This week in Music History for the week of 6-9.

Summary

Podcast Summary: "takin' a walk" Episode - This Week in Music History (June 9-15)

Release Date: June 9, 2025
Host: Buzz Knight (iHeartPodcasts)
Guest: Harry Jacobs, Master of Music History

---

Introduction

In this engaging episode of "takin' a walk," Buzz Knight welcomes listeners to explore significant events in music history for the week of June 9th through June 15th. Joined by Harry Jacobs, a revered music historian, the duo delves into memorable releases, influential albums, and iconic moments that have shaped the musical landscape over the decades.

---

Key Musical Events

June 10, 1978: The Rolling Stones Release "Some Girls"

Buzz and Harry kick off the discussion with the release of The Rolling Stones' album, Some Girls. Harry offers an insightful analysis:

Lester Holt [02:10]: “It was a diversion for the Stones. They certainly showed some diversity style-wise, musically, but they also cut a lot of grief... It sounded kind of disco. Miss You was the song that, rock radio guys were like, 'It's disco, it's rhythmic, it's different.' That was the problem with it.”

They debate the album's reception and legacy, with Harry emphasizing its enduring quality despite initial criticisms:

Harry Jacobs [03:31]: “I think it's an album that has stood the test of time without question. And it's one of those that I don't want to say it was... but it was their last great album.”

June 1995: Radiohead's "Fake Plastic Trees" Released

Moving forward to the mid-90s, the conversation shifts to Radiohead's seminal track:

Lester Holt [06:31]: “1995, Radiohead's Fake Plastic Trees came out. I haven't been listening to a tremendous amount of new music from artists like Radiohead, but I certainly have an appreciation for them.”

Harry shares his experience with alternative radio stations of the time and the band's impact on listeners:

Harry Jacobs [07:16]: “They kind of articulated it in a way that put me off as a listener because it made you feel like if you're not cool enough to like this music, then you're just not cool.”

June 10, 2000: Eminem's "The Marshall Mathers Album" Debuts at Number One

The duo reminisces about Eminem's groundbreaking album release:

Lester Holt [09:03]: “In 2000, June 10th, Eminem's The Marshall Mathers Album debuted at number one. I really loved 'The Real Slim Shady.'”

They discuss the album's cultural impact and standout tracks, highlighting Eminem's prowess as a lyricist.

June 12, 1976: Roger Daltrey and Keith Moon Join the Beach Boys on "Barbara Ann"

A fascinating anecdote uncovers a rare collaboration:

Lester Holt [10:11]: “Roger Daltrey and Keith Moon, imagine this. Joined the Beach Boys on stage in Anaheim for 'Barbara Ann.'”

Buzz expresses his curiosity about the event, noting the lack of available footage:

Harry Jacobs [10:16]: “It's crazy. I went through so many YouTube videos this morning thinking, 'I gotta find this.' There's nothing on YouTube with it.”

June 14, 1970: Formation of Derek and the Dominos

The formation of the legendary band is explored, with particular emphasis on their iconic album:

Lester Holt [10:57]: “Derek and the Dominoes was formed. And of course, the great Duane Allman who did the slide guitar at the end of 'Layla.'”

They delve into the emotional depth of the album, especially the story behind the song "Layla":

Lester Holt [11:08]: “Eric Clapton really loved her and he was in a nearly impossible situation... such a sad and heartbreaking song when you think about it from that perspective.”

June 15, 1985: Dire Straits' "Brothers in Arms" Hits Number One

Buzz and Harry reminisce about the monumental success of Dire Straits' album:

Lester Holt [12:43]: “Dire Straits' Brothers in Arms began a nine-week run at number one. I remember this as if it were yesterday with 'Money for Nothing,' especially with the MTV videos.”

They discuss the album's musical brilliance and its lasting influence on rock music.

June 15, 1996: George Martin and His Enduring Legacy

Honoring the legendary producer, the conversation highlights George Martin's contributions:

Harry Jacobs [13:30]: “I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Martin a few times... what an aura he had.”

Buzz shares a memorable interaction:

Lester Holt [15:20]: “I saw him once. I didn't get a chance or didn't have the fortitude to walk over and say hello... walking by the soundboard and thinking, 'Oh my God, that's George Martin.'”

June 15: Celebrating Harry Nilsson's Birthday

The episode concludes by celebrating the birthday of Harry Nilsson, spotlighting his timeless classics:

Harry Jacobs [16:51]: “There's some brilliance on that entire album, Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs.”

---

Additional Insights and Discussions

• Radio Industry Dynamics: The hosts delve into the competitive nature of radio stations in the 90s, particularly the tension between classic rock stations like WBCN and alternative stations like ZLX. They reminisce about iconic radio personalities and the shifts in music trends.

• Album Artwork as a Lost Art: Reflecting on previous episodes, Harry suggests dedicating an entire episode to album art, lamenting its decline in the digital age. They fondly recall the brilliance of Some Girls and Sergeant Pepper album covers.

