The Beatles’ song “Now and Then” received Grammy nominations on November 8, 2024, for Record of the Year and Best Rock Performance. Yet, only surviving members Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr are officially recognized. The late John Lennon and George Harrison, despite their contributions, are ineligible under Grammy rules requiring recordings to be made within five years of their release.
The Journey of “Now and Then”
“Now and Then” began as a demo recorded by Lennon in the late 1970s. Thanks to groundbreaking audio technology used in Peter Jackson’s Get Back documentary, Lennon’s original vocals were meticulously restored. Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and producer Giles Martin then completed the track, presenting it as the last official Beatles song.
Despite its status as a love letter to their collective legacy, Grammy regulations limited the recognition to active contributors at the time of recording, leaving Lennon and Harrison posthumously excluded.
A Posthumous Legacy
This exclusion has reignited discussions about the Recording Academy’s rules, especially regarding the recognition of deceased artists who play pivotal roles in posthumously released works. Fans and music historians argue that Lennon’s haunting vocals and Harrison’s influence deserve acknowledgment, as they remain essential to the song’s creation and emotional impact.
Grammy Rules in Focus
The Academy’s stance extends beyond this single nomination. Lennon was also excluded from recognition for a Grammy nomination tied to a boxed set of his solo album Mind Games. Instead, his son, Sean Ono Lennon, was nominated for curating and producing the collection.
Celebrating “Now and Then”
Despite the controversy, “Now and Then” represents a remarkable achievement in blending technology and artistry to honor The Beatles’ enduring legacy. For McCartney and Starr, it serves as a heartfelt tribute to their late bandmates and a final chapter in the Beatles’ unparalleled story.
While the Grammy exclusions may sting, the song’s cultural and emotional resonance ensures that Lennon and Harrison’s contributions will never be forgotten by fans worldwide.
