Takin' a Walk – This Week in Music History 11-24

Podcast: takin' a walk
Host: Buzz Knight
Guest: Harry Jacobs
Release Date: November 24, 2025

Episode Overview

This week’s episode of "Takin' a Walk" takes a deep dive into the key events, legendary figures, and memorable anniversaries in music history connected to the week of November 24th. Host Buzz Knight is joined by the “master of music mayhem” Harry Jacobs, as they explore stories behind iconic artists, classic albums, landmark concerts, and the creative dynamics that shaped the world of music. The conversation is both insightful and filled with personal moments, anecdotes, and honest reflections on lost legends and ongoing influences in the industry.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Remembering Freddie Mercury (03:00–04:05)

• Harry recalls the anniversary of Freddie Mercury’s death on November 24, 1991.
  • Highlights Freddie’s massively influential role in Queen, his creative genius (especially on "Bohemian Rhapsody"), and his orchestral approach to composition.
  • Refers to Freddie’s passing as "a huge loss" for music and culture.
  • "He orchestrated it, no pun intended… was a musical genius in a lot of ways." – Harry Jacobs (03:33)
• Buzz agrees, noting the distinctive and lasting impact Mercury left on music and popular culture.

2. Eric Carr’s Passing & Darwin’s ‘Origin of Species’ (04:05–04:44)

• Eric Carr (KISS drummer) also passed away on November 24, 1991.
• A lighter historical aside: Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species was published November 24, 1859.
• The hosts joke about not paying enough attention to Darwin in school, bringing humor and personality to the segment.

3. The Band’s "The Last Waltz" (05:00–07:58)

• November 25, 1976: The Band performs their farewell concert "The Last Waltz" at Winterland Ballroom.
  • Guests included Dylan, Neil Young, Clapton, and Joni Mitchell.
  • Buzz and Harry discuss internal band conflict and the behind-the-scenes tensions, especially Levon Helm’s reluctance.
  • Buzz highlights Joni Mitchell’s appearance: “It's just so beautiful. … the majority of the band members really were not up for this.” (05:18)
  • They reflect on The Band’s first two albums as masterpieces, and discuss the impact of recent deaths among band members, especially Robbie Robertson and Garth Hudson.
• An amusing anecdote about trying (and failing) to record an interview on The Band’s tour bus, summing it up: “It was like Willie Nelson's bus... Contact high.” – Harry Jacobs (08:38)

4. Michael Hutchence and Band Aid (08:44–09:39)

• November 22, 1997: Michael Hutchence (INXS) found dead in Sydney, in circumstances discussed frankly by Harry.
  • “I'm rarely at a loss for words, but this was an odd one to lose him.”
• November 1984: Band Aid records “Do They Know It’s Christmas,” noted for its speedy release and lasting cultural impact.

5. Cream’s Farewell, Guns N’ Roses, & More Milestones (09:39–13:40)

• November 26, 1968: Cream’s final concert at Royal Albert Hall.
• 1987/88: Guns N' Roses' debut album "Appetite for Destruction" (timing clarified in discussion) climbs to #1.
  • Harry quizzes Buzz about the use of "Welcome to the Jungle" in film:
    • The answer: The Dead Pool (Dirty Harry franchise), 1988, starring Clint Eastwood and Jim Carrey.
    • “Appetite for Destruction is the number one selling debut album by a band in U.S. history.” – Harry Jacobs (11:57)
• November 27, 1942: Jimi Hendrix’s birthday in Seattle, highlighting his “gone too soon” story.
• George Harrison’s solo work "All Things Must Pass" released in 1970—both hosts call it a masterpiece.

6. John Lennon’s Last Concert, Whitney Houston’s Reign, and Grand Ole Opry (13:40–15:07)

• November 28: John Lennon makes his final public concert appearance (1974) at an Elton John show, years before his death.
• 1992: Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” begins a 14-week #1 run, tying it to the film The Bodyguard.
• 1925: Grand Ole Opry debuts on Nashville radio, a foundational event for country music and radio.

