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Buzz Knight
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Buzz Knight
This is Buzz Knight. And welcome to the Taking a walk podcast. And welcome to another episode of this Week in Music History for the week of June 16th. And we go over to the music history desk. It's a little placard over there. It says purveyor of all things music, Harry Jacobs. Harry, welcome to this Week in Music History.
Harry Jacobs
My plaque is no better than in any way than the plaque you used to have on your desk at your work. Can we talk about Joe Schwartz for a minute? Your old, your old.
Buzz Knight
I've got it right here.
Harry Jacobs
Do what you say you're gonna do.
Buzz Knight
There it is, baby.
Harry Jacobs
You're gonna do. And he also gave you a quote. I think you may have had a plaque for this as well. It said, give ulcers, don't get them right. Be someone's pain in the ass. Don't let.
Buzz Knight
That is it. That is it. He still says it. He's a wise man. As are you.
Harry Jacobs
Thank you. I appreciate that. For June 16, 1972, David Bowie had this career defining moment with the rise and fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. This was a. A breakthrough in a lot of ways. Sold over 7 million copies, which was a lot back in that day. A couple of bangers on. On that Suffragette City, Rock and roll Suicide Starman. And it just became a monster of an album. And you were a fan of the Thin White Duke. I mean, you were. You were a Bowie guy.
Buzz Knight
Yeah, not as big then that I would become. I didn't get it as quickly as I should have. And then over time, really grew to, you know, respect him as an artist and be fascinated by him and like the music over the years. But I didn't get it like I would eventually get it, you know.
Harry Jacobs
Let me ask you a question. It's funny that you say that, because I have a couple in my head that are like that. How many of those artists like Bowie, where they came out, you know, in the 60s or 70s or. Or whenever that you didn't really appreciate? You know, we. Because we came out of radio, we have this disadvantage. Like, I'll give you an example. I hated Hotel California for years. I hated it. And I haven't worked on the radio in 30 years. And now I hear Hotel California and I turn it up and I get my guitar and I put the capo on the seventh fret and I want to learn every little nuanced piece of it. And I just. So when you're in it, like we were in it, who were the artists that maybe you didn't really give the attention to until you were out of radio and then all of a sudden you get it. So Bowie's. Bowie's a good example for. For one of mine is Neil Young.
Buzz Knight
Europe, to a degree. The Eagles. I mean, I really enjoyed the Eagles and appreciated them, but the more over time, especially when you go back to the beginning of the Eagles, it really, you know, makes you think differently about someone who we were routinely playing a lot in the. On the playlist and that, you know, let's be honest, with radio playlists, when you're playing it as an on air person, you kind of get sick of some of this rock radio.
Harry Jacobs
We were playing 500 songs, 600 songs, you know, you. You allowed us to play some deep tracks. So maybe we had a thousand possible songs, you know, additional to that that were deep cuts, but they didn't get played all the time. So with the Eagles, Tequila Sunrise and, you know, peaceful Easy Feeling, those were the songs where they would come on or I would have to play them. I go, oh God, this drek, this drek. And then now that we're out of it, I'm like, oh, it's all Magnificent.
Buzz Knight
Come closer. I'll tell you another secret.
Harry Jacobs
Yes, please.
Buzz Knight
Do you know how these playlists are now, these days?
Harry Jacobs
I.
Buzz Knight
From these. These radio stations?
Harry Jacobs
Mm. Tell me. 300 on a classic rock station.
Buzz Knight
300. 320.
Harry Jacobs
I. I'm stunned. Well, think about it. 15 songs an hour.
Buzz Knight
I'm sorry to let the cat out of the bag.
Harry Jacobs
Oh, gosh.
Buzz Knight
I don't have any particular clients that I'm disclosing information on.
Harry Jacobs
Oh, God. That's. If you're listening to this. Think about this for a minute. You're a clown.
Buzz Knight
Don't think less of me. If you're listening to this. Don't think I contributed to this. Cause I really don't think I did.
