The legacy of George Harrison’s songwriting shone brightly during The Night That Changed America: A Grammy Salute to The Beatles. Taped at the Los Angeles Convention Center on January 27, 2014, and broadcast on CBS on February 9, the event celebrated the 50th anniversary of the band’s historic debut on The Ed Sullivan Show. One of the evening’s most moving moments was “Something” from 1969’s Abbey Road, Harrison’s first Beatles A-side and the only song he wrote for the band to top the US chart. To honor this masterpiece, Jeff Lynne, Dhani Harrison, and Joe Walsh stood front and center.
The performers shared deep personal ties to Harrison. Lynne, who co-produced Harrison’s 1987 album Cloud Nine and was a fellow Traveling Wilbury, led the performance on vocals and acoustic guitar. Dhani added an unmistakably emotional connection as George’s son, while Walsh, Ringo Starr’s brother-in-law through his marriage to Marjorie Bach, delivered the song’s elegant electric guitar solo. They were backed by a superb house band led by Don Was, with respected musicians including Steve Lukather and Peter Frampton among the players. Together, they delivered a heartfelt and beautifully judged performance of the beloved classic.
The emotional weight of the performance landed with fans around the world. A widely shared upload of the broadcast has amassed millions of views, with viewers praising both the musicianship and the family connection onstage. One fan noted the frontman was “perfectly in pitch” with a “wonderful distinctive tone,” adding that he “deserves much more recognition for his vocals alone.” Another viewer said the performance gave them “chills,” observing that Dhani “not only looks just like his father but he has a beautiful voice too.”
The star-studded tribute concert featured several other unforgettable highlights that night. Beyond this moving performance of “Something,” Jeff Lynne also joined Dave Grohl for a roaring rendition of “Hey Bulldog.” Later, Joe Walsh returned to perform “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” alongside Grohl and guitar virtuoso Gary Clark Jr. The legendary musicians bridged generations, celebrating The Beatles’ unmatched musical legacy with both affection and energy. If you enjoyed Walsh’s guitar work here, his performance on another George Harrison classic from the same tribute is also well worth watching.
The broadcast stirred deep nostalgia among the audience, highlighting the enduring generational power of The Beatles’ music. For many fans, these songs were not just famous records but the soundtrack to whole stages of their lives. That feeling was echoed by viewers across the globe, including many in The Music Man community, who reflected on the band’s lasting impact. One deeply moved fan summed up their lifelong devotion, stating that The Beatles were “my group first and last,” while remembering how their music had stayed with them from youth into later life.
The tribute beautifully honored a historic musical era through a blend of authentic talent, deep respect, and family connection. Fans widely celebrated the precision and passion the musicians brought to the stage, paying tribute to an irreplaceable rock icon without trying to overshadow the original. Summarizing the magic of the core trio, one viewer remarked that hearing Dhani’s voice echo his father’s gave them chills, while Walsh’s faithful guitar work added another powerful touch. Ultimately, the collaboration ensured that one of George Harrison’s greatest songs received a live celebration filled with warmth, reverence, and lasting emotion.