Watch: Jeff Lynne, Joe Walsh, and Dhani Harrison Perform a Powerful Tribute to George Harrison with Their Rendition of the Beatles’ Classic “Something”

On February 9, 2014, CBS broadcasted The Night That Changed America: A Grammy Salute to the Beatles, a star-studded tribute honoring the legendary band’s influence. The event showcased an impressive lineup of artists performing iconic Beatles songs, including Stevie Wonder with “We Can Work It Out,” the Eurythmics covering “The Fool on the Hill,” Ed Sheeran offering a touching take on “In My Life,” and Katy Perry delivering a soulful version of “Yesterday.” Beatles legends Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr were also in attendance, adding to the night’s historic weight.

The special, originally filmed on January 27, 2014, at the Los Angeles Convention Center—just one day after the 56th Annual Grammy Awards—brought together artists from various genres. The tribute also featured collaborations such as John Mayer and Keith Urban teaming up for “Don’t Let Me Down,” while Brad Paisley and Pharrell Williams breathed new life into “Here Comes the Sun.” Another notable moment came when Jeff Lynne joined forces with Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl for a rousing performance of “Hey Bulldog.”

One of the evening’s most emotional highlights was the rendition of “Something,” performed by Jeff Lynne, Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh, and George Harrison’s son, Dhani Harrison. Written by George for the Beatles’ 1969 album Abbey Road, “Something” was released as a double A-side single alongside “Come Together.” The pair of songs quickly ascended to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, where they held the No. 1 spot for a week, underscoring their enduring popularity.

Jeff Lynne Sat in During an ‘Abbey Road’ Session

Prior to his performance, Jeff Lynne shared a personal memory, revealing how deeply The Beatles had influenced his musical path. “The Beatles changed my life,” Lynne recalled. “Back in 1968, I was recording an album and somehow found myself invited to Abbey Road Studios to watch them work. I was in total disbelief. I didn’t sleep for days after—it was a dream come true. They had an energy and presence that was unlike anything I’d ever seen.”

Reflecting on the journey, Lynne added, “Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I’d one day work with The Beatles—let alone produce for them. To me, that remains the greatest thrill of my entire career.” His words offered an intimate glimpse into how much the band meant to him, setting a deeply emotional tone for what followed onstage.

Following the explosive opener “Come Together” on Abbey Road, Harrison’s “Something” emerges as a gentler, more introspective piece. The track was inspired partly by his wife at the time, Pattie Boyd, and his growing spiritual interest in Krishna consciousness. Along with “Here Comes the Sun,” “Something” was one of only two George Harrison compositions featured on the Abbey Road album, and it had its origins during sessions for the earlier White Album.

George Harrison recorded the first demo for “Something” on his 26th birthday—February 25, 1969. The title and opening lyric were likely influenced by James Taylor’s 1968 track “Something In the Way She Moves,” which had left a strong impression on Harrison. Although originally written for Jackie Lomax, an artist signed to Apple Records, the song was ultimately claimed by the Beatles, with Joe Cocker recording a version that wasn’t released until after Abbey Road had already hit the shelves.

Among all the tracks on Abbey Road, “Something” held a special place in John Lennon’s heart. He publicly cited it as his favorite composition from the album—a significant nod of respect from a fellow songwriting legend. The track’s soaring melody and heartfelt lyrics continue to resonate with listeners to this day, transcending decades and generations.

Harrison himself had a humble take on the song’s impact. In a 1969 interview, he commented, “The words don’t really mean much. I have a lot of songs like that swirling in my head. I suppose I should write them down. People say it’s the best thing I’ve ever written—maybe they’re right, maybe not. Either way, it’s flattering. I suppose it’s got the nicest melody I’ve ever come up with.”