| November 12, 2024
In a remarkable fusion of legacy and technology, The Beatles have returned to the Grammy spotlight nearly 50 years after disbanding, thanks to the release of their final song, “Now and Then“. This track, completed with the help of advanced AI technology, has earned nominations in two prestigious Grammy categories: Record of the Year and Best Rock Performance. Competing against music icons like Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and Billie Eilish, the song highlights The Beatles’ enduring influence and represents a milestone for music technology.
Origins of “Now and Then”: A Song Long Awaited
The journey of “Now and Then” began in the late 1970s when John Lennon recorded the track as a rough demo. This song, along with others like “Free As A Bird” and “Real Love“, was part of a collection of Lennon’s unfinished recordings given to the remaining Beatles members in the early ’90s. Intended for The Beatles Anthology project—a comprehensive tribute to the band’s legacy—”Now and Then” was ultimately shelved, as technology of that era could not effectively separate John’s vocals and piano.
The Role of AI in Reviving The Beatles’ Lost Sound
In 2021, filmmaker Peter Jackson, known for his work on The Beatles : Get Back, leveraged advanced machine learning to isolate Lennon’s vocals from the original demo. Jackson’s team used AI-driven separation techniques to clean up the audio, providing a solid foundation that allowed Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr to complete the song in 2023. The project serves as both a testament to technological advancements and a heartfelt tribute, allowing all four Beatles to share a final recording.
Grammy Guidelines on AI in Music Production
This achievement brings attention to the evolving role of AI in the music industry. The Grammys recently updated their rules to allow entries with AI components, provided that human creators are central to the production process. In “Now and Then,” AI technology was utilized to enhance and separate audio elements, while all creative decisions, vocals, and instrumentals came from the remaining Beatles members. This alignment with Grammy guidelines illustrates how AI can support, rather than replace, human artistry in musical projects.
Competing with Modern Icons at the 2025 Grammy Awards
The nomination has sparked excitement among fans and industry insiders alike, as “Now and Then” will compete against current hits like Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em” at the 2025 Grammy Awards on February 2. The return of The Beatles to the Grammy stage not only pays homage to their legacy but also demonstrates how technology can bridge generations of music, allowing iconic sounds to resonate with new audiences.
The Future of Music and AI: What Comes Next?
The success of “Now and Then” invites speculation about the potential for other unfinished works from legendary artists to be revived with the help of AI. As this technology continues to evolve, it opens up possibilities for completing artistic projects once thought to be lost to time. This achievement by The Beatles highlights a future where technology and creativity merge, preserving and enriching cultural legacies for generations to come.
