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Harry Jacobs
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Buzz Knight
Hi, this is Buzz Knight, and welcome to the Taking a Walk podcast, another look at this week in music history for the week of July 14th. And we go right away over to the music history desk to the one and only Harry Jacobs. Hello, Harry.
Harry Jacobs
Well, it's a pleasure to be here. I am. I am. I don't need to remind you, I am the music maven. I am the K of the history desk. I am a number. I can't even remember all the names you've given me, but I'm something.
Buzz Knight
The purveyor of music history.
Harry Jacobs
There you go. Yeah, let's get off with A bang here. July 14th through the 20th is the week we're covering 1967. On July 14th, the who began their first major US tour. They opened for Herman's Hermits. They did that in Portland, Oregon. And, you know, I can't explain, was that the big track from which album?
Buzz Knight
Meaty Beatty, big and bouncy.
Harry Jacobs
Just giving you a chance, you know, a couple times in the month of July to actually say those words all together in one sentence. Meaty, beady, big and bouncy. But that's. That's where the who started their first tour of the US With Herman's Hermits and. Big day for them. And this is a surprising one. It's kind of fitting that we go from the who, who had a reputation. Keith Moon had a reputation of trashing hotel rooms. Pete Townsend had a reputation of smashing guitars. In 1973, probably before Pete Townsend ever smashed his first guitar, the Everly Brothers split up during a performance at Knott's Berry Farm, of all places, in California, Phil Everly got pissed, smashed his guitar and walked off stage. And that led to a breakup of that little duo for 10 years. Did you know Phil Everly had it in him?
Buzz Knight
I didn't know. And it occurs to me, I wonder if a special musician who was part of the. The Everly Brothers touring band, who you encountered with some of his, let's just say, difficult tantrums, and may he rest in peace, I wonder if he was part of them at that moment. Do you know who I'm speaking of?
Harry Jacobs
Are you talking about Warren Zevon?
Buzz Knight
Yes, sir.
Harry Jacobs
Warren Zevon was part of the Everly Brothers, I believe.
Buzz Knight
So. We can look it up as we're speaking right now. He Was he was, I believe he was part of the touring band. Wow.
Harry Jacobs
Isn't that interesting, Warren Zvon. What Buzz is referring to is that we did a show with Warren Zevon. Not to speak ill of the dead.
Buzz Knight
No, an iconic figure for sure.
Harry Jacobs
Iconic figure. But we did a show with him at the Hatchell in Boston. And what was interesting about Warren is that, you know, in 19, whenever, this was 94, 95, whatever year it was that we did this show, Warren Zevon was juicing at that time. There weren't many people that, that we knew in the world that were juicing fresh vegetables. And he came with his own blender. Wanted was very specific about what he wanted. We went. He had to go to Whole Foods or Traders or whatever it was back in that day, get him a whole bunch of vegetables. Yet he chain smoked cigarettes from the time he showed up at the venue for soundcheck at like 10 o' clock in the morning through the end of the show. Chain smoked like it was his job. Would only eat vegetables and chain smoke cigarettes. And he was a relentless pain in my ass. Go ahead.
Buzz Knight
Zevon toured with the Everly Brothers for a couple of years in the early 70s, serving as their keyboard player, band leader and musical coordinator.
Harry Jacobs
You know, multi talented guy, played guitar. We saw him play a lot of guitar when we did the show with him. But also a keyboard player. I did not know that he was part of the Everly Brothers. Good information here on this Week in music history. 1945, July 14, was the day that Jim Gordon was born. Who is Jim Gordon, you might ask? He was, he was a session drummer, a guy who was sought after, part of like the Wrecking Crew in that group. Was on Pet Sounds with the Beach Boys and served as a, as a journeyman drummer for a lot of people. Was also part of a famous band with Eric Clapton.
Buzz Knight
Yeah, Derek and the Dominoes. Got writing credit on, on Layla. And it's really one of the most tragic stories in certainly any history, not just music history, because of his voices that he heard through his, through his life. In his head, he would, he would kill his mother and then would be in prison slash, you know, the mental hospital for the rest of his life. Died there. There's a tremendous book written by Joel Selvin. Joel was on the podcast talking about the book about Jim Gordon. And he goes into great detail about his career, his, his turbulence, his brilliance shines through in the book. And also the darkness, you know, that's the wrong term, shines through, but the darkness comes through.