Harry Jacobs
What. What Buzz just said is 320 songs. If you're a radio listener and you are someone who works grave or doubles or whatever, 320 songs at 15 songs an hour, which is the average. It was the average. Maybe it's less now. Even if it's 12, the playlist turns around every single day. That means if you hear Peaceful Easy the way the radio stations do it. If I hear Peaceful Easy feeling on my way to work today, I might hear it during lunchtime tomorrow. And then I might hear it during, you know, afternoon drive the following day. You know, that's how quickly. Oh, it's disgusting to me.
Buzz Knight
I'm going to climb. You know what I'm doing right now? Climbing up the steps here out of our rabbit hole.
Harry Jacobs
Okay, gosh, let's do it. That's a good way to go. Anyway, so for you, for me, it was Neil Young. I bring us back. Were there. Were there any other artists that you didn't really appreciate like that?
Buzz Knight
I can't think of one right off the bat, but I'm sure when we stop recording, it'll. It'll come to me. Yeah, I mean, I probably always appreciated the progressive rock bands, artists, so they always were solid.
Harry Jacobs
But you didn't have a lot to do with progressive rock during the. The heyday of your career when you were doing classic rock. It wasn't until you went from ZLX to then taking wror, which was classic hits, and then WBOS for those of you in Boston, which was a progressive kind of station where you were playing, you know, the. The different artists. Right.
Buzz Knight
I have another dirty secret for you, though. The other dirty secret here is that that's not true completely. Because a lot of the progressive bands over their time and evolution, I. I dare say I was playing them as current artists. Okay.
Harry Jacobs
That. That Makes sense. I'm just think. When I say progressive, I'm thinking aaa. Well, anyway, we're in the rabbit hole. Let's.
Buzz Knight
I'm climbing out right now of the rabbit hole.
Harry Jacobs
Let's do it. 1967, the birth of the Modern Music Festival. It was the first of the Monterey Pop Festivals at Country Fairgrounds up in Monterey. Beautiful area. And it was a monster of an event. The who, the Dead, the Airplane, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, the Animals. Three days. And it set, kind of. It set this. Set the tone for which, you know, would end up being Woodstock. Right. This was the brainchild of John Phillips. Mamas and Papas. Lou Adler was in the middle of that.
Buzz Knight
I'm going back into the rabbit hole for a second because there is somebody who I thought was wonderful in his own way, but didn't get, and that was. Who played there. Ravi Shankar.
Disney Voice
Oh.
Buzz Knight
Now he brought the. The sitar, which ultimately, you know, bands like the Rolling Stones would use and. And make part of their repertoire, but the sitar was not ultimately a particularly popular. Popular choice.
Harry Jacobs
Not. And. And Harrison got into it, too.
Buzz Knight
That's right. And through Ravi. So Ravi was. Ravi was adorable, but I didn't get him. But anyway, sorry to digress.
Harry Jacobs
No, that's great. That's an interesting story. Anyway, 1967, the Monterey Pop Festival lasted three days. Just touch on this real quick. In 2010, Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax played at the. At a show together. I was never. And I. I appreciate. Out of that group. I look at it and go, Metallica. I love Metallica. I. I just. But I just know the hits. I'm one of those guys, but I was never into that kind of rock. Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax, the hair bands.
Buzz Knight
Boy, I don't even know if those were. Would you call those hair bands or just real heavy metal bands? I mean, Anthrax. I wouldn't consider Anthrax a. A hair band. You know, I will.
Harry Jacobs
I will quote something that you used to say to me all the time about something like that. You would say, I don't know. From Anthrax.
Buzz Knight
That's exactly right.
Harry Jacobs
Like an old Jewish guy. I don't know, man. Tracks.
Buzz Knight
That's right.
Harry Jacobs
Yeah. Same, same, same deal. And this is cool fact 2002, that remixed version of Elvis's A Little Less Conversation hit number one. You're familiar with that version of A Little Less Conversation?
