Norah Jones created one of her most touching musical moments when she honored her father’s close friend, George Harrison, with a quiet and emotional performance of “Let It Be” atop the Empire State Building. The setting itself felt magical—New York City glowing beneath her, the sky softly dimming, and the wind brushing past as she sat at a simple keyboard placed on the famous rooftop. There were no big lights, no crowd, and no dramatic staging. Just Norah, the open air, and a song filled with history and love.
Before beginning, Norah took a moment to reflect on how much Harrison meant to her father, Ravi Shankar, and how her own life had been touched by their longtime friendship. You could see a gentle smile on her face as she mentioned their bond, showing just how personal the moment was for her. When she started to play the first familiar chords of “Let It Be,” her voice floated softly into the night—warm, tender, and beautifully controlled. She didn’t try to imitate The Beatles; instead, she gave the song a peaceful, Norah-style glow, letting every line land gently, like a quiet message of comfort.
The details made the performance feel even more intimate: the camera circling slowly around her, capturing the lights of Manhattan shimmering in the background; the soft hum of the city rising between notes; and the way she closed her eyes during the chorus, as if singing directly to Harrison’s memory. Her piano tone was light and delicate, turning the classic into a soothing rooftop lullaby.
By the time she reached the final “let it be,” the moment felt almost spiritual—simple, honest, and filled with affection for a man who shaped so much of modern music and touched her family in a profound way. As she lifted her hands from the keys, the city continued to glow around her, making the tribute feel timeless.
Norah Jones’ rooftop performance wasn’t just a cover—it was a quiet gift, a heartfelt offering to George Harrison from someone who truly understood his gentle spirit.
