Watch: Jeff Lynne, Joe Walsh, and Dhani Harrison Bring New Life to George Harrison’s Beatles Classic “Something”
On February 9, 2014, CBS presented The Night That Changed America: A Grammy Salute to the Beatles — an unforgettable star-studded tribute celebrating the timeless legacy of one of music’s greatest bands. The special was a dazzling showcase of legendary artists reimagining Beatles classics, from Stevie Wonder’s soulful “We Can Work It Out” to Katy Perry’s tender rendition of “Yesterday,” and Ed Sheeran’s heartfelt take on “In My Life.” Adding to the magic, Beatles legends Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr made memorable appearances, joining the celebration of a band that forever changed the world of music.
Filmed just a day after the 56th Annual Grammy Awards at the Los Angeles Convention Center, the evening was a musical feast. Artists paired up for electrifying collaborations: John Mayer and Keith Urban rocked “Don’t Let Me Down,” Brad Paisley and Pharrell Williams infused new energy into “Here Comes the Sun,” and Jeff Lynne teamed with Dave Grohl for a spirited version of “Hey Bulldog.”
But one moment stood out — a deeply emotional performance of “Something,” the George Harrison-penned gem from the Beatles’ iconic 1969 Abbey Road album. Joined by Joe Walsh and Dhani Harrison, George’s son, Jeff Lynne delivered a rendition that felt like a heartfelt reunion, bridging generations through a song that remains a beacon of love and artistry.
“Something” was no ordinary Beatles track. Released as a double A-side with “Come Together,” both songs quickly soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, cementing their place in music history. Jeff Lynne, reflecting on his connection to the Beatles, shared, “The Beatles changed my life. In 1968, I was unbelievably lucky to be invited to Abbey Road Studios to watch them record. It was surreal — I couldn’t sleep for days after. They had this magical energy about them.” Lynne added with humility, “I never thought I’d work with them, much less produce their music. It’s the proudest achievement of my career.”
“Something” holds a special place not only in Beatles lore but in George Harrison’s heart. Written during the White Album sessions and inspired by his then-wife Pattie Boyd and his spiritual journey into Krishna consciousness, it was one of only two Harrison compositions on Abbey Road — the other being the uplifting “Here Comes the Sun.” George recorded a demo on his 26th birthday, February 25, 1969, and the song’s opening line was inspired by James Taylor’s “Something in the Way She Moves.” Initially, “Something” was meant for Apple Records artist Jackie Lomax, and later covered by Joe Cocker, though his version came out after Abbey Road was released.
Among the Beatles, John Lennon called “Something” his personal favorite. Harrison, always humble, once said, “The lyrics aren’t anything extraordinary. I have many songs like that in my head — I just need to get them down. People say ‘Something’ is one of the best things I’ve written. I don’t know if that’s true, but it’s very flattering. It’s probably the nicest melody I’ve ever composed.”
This tribute performance, blending Lynne’s rich production, Walsh’s soulful guitar, and Dhani’s emotional connection to his father’s legacy, transforms “Something” from a classic cover into a living, breathing homage — a moment where music, memory, and family history beautifully intertwine.