Buzz Knight
No, I'm actually not.
Harry Jacobs
You can. I'll send you a link to your phone. You can listen to it While you're on vacation.
Buzz Knight
Okay, that sounds good.
Harry Jacobs
You're recreating A little less conversation hit number one in the UK. 1972, on 17 June, the Watergate break in the DNC headquarters at the Watergate Hotel. This was, this was a president that thought he could do whatever he wanted to do and, and this was a nightmare for him. This was his undoing.
Buzz Knight
Pretty freaky moment for sure.
Harry Jacobs
Remind me of the movie Tricky Dick and the man in Black, Johnny cash.
Buzz Knight
Yes.
Harry Jacobs
In 1971, June 17th, Carol King began this 15 week run at the top of the U.S. charts with, with Tapestry. It was on the Billboard 200 for six years. The sheer volume of songs, hit songs that were on Tapestry is, you know, it's like Sgt. Peppers, it's like Pet Sounds, it's, you know, seven, eight, nine songs. You got a Friend. She and James Taylor were both working on that song at the same time. Came out in 70. James Taylor won the Grammy in 72, if my memory is correct. And very rare to have a song come out, same song come out by two different artists at the same time.
Buzz Knight
And love talking to the great Russell Kunkel who was part of that session, who talked about that kind of as he remembered it, it was almost seemed effortless even though there was many hours and hard work put into it. But you know, he was really, I think as I recall talking about just the general great flow of that session and look at what that yielded. It yielded a masterpiece of an album.
Harry Jacobs
Yeah, magnificent album. And I forgot about the Russ Kunkel connection to that as well. On the 19th of June 2006. We don't do a lot of Swifty talk, but Taylor Swift, we could do some Swifty talk, I think I only know one song, by the way. I know she's a monster and I should be embarrassed. But in 2006 she released her first single, Tim McGraw and ever forthcoming self titled debut album in June of 2006. And it was written by her when she was a freshman in high school and, and the song Sweat, you know, really set her on this path to success and you know, superstardom. It's just unbelievable what she's accomplished.
Buzz Knight
And then the recent news of her, you know, buying back that the catalog as well, you know, not only what she did when she lost the catalog, which was a fairly badass move to make, but then the recent repurchasing of the catalog, it's pretty unbelievable.
Harry Jacobs
Yeah, I, I, you know, I wonder what, what the motivation is with that because once these guys, I mean, I get it for, you know, for Dylan and Springsteen and Neil young, you know, 300 to 500 million, you know, a piece. They're never going to make that money, you know, at this point. But, but Taylor, you know, why dump it? And then why go and rebuy it? I have a friend I watched one time, by the way, speaking of that, buy a car, sell that car because he felt guilty about it. And then he went literally across two states to go buy the car back from a dealer and must have lost $30,000 on this insane car. But like, why, why sell it and then go chasing after it? And you know, well, has your friend.
Buzz Knight
Saw it help for his problem? That's the first question. And then the second part of it is for her, why do it? Because she can.
Harry Jacobs
My friend's own 67 cars in his life and he's only 65 years old. So no, he hasn't sought any help. And I don't see that coming.
Buzz Knight
Okay.
Harry Jacobs
And, and Taylor, you know, there's obviously logic and there's counsel there. My friend has no counsel.
Buzz Knight
And there's ego there too. I hate to break that to you.
Harry Jacobs
Listen, both stories, both of these people, Taylor Swift and my, and my friend Big Bob. So you're absolutely right about, right about that. In 1950, on June 19, Ann Wilson from Hart was born. And she's, she's had some health problems. I saw her on a video on stage. She's singing in a wheelchair.
Buzz Knight
Yeah, I hate seeing that. I, I, I love her and I hate seeing that, you know.
Harry Jacobs
Yeah, they, they are back out, you know, on the road in the middle of a tour right now. But she's, she's had a go of it for, for whatever reason. But man, her voice is so good.
