The Beatles earn first Grammy nominations since 1997 and are in the running for record of the year

The Beatles have earned their first Grammy nominations in nearly 30 years, marking a significant moment for the legendary band. The group’s 2023 track “Now and Then” garnered two nominations, including a prestigious nod for Record of the Year. The track faces stiff competition in the category, where it will compete against contemporary powerhouses like Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and Billie Eilish.

The Beatles also received recognition in the Best Rock Performance category for “Now and Then.” This marks their first Grammy nominations since 1997, when they won three awards. The 1997 wins included Best Music Video for “Free as a Bird” and Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group for the same track, which was the band’s first new material in decades at the time.

“Now and Then” holds special significance for fans and band members alike. Paul McCartney has described the song as “the last Beatles song,” as it is based on a demo recorded by John Lennon in 1970, prior to his death in 1980. The track, which was brought to life with the help of modern technology, utilizes artificial intelligence to preserve Lennon’s original vocals, while new instrumentation was added by McCartney and Ringo Starr, the only two surviving members of the band. The song also features guitar contributions from George Harrison, who passed away in 2001, using recordings made during the 1990s.

This Grammy recognition for “Now and Then” marks a unique moment in the Beatles’ legacy. Though they were last nominated in 1997, the Beatles’ Grammy history dates back to their first win in 1965. At the 7th Annual Grammy Awards, they took home the awards for Best New Artist of 1964 and Best Performance by a Vocal Group for their iconic hit “A Hard Day’s Night.” In 1968, they won Album of the Year for their groundbreaking album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, which remains one of the most influential records in music history. To date, the Beatles have won seven Grammy Awards.

Though the Beatles’ nominations are the most high-profile among classic rock bands this year, they are not alone in receiving recognition at the 2024 Grammy Awards. The Rolling Stones, another legendary band from the same era, also earned a nomination for Best Rock Album for their 2023 release Hackney Diamonds. The album has been well-received by both fans and critics alike and marks a significant moment in the band’s storied career. Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood, the core members of the Stones, have won three Grammys in total, with their most recent win in 2018 for Blue & Lonesome, which took home the award for Best Traditional Blues Album. The Stones received their first Grammy nomination in 1978, for their album Some Girls, which earned a nod for Album of the Year.

Both the Beatles and the Rolling Stones represent the enduring influence of classic rock music. Despite the changing landscape of the music industry, their work continues to resonate with listeners of all ages. The nominations of “Now and Then” and Hackney Diamonds reflect the lasting cultural impact these bands have had, even as new generations of artists rise to prominence.

As “Now and Then” competes for Record of the Year and Best Rock Performance, it highlights the innovative ways in which technology is allowing the music of the past to live on. With AI playing a role in preserving Lennon’s vocals, the song exemplifies how the Beatles’ music continues to evolve even after decades of absence.

For both the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, these Grammy nominations represent more than just accolades; they are a testament to the timelessness of their music and the deep connection they continue to maintain with listeners around the world. As both bands celebrate their legacies, the 2024 Grammy Awards are set to highlight the enduring power of classic rock.