Harry Jacobs
I Don't think there's anything wrong with that term darkness. He, Jim, suffered from schizophrenia and this was, this was at a time where mental illness and mental health really wasn't spoken about. What, what's interesting is he never spoke about it.
Buzz Knight
Right.
Harry Jacobs
He's a guy who lived with the voices in his head and worked, you know, was working with Eric Clapton, was working with Brian Wilson, was working with so many hundreds of other people in Los Angeles and never spoke about it. He just thought, this is my lot in life. I'm going to hear these voices. And ultimately the voices, you know, caused him to, to turn and he had a break. And as you mentioned, it ended tragically. And then, you know, he, he died in prison at 77 years old.
Buzz Knight
Yeah, it's a, it's a terrible story, but his, his musical legacy will live on.
Harry Jacobs
Yeah, there are certain songs buzz that you can, you can guess that song in one Note. And on July 15, 1965, one of those songs was released. It was Bob Dylan's Like a Rolling Stone. It starts with that snare drum hit and then the band kicks in. I, I, I, I gotta feel like if you were to play that song, pull it up on your phone, I would know it in one beat.
Buzz Knight
Oh yeah, it sounds good to this day, of course. And when I think of that song, I, I think of the great work of Massachusetts, current, current resident, the, the great Al Cooper part of that whole, that whole arrangement there and you know, just a song that jumps out at the, out of the speakers to this day. Certainly one of Bob's great moments to.
Harry Jacobs
Dylan fans and non Dylan fans. I, I watched the, the movie, the, the, the biopic or the biopic, however you want to say it. I always get corrected. I always say one, one, one of my, one of the ways I pronounce, it's always wrong. So I'll give it both ways. But the movie, the movie with Timothee Chalamet, I watched it with a group of guys. Most of them weren't real Dylan fans, but they were curious to see it. And when that song comes on during the movie, everybody's tapping their feet. I look around the room and immediately they knew what it was. And you know, it's, it's just a great familiar, classic, epic song. And it was a long song. It was six minutes. Songs weren't six minutes. A lot of them in those days.
Buzz Knight
And when you're seeing Bob, you know, perform it live, I don't care if it's now or in the past. I don't Care if it's one of Bob's great performances or when Bob is off. When that line comes around, how does it feel? Everybody would just, you know, hold their hands up and it's just. It's wonderful.
Harry Jacobs
Great. Sing along. In 1978, the Stones some girls reached number one on the Billboard top 200. You and I have had this discussion about Some Girls, I said at one point, and I guess I still stand by it. I think it was the last great Stones album. They've had some very good albums since then. Boy, there are 10 songs on that album. Maybe eight of them or nine of them are songs you would put on a playlist and have no problem listening to. And. And that, to me, stands out as one of their great albums of all time. Ms. You drove me a little crazy at the time. Beast of Burden, because they sounded disco, but it really was progressive.
Buzz Knight
Oh, yeah, it's. It's a. It's a great one. And so many of the songs still stand up to this day.
Harry Jacobs
Absolutely. In 1989, Tom Petty, in a way, pulled a Bruce Springsteen where he kind of left the band. He left the Heartbreakers behind for a minute. Recorded Full Moon Fever, his first solo album, and. And he did a great job. Free Falling came out of that. Think about Free Falling in the. In the Tom Cruise Jerry Maguire movie where he was driving. You know, he's in the car singing Free Falling at the top of his lungs. Running Down a Dream was on that. That iconic lick from Mike Campbell at the beginning, the open E string. But it's one of my favorite licks to play on the guitar because it's very simple. It's just one note all the way down the neck of the guitar. It's simple, it's raucous, it's fun. Running down the Dream and Free Falling on Full Moon Fever.
Buzz Knight
And I. I dare say Running down the Dream, one of the greatest driving songs of all time for sure as well.
Harry Jacobs
ABSO 1956 on On July 15th, Joe Satriani was born. I never paid much attention to Joe over the years. Really. Never at all. And then I saw him with Sammy Hagar a couple months ago here in Vegas, and I was so over the top, impressed with his playing. Running through those Van Halen songs like he wrote them.
Buzz Knight
He's.
Harry Jacobs
He's every bit as good as Eddie Van Halen was, in my opinion.
Buzz Knight
I think he's a guitar savant. I really do.
Harry Jacobs
Yeah. Yeah, I would agree.