• Personal Anecdotes: Buzz shares heartfelt memories of interviewing George Martin and interactions with fellow music legends. The hosts also touch upon their encounters with environmental activist Ed Begley Jr., highlighting his genuine and inquisitive nature.

---

Notable Quotes

• Lester Holt [02:10]: “It was a diversion for the Stones... It sounded kind of disco. Miss You was the song that... was the problem with it.”

• Harry Jacobs [03:31]: “I think it's an album that has stood the test of time without question.”

• Harry Jacobs [07:16]: “They made you feel like if you're not cool enough to like this music, then you're just not cool.”

• Lester Holt [09:03]: “I really loved 'The Real Slim Shady.'”

• Harry Jacobs [10:16]: “It's crazy. I went through so many YouTube videos this morning thinking, 'I gotta find this.'"

• Lester Holt [11:08]: “Eric Clapton really loved her... such a sad and heartbreaking song.”

• Lester Holt [15:20]: “Walking by the soundboard and thinking, 'Oh my God, that's George Martin.'"

---

Conclusion

Buzz Knight and Harry Jacobs deliver a rich and nuanced exploration of pivotal moments in music history, weaving personal anecdotes with in-depth analysis. Their dynamic conversation not only highlights the significance of each event but also provides listeners with a deeper appreciation for the artists and albums that have left an indelible mark on the musical world. As they wrap up, Buzz extends gratitude to the audience for their continued support, inviting them to stay tuned for future episodes of "takin' a walk."

---

For more insights and historical deep-dives into the world of music, subscribe to the "takin' a walk" podcast, available wherever you get your podcasts.

Transcript

[Ryan Seacrest]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[Buzz Knight]

We're leaving today and entering a world of Cinderella, castle sightseeing, Tron light cycling, jungle cruise, bunning, pirate swashbuckling, Everest climbing, Dapper Denning, Danning, dunning, Soarin soaring fireworks, show of. I'm not crying. You're crying. World of favorites. For whatever you love, infinite worlds await at the most mag place on earth, Walt Disney World Resort.

[Harry Jacobs]

The NBC Nightly News legacy isn't handed down or NBC News. I'm Tom Brokaw. We hope to see you back here.

[Lester Holt]

I'm Lester Holt.

[Tom Yamas]

It's carried forward.

[Lester Holt]

Tom Yamas is there for us.

[Tom Yamas]

Firefighters are still working around the clock. As the world changes, we look for what endures. We are coming on the air with breaking news right now. We look for a constant and from one era to the next, trust is the anchor. For NBC Nightly News, I'm Tom Yamas. A new chapter begins NBC Nightly News with Tom Yamas. Evenings on NBC.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and safeway. Now through June 17th. Shop in store or online for your favorite personal care Items and save $5 when you spend $15 or more. Stock up on items like Dove Body Wash Degree motion sense deodorant, Tresemme Hairspray, Dove Shampoo, Dove bar Soap, Dove men's body and face Wash and Dollar Shave Club blades. And save $5 when you spend $15 or more. Hurry in before these deals are gone. Offer ends June 17th. Promotions may vary. Restrictions apply. Visit Albertsons or Safeway for more details.

[Harry Jacobs]

I'm Buzz Knight, the host of the Taking a Walk podcast. And welcome to another look at this week in music history for the week. Drum roll, please. Of June 9th. Further drum roll, please. To the master of music history, we go to Harry Jacobs. Hello, Harry.

[Lester Holt]

Well, it's a pleasure to be here for another week and got a bunch of research on this. Got a few fun ones to talk about. So I'm excited to participate this week.

[Harry Jacobs]

Thank you. What do you got? We'll bring it on, baby.

[Lester Holt]

I'm gonna, I'm gonna brush by a. A Beatles fact. Because every week there's a Beatles fact. 1966 paperback writer was released in the U.S. you know, really, this, this was a, you know, a favorite of mine. You know, love it. Different sounding, fun, you know, kind of song.

[Harry Jacobs]

I love it too.

[Lester Holt]

I. I love one of my favorites in 78. It's a shame we're not doing this on video, but in 1978, over my left shoulder here, you see this, the poster on the Wall. It's. I got it at the Rock and Roll hall of Fame. It's a lithograph of some girls.

[Harry Jacobs]

I love it.

[Lester Holt]

And that was released on June 10, 1978. This was a, you know, a diversion for the Stones. They, you know, they certainly showed some diversity style wise, musically, but they also cut a lot of grief. They caught a grief for. For this sounding kind of disco. Miss you was the song that, you know, rock radio guys were kind of like, ah, it's. It's disco, it's rhythmic. It's different. Right. That was the problem with it. It was different.

[Buzz Knight]

Yeah.

[Harry Jacobs]

And I feel like you're right that it. They took some grief. And in thinking about it and thinking about that whole album, I think it's an album that has stood the test.