7. George Harrison’s Death & Jerry Lee Lewis Story (15:07–17:00)

• November 29: George Harrison’s death in 2001; discussed close to the anniversary of "All Things Must Pass."
• November 1976: Jerry Lee Lewis shoots his bassist Norman Owens at a party; hosts recount the bizarre incident with their usual mix of shock and humor.

8. Landmark Album Releases (17:00–17:32)

• November 30, 1979: Release of Pink Floyd’s The Wall.
• November 30, 1982: Release of Michael Jackson’s Thriller.
  • Both highlighted as watershed moments in music history.

9. Breaking News: The Passing of Pierre Robert (17:00–20:40)

• Buzz reports, in real time, the news of WMMR DJ Pierre Robert’s death—a beloved Philadelphia radio icon.
  • Shares a heartfelt tribute, recounting Robert’s generosity, legacy, and community involvement.
  • “He was a good soul and an icon who walked tall and… as he would say… goodbye, good citizen.” – Buzz Knight (20:02)
• Harry offers condolences, acknowledging Buzz’s connection: “This is a sad day for radio and for people that knew and loved him.” – Harry Jacobs (20:22)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “He orchestrated it, no pun intended… was a musical genius in a lot of ways.”
  — Harry Jacobs on Freddie Mercury (03:33)
• “I graduated from the Worcester Public Schools on a plea deal with the district attorney.”
  — Harry Jacobs, joking about studying history (04:49)
• “I love Joni Mitchell’s part of [The Last Waltz]… It's just so beautiful.”
  — Buzz Knight (05:18)
• “Contact high.”
  — Harry Jacobs, on attempting to interview The Band (08:38)
• “Appetite for Destruction is the number one selling debut album by a band in U.S. history. Wow, that crazy.”
  — Harry Jacobs (11:57)
• “He was a good soul and an icon who walked tall… goodbye, good citizen.”
  — Buzz Knight, memorializing Pierre Robert (20:02)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment/Event | |-----------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 03:00 | Freddie Mercury’s illness, announcement, and passing | | 04:05 | Eric Carr’s passing; lighthearted reflections on Darwin’s "Origin of Species" | | 05:00 | The Band’s The Last Waltz, group dynamics, and lasting impact | | 08:38 | Attempts to interview The Band; “Contact high” anecdote | | 08:44 | Michael Hutchence’s death and reflection | | 09:23 | Band Aid and "Do They Know It’s Christmas" | | 09:39 | Cream’s final concert | | 10:26 | Guns N’ Roses’ "Appetite for Destruction" and its movie connection | | 11:45 | GNR song appears in The Dead Pool; Appetite’s chart feat | | 13:40 | Jimi Hendrix’s birthday, George Harrison’s "All Things Must Pass" | | 14:06 | John Lennon’s last public show with Elton John | | 14:36 | Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” at #1 | | 14:54 | Grand Ole Opry radio debut | | 15:07 | George Harrison’s death; Jerry Lee Lewis’ birthday shooting incident | | 17:00 | Pink Floyd’s The Wall and Michael Jackson’s Thriller released | | 17:00 | Breaking news: Pierre Robert’s passing; emotional tribute by Buzz |

Tone & Style

The conversation is lively, personal, and filled with mutual respect and admiration for musical legends. Buzz and Harry move fluidly between reverence, nostalgia, humor, and heartfelt tribute—especially in the emotional closing tribute to Pierre Robert. The banter is candid and engaging, giving listeners both deep insights and memorable, real-life stories behind the facts.

Summary

This episode is a rich, entertaining, and moving journey through the anniversaries and milestones that make up the week of November 24th in music history. With a balance of expert commentary, personal anecdotes, and genuine emotion, Buzz Knight and Harry Jacobs bring classic moments, albums, and artists vividly to life for listeners—while capping the episode with a heartfelt on-air tribute to a beloved radio legend. For both music history buffs and casual fans, this week’s installment is packed with stories, context, and unforgettable moments.