Fans of John Lennon gathered in Central Park to remember the former Beatle on the 36th anniversary of his death.

Dozens paid tribute by singing Beatles songs and leaving flowers at "Strawberry Fields," the section of the park dedicated to Lennon. 

"I grew up with him. I loved him, loved the Beatles since they came out in 1964 when I was in sixth grade. I grew up with them," said one fan.

"I mean, what can I say? John Lennon is, you know, is big, probably one of my greatest influences in life," said another.

"I came from a family of four girls, and we used to play together in one of our rooms on the bunk beds, and we all pretended we were married to a Beatle," said a third.

Lennon was 40 years old when he was shot to death by Mark David Chapman outside the Dakota apartments in 1980.

Chapman was denied parole for the ninth time earlier this year.