A letter handwritten by John Lennon to a British folk singer has just been made public. Too bad the correspondence didn’t reach the intended recipient until 34 years later – according to the AFP.

Steven Tilston was just 21 years old in 1971 had just given an interview to a magazine called ZigZag expressing how he worried that success and wealth could ruin his songwriting.

That interview was read and responded to by the late, great and legendary musician. Lennon was so moved by Tilston’s concerns that he penned a letter reassuring the young musician that achievement wouldn’t alter who he was as an artist.

“Being rich doesn’t change your experience in the way you think,” he told Tilston. “The only difference, basically, is that you don’t have to worry about money — food — roof etc. But all other experiences — emotions — relationships — are the same as anybodies, I know, I’ve been rich and poor, so has Yoko (Ono) (rich — poor — rich) so whadya think of that.”

Tilston was miffed at first that he never received the letter. He really only found out about it when an American collector called in 2005 to verify its authenticity. Since then he’s gotten over his mad.

“It was so frustrating because Lennon even included his home phone number on the top of the letter,” said the 60-year-old to the news wire service AFP. “I know it’s silly but I wanted to ring him up across the ages. … you have to let these things go.”

The letter was signed by Lennon and his wife Yoko Ono and was estimated to be worth $11,000.

Tilston went onto record over 20 albums and is celebrating his 40th year in the music biz with a special concert next month.

The news should boost his concert sales considerably.