Buzz Knight
Oh, you remember his song, by the way, that got some, some album rock airplay.
Harry Jacobs
I.
Buzz Knight
The One I remember was called Satch's Boogie.
Harry Jacobs
No, I. I don't remember that. Was that in the 90s at some point?
Buzz Knight
Check it out.
Harry Jacobs
Yeah, I will. I'll definitely do that. July 16th. Speaking of songs with a drum beat, one note at the beginning, you can guess. Loving Spoonful released Summer in the City, and that's one that had a beat at the beginning. Just one single drum beat. And then the song starts. A fantastic song. And that was just all about summertime in the city.
Buzz Knight
Yeah, it sounds good. It's. You know, when. When the. The summer finally breaks, at least back east, you know, when you go from spring right into the summer, it's great to crank that one up. I love it.
Harry Jacobs
That was. That was one of those songs on the radio that every summer we would pull it and bring it into rotation on the radio station I was working at at the time. Like, you know, Memorial Day weekend. That song got. Got played and it stayed right through the weekends or right through the summer.
Buzz Knight
I think I might go listen to it later.
Harry Jacobs
I like it. I like the idea. 1983, July 16th. The Police's Synchronicity hit number one on the Billboard 200. Every Breath youh Take. I mean, a number of songs on that, but Every Breath youh Take was the big song on that. A lot of other great songs. Walking in your Footsteps. Synchronicity on that as well.
Buzz Knight
I was a fan of the Synchronicity. That song in particular.
Harry Jacobs
A diverse group of songs. When you think about the difference between Every Breath youh Take and Synchronicity and then Walking in your footstep Footsteps, those are songs that, with any other band would probably end up on three different albums at different times in their musical career. And. And these all ended up on the same album. It just showed great diversity by the Police music.
Buzz Knight
Yeah, agree.
Harry Jacobs
In 1981, Harry Chapin passed away on July 16th. Known famously for Cats in the Cradle. Died in a car accident. You know, I've got two Harry Chapin stories, if I may.
Buzz Knight
You may.
Harry Jacobs
One of them. The first was the line Harry, keep the change from the song Taxi, where Harry Chapin is the taxi driver and his passenger sue was an old girlfriend. He picks up this girlfriend, I think, in New York City, and realizes midway through the. The ride that his girlfriend sue is in the. In the back of the car. She says, how are you, Harry? How are you, Sue? The end of the ride, she gives him $20 for a 250 fare. And what does she say to him?
Buzz Knight
Harry, keep the change.
Harry Jacobs
I Went to high school with a guy who used to say to me, harry, keep the change. I'd be walking down the hallway, he'd say, hey, Harry, keep the change. I never knew what it meant. He had a car accident, a fatal car accident during high school. It was tragic. And a day or two after he passed away for the first time I heard that song. He would always say it to me and I said, I don't know that song. He would say, find it. It's Taxi by Harry Chapin. Find it. And it found me a couple days after his death.
Buzz Knight
That's sweet.
Harry Jacobs
Crazy. July 17, 1968, Yellow Submarine, the animated Beatles film, came out. Normally we do a Beatle story and I think this is epic. That's epic. It's all great. I love the Beatles. I did not love Yellow Submarine. Song was. Song was good. But that animated film, the cartoon, I just, I wasn't digging it.
Buzz Knight
I think I just appreciated it. In the classic case of brand extension, they're like the frickin Beatles. And then they're like, okay, well let's delve into like, you know, animated films there. So I liked it just for the, you know, experimentation part, but, you know, as far as Beatle movies. Oh, it would be my third favorite. Yes.
Harry Jacobs
Okay, your third favorite right out of the. Out of the three.
Buzz Knight
Yeah.
Harry Jacobs
1975, Ringo Starr, speaking of the Beatles, divorced Maureen Cox. This apparently had to do with his, you know, this turbulent post Beatles period that he went through. I think the Beatles breakup was, was hard on everyone except John. Right. John is, I think John, arguably John probably drove it and you know, the, the rest of them, I think, weren't done. My opinion.
Buzz Knight
Yeah, I think maybe I. Look, I think when you're in the limelight and then suddenly you're trying to figure out your next steps like they were, that I think maybe there was some of that insecurity. But I think also Ringo needed to, you know, make some changes in his life at that point. And, you know, bless him, he sure did to this day.