Buzz Knight
Oh yeah.
Harry Jacobs
Hearing her sing Barracuda or praising on you, it's just fantastic. And, and I love Nancy's guitar playing.
Buzz Knight
Oh, yeah.
Harry Jacobs
So on June 20, 2004, Paul McCartney performed his 3,000th live show. And that was the show in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Buzz Knight
What a show off, you know. God, right?
Harry Jacobs
Another little Beatles connection. Billy Preston, writer and performer of Nothing from Nothing Leaves Nothing and, and will it go around in circle. I mean there are a bunch of great songs from, from Billy, his funeral, 2006 in Inglewood, Little Richard, Della Reese, the Temptations, Ali, Ali, Joe Cocker, who sang you are so beautiful. I didn't realize until doing the research for, for this week that Billy Preston wrote you are so beautiful.
Buzz Knight
Yeah, I didn't realize it either.
Harry Jacobs
What a wonderful, Even today I'm Not a fan of a lot of sappy music, but when I hear Joe Cocker sing, you are so beautiful, it's like, man, what a moving song that is.
Buzz Knight
Like, made for him.
Harry Jacobs
Yeah. The last couple of, couple of things here. 6-21-67, San Francisco's golden Gate Park Monster free concert celebrating the summer solstice. The Dead, Big brother in the holding company, Quicksilver messenger, all performed there at a, at a big one at the, at the Golden Gate Park. And then another Taylor Swift story. Why not do. Do two since we did one. Go ahead.
Buzz Knight
Before you get to Taylor and the Dead and company playing, I think three, three dates at Candlestick park coming up in, in August. I think this will be the 175th anniversary or something of the band. And it will be, I'm sure, a big moment. I don't know if this is a one off show and they're going to keep playing after this, but did you hear about this?
Harry Jacobs
I didn't hear about it, but you know, they were here. They played the. Yeah, the sphere and it was crazy because the, you know, the Dead logo, you know, I can see that from my house. Like, I can see it from my backyard. It's like the moon.
Buzz Knight
Did you smell the patchouli oil from your house?
Harry Jacobs
I've only, by the way, I've only been by there once and, and I think it was to drop you off after the dinner where everyone at Pierro's knew who you were and no one knew who I was. But yeah, I think I was over by there when I dropped you off at your hotel. But no, I didn't smell anything. Not up here. 2015, June 21st. Taylor Swift. Taylor wrote a letter to the company, an open letter, threatening to withhold her album 1989 if artists weren't paid what they were deserved in royalties. And I don't think that worked out so well for the artists.
Buzz Knight
Well, here you go though still, Swifty is, is going to take a stand. Got to admire that buzz.
Harry Jacobs
That's the week of June 21st.
Buzz Knight
Oh, Harry, thank you as always. This is a blast. Taking a look at this week at music history and thank you, Harry Jacobs. And thanks for checking out the Taking a walk podcast. We are available Apple podcasts, Spotify and part of the Iheart podcast network.
Podcast Summary: Taking a Walk – This Week in Music History (June 16, 2025)
Host: Buzz Knight
Guest: Harry Jacobs
Release Date: June 16, 2025
Platform: iHeartPodcasts
In this episode of Taking a Walk, Buzz Knight delves into significant moments in music history for the week of June 16. Joined by Harry Jacobs, a seasoned music historian and purveyor of all things music, they explore iconic albums, influential artists, memorable concerts, and noteworthy industry events that have shaped the musical landscape over the years.
The episode opens with Buzz Knight and Harry Jacobs paying homage to Joe Schwartz, a respected figure in the music industry known for his motivational quotes and impactful influence.
Harry Jacobs (01:04):
"My plaque is no better than in any way than the plaque you used to have on your desk at your work. Can we talk about Joe Schwartz for a minute?"
Buzz Knight (02:11):
"There it is, baby."
Harry Jacobs (02:14):
"He gave you a quote: 'Give ulcers, don't get them right. Be someone's pain in the ass. Don't let...'"
