Celine Dion and Joe Walsh team up for an unforgettable Beatles cover
Joe Walsh and Celine Dion made an unusual pairing when they performed together in 2008 during Dion’s live TV special, “Celine Dion: That’s Just The Woman In Me.” Celine Dion, a Canadian singer-songwriter, is widely recognized for her emotional and beautiful ballads such as “My Heart Will Go On” and “Think Twice.” In contrast, Joe Walsh, a multi-instrumentalist, is renowned for his exceptional guitar work with the rock band The Eagles. The stark difference in their musical styles was evident.
Despite the contrast, Celine and Joe proved to be an unexpectedly perfect match, delivering a delicate and impressive rendition of George Harrison’s “Something.” Originally released as a double A-side by The Beatles in 1969, this classic track has a special place in music history. Celine brought a feminine elegance to the performance, channeling the style of Shirley Bassey. Her graceful and carefree singing made her appear almost heavenly, enhanced by her fluffy white dress and striking thigh-high black boots.
Joe Walsh’s contribution was equally noteworthy, with his rich and melodic guitar lines perfectly complementing Celine’s vocals without overpowering them. When it came time for the iconic solo, Walsh infused it with a country rock flair, staying true to the original while adding his signature style. The result was a powerful cover that exceeded the expectations of many in the audience.
The performance garnered significant praise, with one fan even calling it “a masterclass by two legends in respect of a third.” The combination of Celine’s elegant vocals and Joe’s masterful guitar work created a rendition that resonated deeply with the audience, showcasing the timeless appeal of the song.
Meanwhile, for those who haven’t yet heard it, The Beatles’ original version of “Something” is a classic in its own right. Written by George Harrison, the song became a number one hit in multiple countries. It was inspired by Harrison’s then-wife, Patti Boyd, and was described as “the greatest love song of the past 50 years” when it was released. Its charming melody, exquisite guitar arrangements, and heartfelt lyrics make it one of the many timeless tracks in The Beatles’ catalog.
Celine and Joe’s 2008 rendition of “Something,” given the song’s iconic status, could have easily gone wrong or faced criticism from the live audience. The challenge of living up to such a legendary track was immense, but both artists delivered with grace and poise.
Olivia Harrison, George Harrison’s widow, who was in the audience that night, expressed her pride and gratitude for the performance. She noted that the duet was not only beautifully sung but also honored the original, thanks to the undeniable talent of both Celine and Joe.
In the end, the collaboration between Celine Dion and Joe Walsh in 2008 was more than just an unexpected pairing; it was a testament to the power of music to bring together artists from different genres and backgrounds to create something truly special. Their rendition of “Something” remains a tribute to the enduring legacy of George Harrison’s songwriting and the universal appeal of The Beatles’ music.