Harry Jacobs
But yeah, we have a. I know a guy, got a guy who knows a guy. His name is Wayne LeBeau, who lives in Framingham and he is a. Basically a professional road manager. He works with Bruce Springsteen primarily.
Buzz Knight
He.
Harry Jacobs
I saw him when Sammy Hagar was here not long ago, but. But the other guy he works with every time he goes out is Ringo Starr. And he, he can't say enough about what a gentleman and how great it is to work for Ringo Starr.
Buzz Knight
I believe it. I do believe it.
Harry Jacobs
Yeah. Ringo's just a happy dude, and Wayne.
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Harry Jacobs
It's one of those stories I. I enjoy hearing. I'll always say when I see him, tell me about Ringo. Tell me about Ringo. And he always smiles, so. July 18, 1970, Floyd performed at London's Hyde park, joined by Roy Harper and this. This was an album at the time called Adam Hart Mother. Did is this ring a bell with you? I didn't know anything about that album.
Buzz Knight
I. I barely did, I must say. I must say that the earliest of Floyd was kind of over my head for no better way of putting it. Yeah, it was. You know, it was not mainstream. It was. It was them, I think, certainly thinking back, even to the Sid Barrett side of things, you know, it was heavily influenced by a bunch of, I don't know, accelerants, maybe. But no, was. Did not know that album for sure. And I'm sure there's someone who will debate us and say, you idiot, I know that album. And I say, bring it on.
Harry Jacobs
Sid Barrett, speaking of.
Buzz Knight
Of.
Harry Jacobs
Of mental health.
Buzz Knight
Yes.
Harry Jacobs
You know, issues. Boy, that poor guy was just tortured.
Buzz Knight
I know, right? I know.
Harry Jacobs
Awful. 1980, Billy Joel's Glass Houses came out. It hit number one. You know, it was out before, obviously, July 18th, but it hit the Billboard top 200 on the 18th at number one. The big song was still rock and roll to me, but I loved you May be right, I love Sometimes A Fantasy. Those were songs that rocked. And I liked the album cover. Right.
Buzz Knight
Oh, yeah, me too. I couldn't agree more. And I got the opportunity right before COVID to see Billy at the Park Plaza Hotel in Boston, perform at the Walden woods benefit. And it was. It was so fantastic. It was so, so wonderful, so much fun.
Harry Jacobs
You. You know every song, right? That's. He's one of those guys where no matter how you feel about him musically, like, I can hear just the way you are. She's always a woman. The songs that were slower or you may be right, or the songs that rock and go. Boy, he. His body of music. And when you see it live, it's something else.
Buzz Knight
I know I want to see. There's a new documentary coming out on HBO about Billy.
Harry Jacobs
Oh, I'll be interested. You know, a lot of these are coming out. Have you. By the way, have you seen the Springsteen trailer yet for Deliver Me From Nowhere is the name. No, the trailer is amazing. It's a. It's a dark movie about him. The making of Nebraska where he was alone. You know, Bruce at one point told a story I think maybe during growing up, in the early days when he was playing live, he would say, and when I was a kid, I had a hole in my floor and it was supposed to be a vent for, for gas, for heat. And he said it was just open down in my kitchen. And my father would yell up to my room and say, turn down the goddamn guitar. Well, that story is in the trailer where John Landau is explaining to someone, listen, when Bruce was a kid, he had a hole in his floor. And what he's doing with this album is he is. He's a floor repair man. He's fixing the hole in his floor. And I think that's pretty. You know, as a Bruce. Big Bruce fan, I just, I found that very interesting to hear that come up in the movie trailer, because I knew this.
Buzz Knight
Wow, that's wild.
Harry Jacobs
1919 July, rather, in 1969, Honky Tonk Woman was released. That hit number one in the US on the UK charts. Raucous. Great. Another great drive and song, right?
Buzz Knight
Oh, no doubt. And you know, I think that band, you know, is gonna have a little bit of a run in music history if, if you.
Harry Jacobs
Yeah, they are. If you have never seen the Rolling Stones, it's expensive to do it now, but if you've never seen the Rolling Stones, they've never sounded better than, than they have now. This was a band that sounded like hell in the 70s live.
Buzz Knight
Yeah, they figured out how to kind of, you know, enhance the, the weak spots.
Harry Jacobs
You know what it is, Buzz, it's production value. And they learned how to play together.
Buzz Knight
Yeah, right.
