The Beatles received their first Grammy nominations since 1997 on Friday, earning two nods for their latest and reportedly final track, “Now and Then.” Nominated for both Record of the Year and Best Rock Performance, the Beatles join a lineup of contemporary stars like Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and Billie Eilish.
“Now and Then” was described by Paul McCartney as “the last Beatles song.” Written by John Lennon, who was killed in 1980, the song features his original vocals from 1970, preserved and enhanced using artificial intelligence. It also includes new instrumental contributions from McCartney and Ringo Starr, the two remaining Beatles, as well as guitar recordings from George Harrison, who passed away in 2001.
The Beatles’ Grammy journey began in 1965, when they won Best New Artist and Best Vocal Group Performance for “A Hard Day’s Night.” Three years later, their iconic album “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” claimed Album of the Year. With seven Grammys overall, the Beatles’ enduring impact on music remains evident.
The Beatles aren’t the only classic rock act in the running for a Grammy this year. The Rolling Stones were also nominated, earning a nod for Best Rock Album for “Hackney Diamonds.” Led by original members Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood, the Stones last won a Grammy in 2018 for their blues album “Blue & Lonesome.” Their first nomination dates back to 1978 for “Some Girls,” which was up for Album of the Year.
With both the Beatles and the Rolling Stones recognized at this year’s Grammy Awards, the enduring influence of rock’s legendary bands is once again celebrated in the music world.