Joe Walsh and Celine Dion made for an unlikely combination when they performed together in 2008 during Dion’s live television special, “Celine Dion: That’s Just The Woman In Me.” Celine Dion, a Canadian singer-songwriter, is best known 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 guitar work with the rock band The Eagles. The contrast between their musical styles was striking.
Despite these differences, Celine and Joe proved to be a surprisingly harmonious pairing, delivering a delicate and beautiful rendition of George Harrison’s “Something.” Originally released by The Beatles as a double A-side in 1969, the song is beloved by many. Celine infused her performance with a feminine elegance, drawing inspiration from Shirley Bassey’s earlier rendition. She sang with a carefree grace that gave her an almost heavenly presence, enhanced by her fluffy white dress and thigh-high black boots.
Joe Walsh’s rich and melodic guitar lines perfectly complemented Celine’s vocals, enhancing the song without overpowering it. When it came time for the song’s iconic solo, Walsh added a subtle country rock flavor, staying true to the original while incorporating his own style. The combination of these two artists’ approaches resulted in a cover that was both powerful and unexpectedly beautiful.
Their performance exceeded the expectations of many viewers, with one fan describing it as “a masterclass by two legends in respect of a third.” The blend of Celine’s vocal beauty and Joe’s expert guitar work created a rendition that resonated deeply with the audience, showcasing the timeless nature of the song.
Meanwhile, for those unfamiliar with the original version, The Beatles’ rendition of “Something” remains a classic. Written by George Harrison, the band’s guitarist, the song became a number one hit in multiple countries. Inspired by his then-wife, Patti Boyd, it was described as “the greatest love song of the past 50 years” when it was first released. With its charming melody, exquisite guitar arrangements, and poignant lyrics, it is undoubtedly one of the timeless tracks in The Beatles’ catalog.
Given the legendary status of “Something,” Celine and Joe’s 2008 rendition had the potential to fall short or even face criticism from the live audience. The pressure to honor such an iconic track was immense, but both artists delivered a performance that was graceful and heartfelt.
In the audience that night was Olivia Harrison, George Harrison’s widow. She watched the performance with pride and gratitude, later expressing her appreciation for the way Celine and Joe honored the song. Olivia noted that their performance was not only beautifully sung but also did justice to the original, thanks to the talents of both artists.
Ultimately, the collaboration between Celine Dion and Joe Walsh on that night in 2008 was more than just a surprising combination. It was a celebration of the power of music to bring together artists from different genres, creating something truly special. Their rendition of “Something” stands as a tribute to George Harrison’s songwriting legacy and the enduring appeal of The Beatles’ music.