These exchanges highlight the wisdom and enduring legacy of Joe Schwartz, emphasizing his role as a mentor and source of inspiration for those in the music industry.
A centerpiece of the episode is the discussion on David Bowie's groundbreaking album, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. Released on June 16, 1972, this album marked a pivotal moment in Bowie's career and the broader music scene.
Harry Jacobs (02:31):
"For June 16, 1972, David Bowie had this career-defining moment with the rise and fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. This was a breakthrough in a lot of ways. Sold over 7 million copies, which was a lot back in that day. A couple of bangers like 'Suffragette City,' 'Rock and Roll Suicide,' 'Starman.' And it just became a monster of an album."
Bowie's alter ego, Ziggy Stardust, revolutionized the glam rock genre and left an indelible mark on music history. The album's success underscored Bowie's artistic vision and his ability to captivate audiences with his innovative sound and persona.
Buzz and Harry reflect on how their appreciation for certain artists evolved, particularly those they initially overlooked during their peak years.
Harry Jacobs (03:28):
"How many of those artists like Bowie, where they came out, you know, in the 60s or 70s, you didn't really appreciate because we came out of radio..."
Buzz Knight (04:22):
"Europe, to a degree. The Eagles. I really enjoyed the Eagles and appreciated them, but the more over time, especially when you go back to the beginning of the Eagles, it really makes you think differently..."
This segment underscores the dynamic nature of musical appreciation, revealing how proximity and time can alter one's perception of an artist's work.
Harry Jacobs (04:55):
"With the Eagles, 'Tequila Sunrise' and 'Peaceful Easy Feeling,' those were the songs where they would come on or I would have to play them. I go, oh God, this drek. And then now that we're out of it, I'm like, oh, it's all magnificent."
The conversation highlights the importance of revisiting and re-evaluating music beyond its initial airplay context to fully appreciate its artistic value.
Buzz Knight unveils insights into the inner workings of radio playlists, addressing the saturation and repetitive nature of song rotations.
Buzz Knight (05:24):
"Do you know how these playlists are now, these days?"
Harry Jacobs (06:13):
"What Buzz just said is 320 songs. If you're a radio listener and you are someone who works in radio or doubles or whatever, 320 songs at 15 songs an hour, which is the average..."
The hosts discuss the limited pool of songs typically used by classic rock stations, leading to frequent repetitions that can lead to listener fatigue. This revelation sheds light on the commercial pressures and programming strategies that influence what music gets airtime.
The episode takes a trip back to June 21, 1967, marking the inaugural Monterey Pop Festival, an event that set the stage for future music festivals like Woodstock.
Harry Jacobs (08:16):
"1967, the birth of the modern music festival. It was the first of the Monterey Pop Festivals at the Country Fairgrounds up in Monterey. Beautiful area. And it was a monster of an event. The Who, The Dead, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Animals. Three days. And it set the tone for which would end up being Woodstock."
The festival's lineup featured legendary acts and introduced the world to groundbreaking performances, cementing Monterey as a pivotal moment in music history.
Buzz Knight (09:04):
"There is somebody who I thought was wonderful in his own way, but didn't get, and that was Ravi Shankar. He played there. Ravi brought the sitar, which bands like The Rolling Stones would use and make part of their repertoire..."
This homage to Ravi Shankar highlights the cross-cultural influences that enriched the festival and expanded the musical horizons of contemporary rock bands.
Moving forward, Buzz and Harry celebrate the release of Carol King's seminal album, Tapestry, and its remarkable success.
Harry Jacobs (11:13):
"In 1971, June 17th, Carol King began this 15-week run at the top of the U.S. charts with 'Tapestry.' It was on the Billboard 200 for six years. The sheer volume of hit songs on 'Tapestry' is like 'Sgt. Pepper's,' it's like 'Pet Sounds'..."
The album's enduring popularity and critical acclaim underscore its influence on singer-songwriter genres and its lasting legacy in music history.
