Takin' a Walk Podcast Summary: This Week in Music History (June 23-29)

Release Date: June 23, 2025
Host: Buzz Night (with co-host Lynn Hoffman)
Podcast: Takin' a Walk – Music History on Foot

Introduction

In this episode of Takin' a Walk, host Buzz Night and co-host Lynn Hoffman delve into significant events that occurred during the week of June 23rd through June 29th across various years in music history. The duo combines thorough research with personal anecdotes, offering listeners a rich and engaging exploration of memorable moments in the music world.

June 23rd Highlights

1965: Smokey Robinson's "My Tears" Released

Buzz highlights the release of "My Tears" by Smokey Robinson, emphasizing its status as a defining hit from Motown.

• Buzz Night [02:39]: “In 1965, on the 23rd of June, they released tracks of My Tears. And this was a defining hit from Motown, arguably just one of the great songs of Motown.”

1966: The Beatles Kick Off Final World Tour in Munich

The Beatles commenced their last world tour in Munich, marking the end of an era for their live performances.

• Buzz Night [03:04]: “They kicked off their final world tour in Munich. It marked the end of an era for Beatles live performances, and it was an epic one.”

1975: Alice Cooper's Stage Fall in Vancouver

Alice Cooper experienced a dramatic fall from the stage, breaking six ribs during a performance in Vancouver.

• Buzz Night [04:11]: “In 1975, June 23rd, Alice Cooper fell off stage in Vancouver. He broke six ribs.”

1979: Supertramp Releases "Breakfast in America"

Supertramp released their acclaimed album "Breakfast in America," featuring hits like the title track and "The Logical Song."

• Buzz Night [04:30]: “...Breakfast in America had the Logical Song and The Long Way Home. It just had a number of great songs.”

1990: Gary Busey Purchases Buddy Holly's Guitar

Actor Gary Busey purchased one of Buddy Holly's guitars at auction for $240,000 and portrayed Holly in a movie.

• Buzz Night [05:19]: “In 1990, Gary Busey purchased one of Buddy Holly's guitars at an auction for almost, almost a quarter of a million dollars. $240,000.”

2016: Led Zeppelin Cleared of Plagiarism Claims

Led Zeppelin was exonerated in the lawsuit alleging that "Stairway to Heaven" plagiarized Spirit's "Taurus."

• Buzz Night [05:45]: “In 2016, Led Zeppelin, long broken up at the time, they were cleared for plagiarizing Stairway to Heaven from a song by a band named Spirit.”

June 24th Highlights

1967: The Monkees Win Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series

The Monkees' TV show triumphed over "Bewitched" and "Get Smart," sparking discussions about their musical authenticity.

• Buzz Night [07:32]: “In 1967, the Monkees TV show won an Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series. They beat out Bewitched and Get Smart.”

• Lynn Hoffman [07:49]: “Are you a fan of the Monkees' music?”

• Lynn Hoffman [07:49]: “I love The Monkees. I wanted to marry Davy Jones.”

• Buzz Night [08:08]: “The Monkees, musically, were very underrated. They wrote those riffs with the help of The Wrecking Crew.”

June 25th Highlights

1984: Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the USA" Debuts

Bruce Springsteen's album "Born in the USA" debuted, significantly elevating his career despite misconceptions about its patriotic message.

• Buzz Night [08:06]: “In 1984, Born in the USA debuted at number nine in the USA and that really launched Bruce's career.”

• Lynn Hoffman [09:15]: “Was it really Born in the USA or was it because he grabbed that beautiful woman in the music video in 1984 onto the stage with him?”

• Buzz Night [10:00]: “Born in the USA is... if you listen to the lyrics, it's about how a Vietnam veteran is treated when he came home. It's as anti-American as a song can get, yet everyone has co-opted it into an anthem for the USA.”

June 26th Highlights

1964: The Rolling Stones Release Debut U.S. Album

The Rolling Stones launched their American presence with the release of their debut album in the U.S.

