The Beatles' Final Song 'Now and Then' Nominated for Grammy Awards

The Beatles, one of the most iconic bands in music history, have made headlines once again, nearly 50 years after their official split. The legendary group has received nominations for two Grammy Awards for their final song, titled "Now and Then." This remarkable track was restored last year with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI), showcasing the band's enduring legacy in the music industry.

Released in November 2023, "Now and Then" began as a demo recorded by John Lennon in the late 1970s. The original recording, along with other demos like "Free As A Bird" and "Real Love," was given to Lennon’s surviving bandmates, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, in the 1990s. The intention was to include these tracks in The Beatles Anthology project. However, due to the limitations of technology at that time, "Now and Then" remained unreleased. The challenge was that the technology could not effectively separate John’s vocals from the piano, resulting in a muddled sound.

Fast forward to 2021, when filmmaker Peter Jackson and his sound team utilized advanced machine learning technology to separate the instrumentals and vocals. This breakthrough allowed McCartney and Starr to finally complete the song, bringing it to life after decades of waiting. Despite the use of AI in its production, "Now and Then" adheres to the Grammy's rules regarding AI involvement. According to the guidelines, "only human creators are eligible to be submitted for consideration for, nominated for, or win a GRAMMY Award," but works that include "elements" of AI material can still be considered in applicable categories.

It is indeed a curious sight to see "Now and Then" competing alongside contemporary music, such as Beyoncé’s "Texas Hold ‘Em." The juxtaposition of a song from the 1970s with modern hits highlights the timelessness of The Beatles' music. The Grammy Awards ceremony, scheduled for Sunday, February 2nd, 2025, will reveal how the legendary band fares against today’s music giants like Beyoncé, Charlie XCX, Billie Eilish, and Taylor Swift.

The nomination of "Now and Then" not only celebrates The Beatles' remarkable journey but also emphasizes the evolving relationship between technology and music. As AI continues to play a role in the creative process, it raises intriguing questions about the future of music production and the preservation of artistic legacies. The upcoming Grammy Awards will undoubtedly be a momentous occasion, not just for The Beatles, but for the entire music industry as it navigates this new frontier.