Harry Jacobs
They, they never did that very well in the 70s. And, and around 1981, 82. In that air, in that period of time, they started to really sound good. And, and they still sound good, you know, 40 years later, as far as I'm concerned.
Buzz Knight
Agree.
Harry Jacobs
1987, July 19th, Springsteen played at the Berlin Wall, basically in East Berlin. And this was a monster show. 160,000 people. I believe it's his biggest crowd to date at that point in 87. Either the end of the the USA tour or during the tunnel. I think it was during the Tunnel of Love tour because that started in January of 86. Now that I think about it must.
Buzz Knight
Have been a ruckus, a raucous event, I'm sure.
Harry Jacobs
And the last event for the week is July 20, 1968. Iron Butterflies in a Godda de Vita was released. 17 minute song, just unheard of. Still unheard of to this day. Who's got 17 minutes? You can hear you know, you know, eight pop songs right now in 17 minutes.
Buzz Knight
A rough listen. But as you said one time when we were talking about it, you can envision it in certain movie soundtracks, you know, in the right moment, having a perfect, you know, placement there just because it would, it would, it would fit.
Harry Jacobs
You know, there was a, a movie prior to the Silence of the Lambs coming out that was the original Hannibal Lecter movie. And it had a couple of people of note. Brian Cox, the actor who was in succession, played Hannibal Lecter in that movie. And I can't think it will. I can't remember his name, but he played Grissom on csi. Famous television actor. He played one of the doctors that was looking at Hannibal Lecter. But during that movie, which I think they did a really good job of, of, of sharing that and telling that story, when one of the people goes off the rails in that movie, there's all this flashing light and darkness and in a Godda devita is playing in the background. And that to me is like perfect serial killer crazy man. Lights are flashing in a Godda devita comes out. It's just a complete freak out when that happens.
Buzz Knight
I need to go into the fetal position right now.
Harry Jacobs
It's creepy. Find it. I'll find it for you. I'll text you about it. Anyway, that's the, that's the week in music history for the week ending July 20th.
Buzz Knight
Well, thank you, Harry Jacobs. A head spinning week, I would say. And we love going over weeks like that. These, these weeks in music history. And thanks for checking it out on the Taking a Walk podcast.
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Harry Jacobs
Please welcome aboard the Johnson family.
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Podcast Title: Takin' a Walk
Host: Buzz Knight
Episode: This Week in Music History for 7-14
Release Date: July 14, 2025
Host/Guest: Buzz Knight and Harry Jacobs
In this episode of the "Takin' a Walk" Music History On Foot podcast, host Buzz Knight teams up with music maven Harry Jacobs to explore significant events in music history from July 14th to July 20th. The duo delves into iconic moments, influential albums, legendary performances, and personal anecdotes that have shaped the musical landscape over the decades.
[03:07] Harry Jacobs: "The Who began their first major US tour, opening for Herman's Hermits in Portland, Oregon."
Harry Jacobs enthusiastically discusses The Who's inaugural US tour, highlighting their energetic performances and the anticipation surrounding their debut on American soil. Jacobs humorously teases Buzz about the album track "Meaty Beatty, big and bouncy," emphasizing the band's vibrant presence.
[03:30] Harry Jacobs: "Meaty, beady, big and bouncy."
The conversation shifts to The Who’s notorious reputation, particularly Keith Moon's antics of trashing hotel rooms and Pete Townshend's guitar-smashing habits. This segues into a discussion about the Everly Brothers' breakup in 1973, triggered by Phil Everly's onstage guitar smashing during a performance at Knott's Berry Farm.
[04:18] Buzz Knight: "I didn't know Phil Everly had it in him."
They explore the tumultuous nature of band dynamics and the impact of individual behaviors on group cohesion, illustrating the often-unpredictable nature of collaboration in the music industry.
[04:48] Harry Jacobs: "Are you talking about Warren Zevon?"
Buzz Knight reveals that Warren Zevon, a renowned musician, was part of the Everly Brothers' touring band. Harry shares his personal experiences working with Zevon at the Hatchell in Boston, painting a vivid picture of Zevon's disciplined yet challenging personality.
[05:07] Buzz Knight: "We did a show with Warren Zevon."
Jacobs recounts Zevon's unique lifestyle choices, including his commitment to juicing vegetables while simultaneously chain-smoking, and his demanding nature during tours. This anecdote underscores the complexity and multifaceted personalities within the music world.
