Who plays the drums on John Lennon’s 1971 hit ‘Imagine’?

Alan White played drums on John Lennon’s 1971 hit “Imagine”, giving the song a restrained, gently uplifting pulse. His contribution matters because the track’s spare piano opening and gradual build are central to its enduring impact, even though Lennon is often imagined as its sole musical force.

White also helped shape the arrangement: he suggested that the song begin with Lennon alone at the piano, rather than with the drums and band. Lennon and producer Phil Spector adopted the idea. White recalled that the recording took perhaps four or five takes, though a book reportedly put the number at nine, and said the musicians recognised the chosen take as special.