As John & Yoko Ono Lennon's paean for peace, "Imagine," continues to celebrate its 50th anniversary, the iconic song has just been certified triple platinum by the RIAA for selling 3 million units in the U.S.

The achievement comes on the eve of what would have been John's 81st birthday this Saturday, October 9th.

"John and I were both artists and we were living together, so we inspired each other. The song 'Imagine' embodied what we believed together at the time. John and I met – he comes from the West and I come from the East – and still we are together. We have this oneness and 'the whole world would eventually become one' is the sense that we will all be very happy together. All these instructions are for people for how to spend eternity, because we have lots of time."

– Yoko Ono Lennon

"We are thrilled to present this award to Yoko for John & Yoko Ono Lennon's 'Imagine.' One of the most important and universally recognized songs in music, this historic achievement coincides as we celebrate the song and album's 50th anniversary," said Bruce Resnikoff, President & CEO of UMe. "'Imagine' remains a timeless global anthem, and John & Yoko's message of peace is just as relevant today as when it was first written."

In honor of Imagine's golden anniversary and John Lennon's birthday, Yoko Ono Lennon and the John Lennon Estate are celebrating the legendary songwriter, musician, and peace activist with a variety of events and releases throughout the weekend.

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of IMAGINE, joining BBC Radio6 Music's Chris Hawkins in conversation are Sean Ono Lennon, bassist Klaus Voormann, drummer Alan White, DJ & PR Elliot Mintz, activist & writer Tariq Ali, cameraman Nic Knowland, personal assistant Dan Richter, Ultimate Mixes mixer & engineer Paul Hicks, producer Simon Hilton and Listening Party host Tim Burgess.