and Robert Palmer. She later married producer Tony Visconti in 1989, divorcing in 2001, and had two children. Pang remains engaged in creative pursuits, including designing stainless-steel feng shui jewelry and pursuing photography, showcasing her candid photographs of John Lennon in touring exhibitions.