Unexpected pair Celine Dion and Joe Walsh deliver a stunning Beatles cover
Joe Walsh and Celine Dion made an unlikely duo when they appeared together in 2008 as part of Dion’s live television special, “Celine Dion: That’s Just The Woman In Me.” The Canadian singer-songwriter, known for her emotional and beautiful ballads like “My Heart Will Go On” and “Think Twice,” contrasted sharply with Joe Walsh, a multi-instrumentalist famous for his guitar work with the rock band The Eagles.
Despite the apparent differences, the two artists proved to be a remarkable match, delivering a delicate and stunning rendition of George Harrison’s song “Something.” Originally released by The Beatles as a double A-side in 1969, the song is a beloved classic. Celine, drawing inspiration from Shirley Bassey’s earlier rendition, infused the performance with a feminine touch, singing with a graceful elegance that made her presence almost angelic. She wore a fluffy white dress and striking thigh-high black boots, adding visual flair to her performance.
Joe Walsh’s guitar work was a perfect complement to Celine’s vocals. His rich, melodic lines supported the song without overpowering her voice. When it came time for the song’s iconic solo, Walsh introduced a country rock element, staying true to the original while adding his personal style. The result was a powerful cover that exceeded the expectations of many who watched the performance.
One fan described their collaboration as “a masterclass by two legends in respect of a third,” capturing the admiration felt by many. The combination of Celine’s elegant vocals and Joe’s expert guitar playing created a rendition that resonated deeply with the audience.
Meanwhile, you should listen to The Beatles’ original rendition of “Something” right away if you haven’t already. The band’s guitarist George wrote the song, which went on to become the number one hit in several nations across the world, about his ex-wife Patti. It was dubbed “the greatest love song of the past 50 years” when it was first released. Encapsulated by its charming melody, exquisite guitar arrangements, and poignant lyrics, it is without a doubt one of the numerous timeless tracks present in The Beatles’ career.
Considering the legendary status of the original song, there was a risk that Celine and Joe’s 2008 performance of “Something” could have gone wrong or faced criticism from the live audience. The challenge of living up to such an iconic track was significant, but both artists rose to the occasion with grace and skill.
Olivia Harrison, George Harrison’s widow, was in the audience that night and expressed her pride and gratitude for the performance. She stated that the duet was not only beautifully performed but also honored the original, thanks to the talents of both Celine and Joe.
Their collaboration in 2008 was more than just an unexpected pairing; it was a celebration of music’s ability to bring together artists from different genres to create something truly special. Their rendition of “Something” is a testament to the enduring power of George Harrison’s songwriting and the universal appeal of The Beatles’ music.