Under the warm glow of stage lights, Jeff Lynne, Joe Walsh, and Dhani Harrison delivered a breathtaking rendition of “Something,” evoking waves of emotion from the audience. Dhani, bearing an uncanny resemblance to his father, played with quiet intensity, each note a tribute to George Harrison’s timeless genius. Jeff Lynne’s voice carried the song’s deep longing, while Joe Walsh’s guitar wept with soul. Among the audience members, Sir Paul McCartney and Sir Ringo Starr watched with misty eyes, their expressions a poignant mix of pride, nostalgia, and unspoken memories.
A Grammy Salute to The Beatles
This powerful performance took place on February 9, 2014, during The Night That Changed America: A Grammy Salute to The Beatles, a CBS-aired tribute celebrating the band’s enduring legacy. The concert featured an evening of performances from an array of renowned artists paying homage to the Beatles’ vast catalog. Stevie Wonder mesmerized with “We Can Work It Out,” Eurythmics delivered a stirring rendition of “The Fool on the Hill,” Ed Sheeran performed an intimate version of “In My Life,” and Katy Perry took on “Yesterday.” Alongside these artists, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr also graced the stage, making the night an unforgettable celebration of music history.Originally filmed on January 27, 2014, at the Los Angeles Convention Center—a day after the 56th Annual Grammy Awards—the event saw artists collaborating in unique pairings. John Mayer and Keith Urban took on “Don’t Let Me Down,” Brad Paisley and Pharrell Williams performed “Here Comes the Sun,” while Jeff Lynne and Dave Grohl rocked out to “Hey Bulldog.”
Honoring a Classic: The Legacy of “Something”
That evening, Lynne was joined by Joe Walsh and Dhani Harrison to perform “Something,” one of George Harrison’s most beloved compositions. Originally featured on Abbey Road (1969), “Something” was released as a double A-side single with “Come Together,” both of which soared to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. As one of the few Beatles songs solely written by Harrison, “Something” stands as a testament to his songwriting brilliance and was lauded by John Lennon as his favorite track from Abbey Road.Harrison began crafting “Something” while the Beatles were working on The White Album, initially recording a demo on February 25, 1969—his 26th birthday. He drew inspiration for the title and opening line from James Taylor’s 1968 song “Something in the Way She Moves.” Initially intended for Apple Records artist Jackie Lomax, the song eventually became a Beatles masterpiece. Joe Cocker recorded a version before Abbey Road’s release, though it wasn’t made public until a month after the album debuted.
Jeff Lynne’s Beatles Connection
Before taking the stage, Jeff Lynne reflected on his deep connection with The Beatles. “Well, The Beatles changed my life,” Lynne said. “When I was first recording an album in 1968, I was somehow wondrously invited into Abbey Road Studios to watch The Beatles record. I couldn’t believe it. I don’t know how I got in there. I couldn’t sleep for days. They were amazing in that they had this aura about them.”Lynne went on to express his gratitude for the opportunities he later had to collaborate with the band. “I never dreamed that one day I would work with them, and then one day I would produce them. So, I’m really chuffed about that. It’s the greatest thrill of my career.”
A Timeless Melody
Reflecting on “Something,” Harrison once admitted in 1969, “The words are nothing, really. There are lots of songs like that in my head. I must get them down. Some people tell me that ‘Something’ is one of the best things I’ve ever written. I don’t know. Maybe they’re right, maybe they’re wrong. It’s very flattering though. It’s nice. It’s probably the nicest melody tune that I’ve written.”Decades later, his words still ring true. “Something” remains one of the most celebrated love songs in rock history, and its haunting beauty was honored yet again on this unforgettable night in 2014, as Dhani Harrison, Jeff Lynne, and Joe Walsh brought it to life in a performance that resonated with fans and legends alike.
