More than four decades after The Beatles recorded “Something,” an extraordinary group of musicians came together to celebrate George Harrison’s enduring legacy with a performance that touched fans around the world.
During The Night That Changed America: A Grammy Salute to The Beatles, Jeff Lynne, Dhani Harrison, and Joe Walsh delivered a heartfelt rendition of Harrison’s beloved masterpiece. The tribute was recorded at the Los Angeles Convention Center on January 27, 2014, before airing on CBS on February 9 as part of the celebration marking the 50th anniversary of The Beatles’ legendary debut on The Ed Sullivan Show.
Originally released on 1969’s Abbey Road, “Something” became George Harrison’s first Beatles A-side and remains the only song he wrote for the band to reach No. 1 on the U.S. charts, making it one of the most treasured compositions in the group’s catalog.
The performance carried extra emotional significance because of the close personal connections each artist shared with Harrison.
Jeff Lynne, who co-produced Harrison’s acclaimed 1987 album Cloud Nine and later became his bandmate in the Traveling Wilburys, took center stage on lead vocals and acoustic guitar. Beside him stood Dhani Harrison, whose appearance added a deeply personal touch as the late Beatle’s son. Completing the trio was Joe Walsh, who is connected to Ringo Starr through his marriage to Starr’s sister-in-law, Marjorie Bach, and who recreated the song’s iconic guitar work with elegance and respect.
Supporting them was an all-star house band led by Don Was, featuring renowned musicians including Steve Lukather and Peter Frampton, whose musicianship helped bring fresh life to the timeless classic while honoring its original spirit.
The moving performance quickly resonated with audiences worldwide, with widely shared videos attracting millions of views online. Fans praised not only the outstanding musicianship but also the emotion flowing through every note.
One viewer applauded Jeff Lynne’s vocal performance, describing him as “perfectly in pitch” with a “wonderful distinctive tone,” while saying he deserves greater recognition for his singing ability.
Others were especially touched by Dhani Harrison’s presence, with many commenting on both his resemblance to his father and the warmth of his voice. One fan wrote that the performance gave them “chills,” calling it a beautiful tribute to George Harrison’s legacy.
The Grammy salute featured numerous memorable collaborations throughout the evening. In addition to performing “Something,” Jeff Lynne later teamed up with Dave Grohl for a high-energy rendition of “Hey Bulldog.” Joe Walsh also returned to the stage for a powerful performance of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” joined by Grohl and acclaimed guitarist Gary Clark Jr.
Together, the performances celebrated the lasting influence of The Beatles while introducing their music to new generations of listeners.
For many viewers, the tribute sparked powerful memories of growing up with The Beatles’ music. Across social media, longtime fans reflected on how the band’s songs had accompanied them through different stages of life, with one admirer describing The Beatles as “my group first and last,” a sentiment echoed by countless others.
Rather than attempting to reinvent a legendary song, Lynne, Dhani Harrison and Walsh approached “Something” with sincerity, respect and remarkable musical chemistry. Their performance honored George Harrison’s songwriting while reminding audiences why the ballad continues to stand among the greatest love songs ever written.
More than a decade after the tribute aired, the performance remains a favorite among Beatles fans—a moving celebration of family, friendship and one of rock music’s most enduring masterpieces.
Source: Various Sources.