[06:08] Harry Jacobs: "Jim Gordon was a session drummer, part of the Wrecking Crew, and played on iconic tracks like Pet Sounds with the Beach Boys."
The discussion honors Jim Gordon, a highly sought-after session drummer known for his versatility and contributions to numerous classic recordings. However, Gordon's illustrious career was overshadowed by his personal struggles with schizophrenia, leading to a tragic end in prison.
[07:25] Buzz Knight: "He lived with the voices in his head and worked with Eric Clapton, Brian Wilson, and many others without speaking about his mental health."
Harry reflects on Joel Selvin's comprehensive book about Gordon, highlighting the duality of his brilliance and the darkness he faced, emphasizing the often-unspoken mental health challenges in the music industry.
[07:55] Harry Jacobs: "Bob Dylan's 'Like a Rolling Stone' starts with that snare drum hit and then the band kicks in."
The duo celebrates the release of one of Dylan's most influential songs, discussing its iconic opening and enduring legacy. They highlight the song's ability to instantly recognize it by a single beat and its continued relevance and impact in both live performances and popular culture.
[08:54] Buzz Knight: "When that line comes around, everybody just holds their hands up. It's wonderful."
The conversation captures the universal appeal and timeless nature of Dylan's masterpiece, illustrating its significance across generations.
[10:02] Harry Jacobs: "In 1978, The Rolling Stones' 'Some Girls' reached number one on the Billboard Top 200."
Harry posits that "Some Girls" might be The Stones' last great album, praising its diverse tracklist and enduring appeal. They discuss standout songs like "Ms. You Drove Me a Little Crazy" and "Beast of Burden," noting the album's progressive elements despite some disco influences.
[11:08] Harry Jacobs: "Maybe eight or nine songs you would put on a playlist and have no problem listening to."
The analysis underscores the album's craftsmanship and its lasting place in the band's storied career.
[11:53] Harry Jacobs: "On July 15th, Joe Satriani was born. I never paid much attention to Joe over the years, really."
Harry shares his newfound appreciation for Joe Satriani’s guitar prowess after witnessing his performance with Sammy Hagar in Las Vegas, comparing his skills to those of Eddie Van Halen.
[12:29] Buzz Knight: "I think he's a guitar savant. I really do."
This segment highlights the emergence of guitar virtuosos and their influence on rock music.
[12:47] Harry Jacobs: "In 1968, the Loving Spoonful released 'Summer in the City,' a fantastic song about summertime in the city."
The conversation reflects on the song's seasonal popularity and its consistent rotation on radio stations, symbolizing the quintessential summer anthem.
[13:08] Buzz Knight: "I love to crank that one up."
They reminisce about the song's enduring charm and its ability to evoke nostalgic summer memories.
[13:52] Harry Jacobs: "The Police's 'Synchronicity' hit number one on the Billboard Top 200, featuring hits like 'Every Breath You Take' and 'Walking in Your Footsteps.'"
Harry admires the album's diversity, noting how The Police seamlessly blended different musical styles within a single project. The discussion emphasizes the band's ability to maintain coherence while exploring varied sonic territories.
[14:19] Harry Jacobs: "These are songs that, with any other band, would probably end up on three different albums at different times."
This underscores The Police's unique talent in creating a multifaceted yet unified body of work.
[14:18] Harry Jacobs: "Harry Chapin passed away on July 16th in a car accident, famously known for 'Cats in the Cradle.'"
Harry shares a poignant personal story about his high school friend who died in a car accident shortly before hearing Chapin's "Taxi." This connection deepens the emotional resonance of Chapin's music and its impact on listeners.
[15:07] Harry Jacobs: "Harry, keep the change."
[15:10] Harry Jacobs: "I went to high school with a guy who used to say to me, 'Harry, keep the change.'"
This anecdote illustrates the profound personal connections and the lasting legacy of Chapin's songwriting.
[15:39] Buzz Knight: "I did not love 'Yellow Submarine,' but appreciated the experimentation."
Harry and Buzz discuss The Beatles' venture into animated filmmaking with "Yellow Submarine." While recognizing its cultural significance and experimental nature, they express mixed feelings about the film's execution.
[16:02] Buzz Knight: "It's like the frickin Beatles experimenting with animated films."
The segment highlights The Beatles' innovative spirit and willingness to explore new artistic mediums beyond music.