• Buzz Night [15:02]: “June 26, 1964, the Stones released their debut album in the U.S., kicking off their invasion on the American rock scene.”

1971: The Allman Brothers Close Fillmore East

The Allman Brothers performed their final show at Fillmore East, a significant moment for the band.

• Buzz Night [19:22]: “On this date in 1971, The Allman Brothers played that final show at Fillmore East. It was a big deal.”

• Lynn Hoffman [20:20]: Shares a personal story about working with Greg Allman.

1984: Bruce Springsteen's "Dancing in the Dark" Video

The iconic music video featured Courteney Cox and became a pivotal moment in Springsteen's career.

• Buzz Night [09:30]: “The beautiful woman that he grabbed on stage in the video for Dancing in the Dark was who?”
• Lynn Hoffman [09:47]: “Courtney Cox from Friends.”

June 27th Highlights

1968: Elvis Presley's Comeback Special

Elvis rehearsed his legendary comeback performance in Burbank, showcasing a reinvented image.

• Buzz Night [17:08]: “June 27, 1968, Elvis played his comeback special in Burbank in front of a TV audience.”

• Lynn Hoffman [19:37]: Discusses the reality behind the televised performance and the hectic nature of television production.

June 29th Highlights

1974: Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, and the Eagles at Wembley

A monumental folk-rock event where iconic artists performed together in London.

• Buzz Night [24:05]: “In 1974, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, and the Eagles played at Wembley. It was a monster folk-rock event.”

1977: Elvis Presley's Last Concert in Indianapolis

Elvis performed his final concert, which occurred less than a month before his death, reflecting his declining health.

• Buzz Night [16:17]: “In 1977, Elvis played his last concert in Indianapolis.”

Drug Charges Against Mick Jagger and Keith Richards

Mick Jagger and Keith Richards were arrested and charged with drug possession, revealing challenges faced by rock stars.

• Buzz Night [21:30]: “June 29th, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards were arrested on drug charges in London.”

• Lynn Hoffman [21:49]: “They were illegally possessing amphetamines and methylamphetamine...”

Hosts' Reflections and Insights

Throughout the episode, Buzz and Lynn share personal anecdotes and reflections that add depth to the historical recounting:

• On The Monkees' Musicality:

  • Buzz Night [08:08]: “Musically, the Monkees were really, really great. They didn't play... when they recorded, The Wrecking Crew were backing them up.”

• On The Beatles' Influence:

  • Lynn Hoffman [16:10]: “Probably lean more towards the Beatles. It seemed like everyone in the '70s and '80s were inspired by them.”

• Personal Anecdotes:

  • Lynn Hoffman [20:20]: Shares her experience working with Greg Allman of The Allman Brothers.
  • Buzz Night [21:30]: Recounts his brief interaction with Greg Allman backstage.

• On Michael Jackson's Legacy:

  • Buzz Night [12:00]: Discusses the duality of Jackson's musical genius and the controversies that marred his public image.

Notable Quotes

• Buzz Night [06:27]: “As a guy who plays some music occasionally, I think that it's easy to grab things and riffs and things that you like when you're at the Led Zeppelin level.”

• Lynn Hoffman [07:49]: “I love The Monkees. I wanted to marry Davy Jones.”

• Buzz Night [10:00]: “Born in the USA... is about how a Vietnam veteran is treated when he came home or was treated when he came home. And it's as anti-American as a song can get, yet everyone has co-opted it into an anthem for the USA.”

• Buzz Night [17:15]: “Even as a heterosexual guy, I can look at that and go, man, Elvis is a hot piece.”

Conclusion

Buzz Night and Lynn Hoffman skillfully navigate through a week filled with pivotal moments in music history, offering listeners a blend of factual recounting and personal insights. From legendary performances and groundbreaking releases to the personal struggles of iconic artists, this episode encapsulates the dynamic and often tumultuous journey of the music industry. Their engaging dialogue and well-researched content make the history come alive, providing both entertainment and education for enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.

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