We're celebrating NPR's 50th anniversary by revisiting cultural milestones from 1971. On this day, 51 years ago, John Lennon's album Imagine — along with its utopian title track — was released.

One of the ideals of the Olympics is peace, which makes John Lennon’s “Imagine” a natural fit for the opening ceremony.

One of the ideals of the Olympics is peace, which makes John Lennon’s “Imagine” a natural fit for the opening ceremony.

One of the ideals of the Olympics is peace, which makes John Lennon’s “Imagine” a natural fit for the opening ceremony.

One of the ideals of the Olympics is peace, which makes John Lennon’s “Imagine” a natural fit for the opening ceremony.

One of the ideals of the Olympics is peace, which makes John Lennon’s “Imagine” a natural fit for the opening ceremony.

WASHINGTON — French singer-songwriter Juliette Armanet and pianist Sofiane Pamart gave a captivating rendition of John Lennon's "Imagine" during the Opening Ceremony in Paris. Following the ...