Yoko Ono and John Lennon, December 1968 Susan Wood/Getty Images. When John Lennon first released his 1973 album Mind Games, it was met with tepid reception from critics and fans.

Elliot Mintz became the long-distance confidant of John Lennon and Yoko Ono. Then he saw the cruel side of Lennon and picked up the pieces after the former Beatle was fatally shot.

John Lennon, left, and Elton John became friends in the 1970s, leading to the reconciliation between Lennon and Yoko Ono. (Sam Emerson) They began spending time together, with John recalling, "We ...