Watch: Jeff Lynne, Joe Walsh, and Dhani Harrison Cover George Harrison’s Beatles Classic “Something”

On February 9, 2014, CBS aired The Night That Changed America: A Grammy Salute to the Beatles, a star-studded tribute to the legendary band. The event, filmed on January 27, 2014, at the Los Angeles Convention Center, featured a range of performances, including Stevie Wonder’s rendition of “We Can Work It Out”, Eurythmics’ take on “The Fool on the Hill”, Ed Sheeran’s “In My Life”, and Katy Perry’s performance of “Yesterday”, among others.

A highlight of the evening was the emotional tribute to George Harrison, as Jeff Lynne, Joe Walsh, and Dhani Harrison—George’s son—came together to perform the iconic Beatles track “Something.” Written by George Harrison for the Beatles’ 1969 album Abbey Road, “Something” is one of the most beloved Beatles songs and one of the standout tracks from the album. It was originally released as part of a double A-side single with “Come Together”, both of which went to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

A Special Tribute to George Harrison

Before the performance, Jeff Lynne, who had long admired The Beatles, shared his thoughts on the band’s influence on his life and career. “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 couldn’t sleep for days. They were amazing in that they had this aura about them.”

Lynne, who later went on to work with the Beatles as a producer, was clearly moved by the opportunity to be part of the tribute. He continued, “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.”

The Creation of “Something”

“Something” was a deeply personal song written by Harrison for his then-wife Pattie Boyd and was inspired by his interest in Krishna consciousness. It is one of only two songs on Abbey Road written entirely by Harrison, alongside “Here Comes the Sun.” The track was recorded during the same period as the band’s work on The White Album.

Interestingly, Harrison first recorded a demo of “Something” on his 26th birthday, February 25, 1969. The inspiration for the song came after he heard James Taylor’s 1968 track “Something in the Way She Moves,” which influenced the title and opening lyrics. Although initially intended for Jackie Lomax’s album, Cocker recorded it first, but did not release it until after Abbey Road was out.

For many, “Something” became a timeless classic, praised for its beautiful melody and heartfelt lyrics. John Lennon, in particular, considered it his favorite track on Abbey Road. Harrison himself was modest about the song, saying, “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.”

The Powerful Performance

When Lynne, Walsh, and Dhani Harrison took the stage for “Something,” it was an emotional moment for both the performers and the audience. Lynne’s signature style, Walsh’s iconic guitar work, and Dhani’s heartfelt connection to his father’s legacy made for a moving performance. The trio was joined by a stellar band, and their performance of “Something” became one of the most memorable musical moments of the tribute.

The Grammy Salute to the Beatles was a fitting homage to the band that changed the course of music history, and this performance of “Something” was a powerful reminder of George Harrison’s lasting impact on music and his extraordinary contributions to the Beatles’ catalog.