Editor’s note: The air time for this special has been changed.

“THE BEATLES: THE NIGHT THAT CHANGED AMERICA - A GRAMMY® SALUTE

TO BE BROADCAST SUNDAY, FEB. 9, 2014 ON CBS

SPECIAL CELEBRATES THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BEATLES’ LEGENDARY U.S. DEBUT PERFORMANCE ON “THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW”

 

Entertainment Event to Feature the Biggest Names in Music Today

Performing the Songs the Seven-Time GRAMMY® Award-Winning “Fab Four” Performed That Night in Feb. 1964, As Well As Other Beatles’ Classics

Show Will Be Broadcast on CBS Exactly 50 Years to the Day, Date and Time of the Original Broadcast, Considered One of the Most Historic Live Events in Music and Television

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of one of the most historic moments in music and television, The Recording Academy®, AEG Ehrlich Ventures and CBS will present THE BEATLES: THE NIGHT THAT CHANGED AMERICA A GRAMMY® SALUTE. The primetime entertainment special will celebrate the remarkable legacy of the seven-time GRAMMY Award-winning group and their groundbreaking first appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show.”

The show will tape on Monday, Jan. 27, 2014, the day after the 56th Annual GRAMMY Awards®, and will be broadcast exactly 50 years to the day, date and time of the original event,  Sunday, Feb. 9 (8:00-10:30 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

THE BEATLES: THE NIGHT THAT CHANGED AMERICA - A GRAMMY® SALUTE will feature today’s top artists covering the songs performed by the “Fab Four” on that momentous evening along with other Beatles songs through the years, as well as footage from that landmark Sunday evening and other archival material. In addition, various presenters will help highlight and contextualize the musical, cultural and historical impact of the group and this legendary performance.

The Beatles' first appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show” is one of the most-watched television events ever, with 74 million people tuning in to watch the group perform five songs during the variety hour. It is considered by many historians and critics to be one of the most important moments in music and television.

“That night 50 years ago on the Ed Sullivan stage, the Beatles delivered a momentous performance, and America witnessed a historic television event and the beginning of a new era in music,” said Jack Sussman, CBS Entertainment Executive Vice President of Specials & Events. “We are thrilled to honor these music legends with performances from amazing GRAMMY-winning artists who were influenced by The Beatles unforgettable music through the years and that incredible performance in 1964.”

“The Beatles are one of music's most iconic groups, who won their first two GRAMMYs, including one for Best New Artist, in 1964 — the same year they took America by storm,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Academy. “As the GRAMMY Awards are Music's Biggest Night®, it's only fitting that we recognize this milestone moment in music history and pay tribute to this larger than life group and their enduring music and legacy.”

“Whether you were alive to witness it on television that night, or you've just known about it all your life, that first television appearance by the Beatles on 'The Ed Sullivan Show' is historic,” said executive producer Ken Ehrlich of AEG Ehrlich Ventures. “To be able to celebrate this significant event 50 years later — and to the exact day, date, and time — with an all-star cast of GRAMMY participants, shapes up to be one for the books.”

Tickets to the taping of his very special event will be available for sale to the general public.  Additional details will follow in the coming weeks.

THE BEATLE: THE NIGHT THAT CHANGED AMERICA - A GRAMMY® SALUTE is produced by AEG Ehrlich Ventures, LLC. Ken Ehrlich is the executive producer.

 

About The Recording Academy

Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, songwriters, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @TheGRAMMYs on Twitter, like “The GRAMMYs” on Facebook, and join The GRAMMYs' social communities on Foursquare, GetGlue, Google +,Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr, and YouTube.

 

CHEAT TWEET: A #Grammy Salute to the #Beatles on the 50th Anniversary of their historic 1st live TV appearance Feb. 9, 2014 on #CBS http://bit.ly/HVw9Va

 

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Press Contacts:

Tiffany Smith-Anoa'i    818-655-1587  tiffany.smith@cbs.com

Kate Fisher                212-975-3818   khfisher@cbs.com

Kim Izzo-Emmet        212-975-3820  krizzo-emmet@cbs.com

 

Photo Contacts:

Gaye Ann Bruno        818-655-1542  gayeann.bruno@cbs.com

Kathleen Prutting       212-975-8533  kprutting@cbs.com

  

For The Recording Academy:

Barb Dehgan              310-392-3777   barbd@grammy.com

 

For Rogers and Cowan:

Maureen O'Connor      310-854-8116  moconnor@rogersandcowan.com

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