[16:25] Harry Jacobs: "In 1975, Ringo Starr divorced Maureen Cox, reflecting his turbulent post-Beatles period."
They examine Ringo Starr's personal struggles following The Beatles' breakup, discussing how these challenges influenced his music and public persona. Harry mentions Wayne LeBeau, Ringo's road manager, who praises Ringo's character and professionalism.
[17:43] Buzz Knight: "Ringo's just a happy dude, and Wayne loves working for him."
This conversation underscores the resilience and enduring positivity of Ringo Starr amidst personal upheavals.
[17:55] Harry Jacobs: "On July 18, 1970, Pink Floyd performed at London's Hyde Park, joined by Roy Harper on the album 'Adam Hart Mother.'"
Buzz admits unfamiliarity with the album, and they briefly touch upon Pink Floyd's experimental phase and Sid Barrett's mental health struggles, acknowledging the band's complex legacy.
[18:55] Harry Jacobs: "Sid Barrett... was just tortured. Awful."
The segment highlights the intersection of creativity and personal turmoil in Pink Floyd's early years.
[19:00] Harry Jacobs: "Billy Joel's 'Glass Houses' hit number one on July 18th, featuring rock staples like 'You May Be Right' and 'Sometimes a Fantasy.'"
They praise the album's energetic tracks and memorable cover art, with Harry recounting his live experience at a Billy Joel performance in Boston.
[19:50] Harry Jacobs: "No matter how you feel about him musically, his live performances are something else."
Buzz mentions an upcoming documentary on Billy Joel, signaling continued interest in chronicling the lives of legendary musicians.
[21:22] Harry Jacobs: "In 1969, 'Honky Tonk Women' reached number one in the US and UK charts."
The discussion praises the song's enduring appeal and The Rolling Stones' evolution in live performances. Harry emphasizes the band's improved cohesion and production values in the 1980s, contrasting with their earlier onstage discord.
[22:02] Harry Jacobs: "They never did that very well in the '70s. Around '81, '82, they started to really sound good and still sound good 40 years later."
This analysis highlights The Stones' ability to adapt and refine their sound over time.
[22:22] Harry Jacobs: "On July 19, 1987, Bruce Springsteen performed at the Berlin Wall in East Berlin, drawing a massive crowd of 160,000 people."
Buzz and Harry reflect on the significance of Springsteen's historic performance during the Tunnel of Love tour, emphasizing its cultural and political impact amid the Cold War era.
[22:48] Buzz Knight: "Have been a raucous event, I'm sure."
This event underscores the power of music as a unifying and transcendent force in times of political tension.
[23:08] Harry Jacobs: "Iron Butterfly released 'In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida,' a 17-minute track that remains unique to this day."
They discuss the song's experimental nature and its use in cinematic contexts, such as the original "Hannibal Lecter" movie, where its intense and psychedelic sound complements the film's dark themes.
[24:33] Harry Jacobs: "In 'A Godda devita,' it's a complete freak out when that happens."
Buzz humorously remarks on the song's eerie association with unsettling cinematic moments, highlighting its lasting influence and distinctive character.
[24:41] Buzz Knight: "A head spinning week, I would say. And we love going over weeks like that."
Buzz and Harry wrap up the episode by reflecting on the diverse and impactful events covered, celebrating the rich tapestry of music history. They express gratitude to listeners and encourage continued exploration of musical milestones.
Harry Jacobs on The Who's Tour:
[03:30] "Meaty, beady, big and bouncy."
Buzz Knight on Jim Gordon's Legacy:
[07:25] "He lived with the voices in his head and worked with Eric Clapton, Brian Wilson, and many others without speaking about his mental health."
Harry Jacobs on "Like a Rolling Stone":
[07:55] "Bob Dylan's 'Like a Rolling Stone' starts with that snare drum hit and then the band kicks in."
Harry Jacobs on Rolling Stones' "Some Girls":
[10:02] "Maybe eight or nine songs you would put on a playlist and have no problem listening to."
Harry Jacobs on Harry Chapin:
[15:10] "I went to high school with a guy who used to say to me, 'Harry, keep the change.'"
This episode of "Takin' a Walk" offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of pivotal moments in music history during the week of July 14th. Through insightful discussions, personal anecdotes, and a deep appreciation for the artists and their works, Buzz Knight and Harry Jacobs provide listeners with a rich tapestry of stories that highlight the enduring legacy and transformative power of music.