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

Introduction

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.

The Who's First Major US Tour (July 14, 1967)

[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.

Warren Zevon and the Everly Brothers

[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.

The Life and Legacy of Jim Gordon (Born July 14, 1945)

[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.

Bob Dylan's "Like a Rolling Stone" (Released July 15, 1965)

[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.

The Rolling Stones' "Some Girls" Album (July 15, 1978)

[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.

Joe Satriani's Birth (July 15, 1956)

[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.

The Loving Spoonful's "Summer in the City" (July 16, 1968)

[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.

The Police's "Synchronicity" Album (July 16, 1983)

[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.

The Tragic Death of Harry Chapin (July 16, 1981)

[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.

The Beatles' "Yellow Submarine" Animated Film (July 17, 1968)

[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.

Ringo Starr's Divorce and Post-Beatles Life (July 17, 1975)

[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.

Pink Floyd's 1970 Performance at Hyde Park (July 18, 1970)

[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.

Billy Joel's "Glass Houses" Album (July 18, 1980)

[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.

The Rolling Stones' "Honky Tonk Women" (July 17, 1969)

[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.

Bruce Springsteen's Berlin Wall Concert (July 19, 1987)

[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.

Iron Butterfly's "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" (July 20, 1968)

[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.

Conclusion

[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.

Notable Quotes

• 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.'"

Final Thoughts

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.