Podcast Summary: "Classic Replay-The Top Five Most Downloaded Episodes of 2024-Russ Kunkel"

Podcast Information

• Title: takin' a walk
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
• Description: The "takin' a walk" MUSIC HISTORY ON FOOT podcast, hosted by Buzz Knight, takes listeners through music history by exploring insider stories from guests, sharing anecdotes and insights about musicians, bands, and their creations.
• Episode: Classic Replay-The Top Five Most Downloaded Episodes of 2024-Russ Kunkel
• Release Date: December 25, 2024

Introduction to the Top Five Countdown

[02:54] Harry Jacobs: "Welcome to our top five Taking a Walk podcast countdown the top five most downloaded episodes of Taking a Walk for 2024."

[03:17] Russ Kunkel: "Pleasure to be here. And part of the top five this week. So, yeah."

In this special holiday episode, Buzz Knight alongside co-host Harry Jacobs and featured guest Russ Kunkel, a legendary drummer, revisits the top five most downloaded episodes of 2024. The trio delves into memorable moments, surprising highlights, and the enduring legacy of these popular episodes.

Russ Kunkel's Musical Journey and Achievements

[03:21] Harry Jacobs: "So anything been a surprise for you so far? Number five was Carlos, certainly Carlos Santana. Number four was John Oates. Any surprises to this date?"

[03:33] Russ Kunkel: "No, you know, no, not really. Santana was just one of my favorites—a huge get. I'm anxious to see what's coming next. I like the surprises."

The conversation begins with Harry introducing Russ as the number three most downloaded episode of 2024. Russ shares his experience as a highly sought-after studio drummer, highlighting his extensive collaborations with iconic artists such as Neil Young, Stevie Winwood, James Taylor, and Bob Dylan.

Notable Quote: [05:12] Russ Kunkel: "Russ Kunkel has played with everybody. It’s like to any other guy, it’d be like, 'I played with Bob Dylan.' That’s one guy's claim to fame. Kunkel has played with everybody."

Early Influences and Career Beginnings

[02:29] Buzz Knight: "Taking a walk the basic connection that I had with someone great coming out of the whiskey was David Crosby..."

Buzz recounts his early connections in the music industry, including meeting David Crosby through his late wife Leah, Cass Elliot's sister. These relationships provided Buzz with invaluable insights and opportunities in his musical journey.

Collaborations with Iconic Artists

[14:59] Buzz Knight: "David took notice of me, produced the Things single for the Things to Come, and was a real champion of me and my band at that time."

Buzz discusses pivotal moments in his career, including being discovered by Peter Asher, who invited him to play with James Taylor. This collaboration led to Buzz playing on the seminal album "Sweet Baby James."

Notable Quote: [17:58] Buzz Knight: "It was magical. I was there and I was just thankful to be there. I'm eternally grateful for that."

Recording "Sweet Baby James" and "Tapestry"

[19:11] Harry Jacobs: "Then there's the first album that I ever bought and wore the grooves off of is this little number called Tapestry by Carole King. Can you talk about how magical that was?"

[19:28] Buzz Knight: "Carol was very prepared. Lou wanted to recreate what she was doing at her house. It happened quickly, and looking back, that record was so satisfying to so many people."

Buzz shares his experiences recording with James Taylor and Carole King, emphasizing the spontaneity and collaborative spirit that made these albums legendary.

Unique Studio Experiences

[21:43] Harry Jacobs: "Can you talk about the experience that happened in a session in New York City that included the likes of George Harrison and Bob Dylan?"

[21:55] Buzz Knight: "I jamming with Bob Dylan and George Harrison was magnificent. Keeping my head from exploding with drums in one ear and Harrison in the other was surreal."

Buzz narrates a remarkable session with Bob Dylan and George Harrison, highlighting the creativity and unpredictability of working with such iconic musicians.

Reflections on Musical Perfection and Authenticity

[24:19] Buzz Knight: "I don't like things that are perfect. Music today is perfect, in tune, in time. I think there's something lacking. Bob Dylan never wanted anything to be perfect."

Buzz reflects on the evolution of music production, advocating for the raw authenticity that defined his experiences with artists like Bob Dylan, contrasting it with the overly polished sound prevalent today.

Personal and Professional Growth

[33:14] Buzz Knight: "I've learned a lot from Stephen Stills, David and Graham, Neil, Jimmy Bowen, Jimmy Iovine, Peter, Lou Adler... trying to mold them into how I do those things."

Buzz discusses the diverse influences and mentors who shaped his approach to music, emphasizing continuous learning and adaptation.

Notable Quote: [36:55] Buzz Knight: "To not be afraid of the things you don't know. To not fear. Concentrate on really enjoying the one that I'm in."

Legacy and Ongoing Collaborations

[31:33] Buzz Knight: "Henry Diltz is a beautiful human being, I'm so glad to see him getting the recognition he deserves."

Buzz talks about his ongoing collaborations and the strong bonds formed over decades in the music industry, highlighting the importance of camaraderie and mutual support.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

[36:46] Harry Jacobs: "In closing, what do you want to learn that you haven't necessarily learned at this point in career and life?"

[36:55] Buzz Knight: "To not be afraid of the things you don't know... concentrate on enjoying the one that I'm in."

The episode wraps up with Buzz sharing his aspirations for personal growth and embracing the unknown, reinforcing the theme of lifelong learning and passion that permeates his career.

Final Notable Quote: [37:25] Buzz Knight: "It's my pleasure. My pleasure."

Key Takeaways:

• Russ Kunkel's Impact: An exploration of Russ Kunkel's extensive career and his collaborations with some of the most iconic musicians of the past decades.
• Importance of Relationships: Buzz emphasizes the significance of early connections and mentorships in shaping his musical journey.
• Authenticity Over Perfection: A recurring theme is the value of genuine expression and the pitfalls of overproduced music.
• Continuous Growth: Both Buzz and Russ highlight the importance of staying curious, learning continuously, and embracing new challenges.

This episode serves as a rich tapestry of musical history, personal anecdotes, and professional insights, capturing the essence of what makes "takin' a walk" a beloved podcast for music enthusiasts.