Beatles get Grammy nomination in 2024 for “Now and Then,” first in nearly 30 years

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LOS ANGELES - The Beatles’ latest and final song, "Now and Then," achieved two Grammy nominations, putting them back in the Grammy spotlight after nearly three decades. Known as the "last Beatles song," "Now and Then" uses original vocals from John Lennon, recorded in 1970 and preserved through artificial intelligence.

This innovative approach allowed Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr to add fresh instrumentals and vocals to create a unique track that also includes guitar recordings from the late George Harrison.

What are the Beatles’ Grammy nominations for 2024?

The Beatles are nominated in two prominent Grammy categories this year:

Record of the Year: Competing alongside Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and Billie Eilish, the Beatles’ nomination signals their enduring influence in music.
Best Rock Performance: Recognized for their distinctive rock sound, "Now and Then" also earned a nomination in this category, bringing together contemporary and classic rock fans.

Beatles Grammy history: How many times have they won?

The Beatles’ Grammy journey began in 1965, when they took home awards for best new artist and best vocal group for "A Hard Day’s Night."

Over the years, the band has earned a total of seven Grammys, with notable wins including album of the year in 1968 for their landmark album "Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band."

The Beatles posing together. From left to right: musicians George Harrison, John Lennon, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, circa 1965.

Their most recent Grammy wins came in 1997, when they were honored with three awards for "Free as a Bird" and "Anthology." This year’s nominations for "Now and Then" mark a historic return for the Fab Four, putting them back in the Grammy spotlight after nearly three decades.

How was ‘Now and Then’ created with John Lennon’s original vocals?

"Now and Then" is a unique production. John Lennon’s vocals were recorded in 1970 but were enhanced through AI technology to create a more complete sound.

McCartney and Starr then layered their contributions, while the song also features guitar work from George Harrison, recorded in the ’90s. This production process honors Lennon’s original vision while incorporating contemporary technology and sound engineering.

Are other classic rock bands nominated for the Grammys in 2024?

The Beatles aren’t the only iconic band to receive Grammy recognition this year. The Rolling Stones are also in the running for best rock album for their 2023 release, "Hackney Diamonds," led by original members Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood.

Like the Beatles, the Stones have a storied Grammy history, first receiving a nomination in 1978 and most recently winning in 2018 for their blues album "Blue & Lonesome."