The Beatles to Get CBS Grammy Special

The Beatles are getting a two-hour special on CBS.

The Night That Changed America: A Grammy Salute to the Beatles, which celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Fab Four’s U.S. debut performance on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964, will air Sunday, Feb. 9, 2014, from 8-10 p.m. ET/PT, the network announced Thursday.

Taping the day after the Grammys on Monday, Jan. 27, the special also will highlight the legacy of the seven-time Grammy-winning group.

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Though no names were announced, CBS says that “today’s top artists” will cover songs performed by The Beatles while appearing on The Ed Sullivan Show, as well as other songs from throughout the group’s career. Various presenters also will highlight the impact — musical, cultural and historical — of the group and their TV appearance, which drew 74 million viewers.

“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 vp of specials and events.

Added Neil Portnow, president of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences: “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.”

AEG Ehrlich Ventures will produce the special, with Ken Ehrlich as executive producer.

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