On February 9, 2014, The Night That Changed America: A Grammy Salute to the Beatles aired on CBS, celebrating the band’s lasting legacy with an unforgettable lineup of performances. The tribute featured iconic artists such as Stevie Wonder (“We Can Work It Out”), Eurythmics (“The Fool on the Hill”), Ed Sheeran (“In My Life”), and Katy Perry (“Yesterday”), alongside appearances from Beatles legends Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr.
Filmed on January 27, 2014, just one day after the 56th Annual Grammy Awards at the Los Angeles Convention Center, the event showcased unique collaborations, including John Mayer and Keith Urban’s soulful take on “Don’t Let Me Down” and Brad Paisley teaming up with Pharrell Williams for “Here Comes the Sun.” Among the standout moments of the night, Jeff Lynne, Joe Walsh, and Dhani Harrison came together to honor George Harrison with a heartfelt performance of “Something.”
Jeff Lynne’s Journey from Fan to Collaborator
Before taking the stage, Lynne reflected on his deep connection to the Beatles and the surreal experience of working alongside them.
“The Beatles changed my life,” he shared. “Back in 1968, when I was recording my first album, I was somehow invited to Abbey Road Studios to watch them record. I couldn’t believe it—I didn’t even know how I got in. They had this incredible aura about them, and I couldn’t sleep for days just thinking about it.”
Lynne later had the honor of producing music for the Beatles, something he described as the greatest thrill of his career.
The Legacy of “Something”
Originally written by George Harrison for Abbey Road (1969), “Something” became one of his most celebrated compositions. Released as a double A-side with “Come Together,” the song climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Harrison penned “Something” during the sessions for The White Album and first demoed it on February 25, 1969—his 26th birthday. Inspired in part by James Taylor’s “Something in the Way She Moves,” the song was initially intended for Jackie Lomax but ultimately became one of the Beatles’ most cherished tracks.
John Lennon once called “Something” his favorite song on Abbey Road, and over the years, it has remained a testament to Harrison’s songwriting brilliance. Even Harrison himself seemed humbled by the song’s reception, once remarking, “Maybe they’re right, maybe they’re wrong. But it’s very flattering.”
On that unforgettable night in 2014, Lynne, Walsh, and Dhani Harrison gave the song new life, reminding audiences of its timeless beauty and George Harrison’s enduring influence on music.