Buzz Knight (12:05):
"And love talking to the great Russell Kunkel who was part of that session, who talked about how it seemed effortless even though there were many hours and hard work put into it. It yielded a masterpiece of an album."
This discussion highlights the collaborative efforts behind Tapestry and its creation as a cohesive and impactful work of art.
The conversation shifts to Taylor Swift, tracing her journey from her debut single to her strategic acquisition of her music catalog.
Harry Jacobs (12:35):
"On June 19th, 2006, Taylor Swift released her first single, 'Tim McGraw,' and her self-titled debut album. It was written when she was a freshman in high school and really set her on the path to success and superstardom."
Buzz Knight (13:24):
"And then the recent news of her buying back her catalog as well, not only what she did when she lost the catalog, which was a fairly badass move to make, but then the recent repurchasing of the catalog, it's pretty unbelievable."
Harry Jacobs (13:44):
"Why not do two since we did one... In 2015, Taylor wrote an open letter threatening to withhold her album '1989' if artists weren't paid what they deserved in royalties."
This segment explores Swift's proactive measures to gain control over her music rights, reflecting broader industry challenges regarding artist compensation and intellectual property.
The hosts pay tribute to influential musicians who have made significant contributions to the music world.
Harry Jacobs (14:53):
"In 1950, on June 19, Ann Wilson from Heart was born. She's had some health problems. I saw her on a video on stage. She's singing in a wheelchair."
Harry Jacobs (15:32):
"On June 20, 2004, Paul McCartney performed his 3,000th live show in St. Petersburg, Russia."
These acknowledgments honor the resilience and enduring talent of musicians like Ann Wilson and Paul McCartney, highlighting their continued impact despite personal and professional challenges.
The episode touches upon Billy Preston's contributions to music, particularly his songwriting prowess.
Harry Jacobs (16:27):
"Billy Preston wrote 'You Are So Beautiful.' I didn't realize it until doing the research for this week that Billy Preston wrote 'You Are So Beautiful.' It's a moving song, made for Joe Cocker."
Buzz Knight (16:39):
"Like, made for him."
This discussion underscores Preston's behind-the-scenes influence and the emotional depth of the songs he crafted.
Revisiting the Monterey Pop Festival, the hosts also reminisce about San Francisco's Golden Gate Park Monster Free Concert, celebrating the Summer Solstice.
Harry Jacobs (16:39):
"6-21-67, San Francisco's Golden Gate Park Monster Free Concert celebrating the summer solstice. The Dead, Big Brother and the Holding Company, Quicksilver Messenger Service, all performed..."
This event further exemplifies the vibrant and transformative nature of 1960s music festivals, fostering a sense of community and artistic expression.
As the episode wraps up, Buzz Knight and Harry Jacobs reflect on the enduring nature of music history and its continual influence on contemporary artists and listeners alike. They invite listeners to explore these historical moments and appreciate the rich tapestry of music that has shaped generations.
Buzz Knight (18:27):
"This is a blast. Taking a look at this week at music history and thank you, Harry Jacobs. And thanks for checking out the Taking a Walk podcast. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and part of the iHeart podcast network."
Harry Jacobs (02:31):
"David Bowie had this career-defining moment with the rise and fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. This was a breakthrough in a lot of ways."
Harry Jacobs (05:21):
"What Buzz just said is 320 songs. If you're a radio listener and you are someone who works in radio or doubles or whatever, 320 songs at 15 songs an hour..."
Harry Jacobs (13:44):
"Taylor wrote an open letter threatening to withhold her album '1989' if artists weren't paid what they deserved in royalties."
This episode of Taking a Walk offers a comprehensive exploration of pivotal moments in music history, enriched by insightful discussions and personal reflections. Whether revisiting classic albums, understanding the mechanics of radio playlists, or acknowledging the strides of modern artists, Buzz Knight and Harry Jacobs provide listeners with a deep appreciation for the ever-evolving world of music.