'The Night That Changed America: A Grammy Salute to The Beatles' to be broadcast Sunday, Feb. 9, on CBS

Special celebrates the 50^th anniversary of the Beatles' legendary U.S. debut performance on "The Ed Sullivan Show"

To commemorate the 50^th anniversary of one of the most historic moments in music and television, The Recording Academy, AEG Ehrlich Ventures and CBS will present "The Night That Changed America: A Grammy Salute to The Beatles." The primetime entertainment special will celebrate the remarkable legacy of the seven-time Grammy Award-winning group and its groundbreaking first appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show."

The two-hour show will tape 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 p.m.), on the CBS Television Network.

"The Night That Changed America: A Grammy Salute to The Beatles" 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 and 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."

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.