[Lester Holt]

Of time without question. And it's one of those that I don't want to say it was. I don't want to minimize this. I want to be careful. But it was their last great album. In. In my opinion, they've had some very good albums. But that album, to me, just my opinion, and I'm. I'm sure I'm wrong. I mean, they've had some very good albums, but to me, that one. When you think about the track list, think about what you just said. Some girls, Beast of Burden, Miss you.

[Harry Jacobs]

When the Whip. When the Whip Comes down and the whip.

[Lester Holt]

I mean, one of Keith's few songs that he sang right. When the Whip Comes Down.

[Harry Jacobs]

Respectable.

[Lester Holt]

Yeah. Before they Make Me Run Far Away Eyes. They haven't had an album.

[Harry Jacobs]

Yeah. I'm thinking about it as you said it. And I'm trying to think of. Of later years, you know, releases to see what I might challenge your point on it with. Because, you know, I like doing that when possible, but I can't really. I disagree with you. I think there's been other, you know, cool work that's been out. But isn't that a. When artists, you know, keep creating and this happens. I, you know, if there's no other way to that I can put it.

[Lester Holt]

I hated uttering those words. I mean, you know, you and I are on video, so you can see me kind of struggling. As I was about to say. I wasn't struggling because I didn't have the words. I was struggling because I'm going to insult the Rolling Stones and I. And I. And they're one of my favorite bands and I hate doing it. But let me make the point. Let me. Let me further articulate my point. That album had 10 tracks on it side one miss you when the whip comes down Just My Imagination, Temptations cover Some Girls, Lies Site two. Faraway Eyes, Respectable before they Make Me Run, Beast of Burden and Shattered. The only song I wouldn't say is an amazing song is Lies, maybe Faraway eyes, but there's nine, eight of 10 songs.

[Harry Jacobs]

Yeah.

[Lester Holt]

B plus.

[Harry Jacobs]

Yeah. But then think of what you led with, how they took grief when it came out. Yeah, it was kind of like, oh boy, what did Stones just do?

[Lester Holt]

You know, there's been nothing that has stood the test of time for them since Some Girls. My opinion.

[Harry Jacobs]

Yeah, I would agree. And, and we were talking on a previous episode about the brilliance of the album artwork for, you know, sergeant Pepper, the Some Girls.

[Buzz Knight]

Pretty.

[Harry Jacobs]

Pretty brilliant packaging as well.

[Lester Holt]

Yeah, it's amazing. I, I get to walk into my office every single day and see the COVID you know, of, of Some Girls. I mean it's, you know, pretty amazing. And, and the poster next to it is Exile on Main Street.

[Harry Jacobs]

Yeah, well that, that's. We could do an episode just on album art and covers which, you know, now is, is kind of a, you know, it's a lost art, if you will.

[Lester Holt]

Sure, sure. Anyway, 1995, Radiohead's fake plastic Trees came out. And you know, this, this was around the time I, I wasn't listening to a tremendous amount of, you know, of new music from, from artists like Radiohead, but I haven't, I certainly have an appreciation for them.

[Harry Jacobs]

Yeah, I would say agree and say the same thing. And there were some aspects of alternative leaning radio stations. This is going to sound wrong, so feel free to jump down my throat. But that, that, that felt like, you know, they were shoving down our throat, bands like that.

[Lester Holt]

Yeah.

[Harry Jacobs]

And they kind of articulated it in a way that put me off as a listener because it made you feel like if you're not cool enough to like this music, then you're just not cool. You know what I mean?

[Lester Holt]

Yeah. And they did this thing, you know, long before we were considered boomers, but they did this thing where like you're listening to the old guys radio station. Do you remember? This is, you know, we were pissed because we were at zlx. But do you remember back in the day WBCN with Tom Sandman with his radio production which was legendary. They would poke fun at ZLX even when we were in the family and all owned by the same company. But I remember one of the, the little anti classic rock kind of messages that they would run in their promos was, you know, the difference between us and the old guys, classic rock station is because Cat is for meaning. Cat Stevens. Right. And they were, you know, they were. Do you remember that?

[Harry Jacobs]

Yeah, I do. But I also remember them when we beat their ass in the ratings, that those promos stopped, so.

[Lester Holt]

That's right. And then we got Charles and they got Howard, and the rest is history. The rest is history. But at any rate, this. This was at the time, by the way, to illustrate your point. I had gone from ZLX to Rochester to cmf, which was a rock station. But we did have an alternative competitor that was doing kind of the same thing to us, but we weren't. As I recall, we weren't playing Radiohead in 96 when I got there. That was the alternative.

[Harry Jacobs]

That's right. Let me nerd out for a second. That radio station that you competed against in Rochester was called the Nerve. Right.

[Lester Holt]

Eric Anderson, the nerd.

[Harry Jacobs]

Oh, man, I better get a life.

[Lester Holt]

Yeah. That radio station, by the way, is. It was on the 95. 5 frequency where brother Wheeze, who has been doing mornings in Rochester, has been doing mornings since the early 80s at this point. He. I've worked with. I've worked with some tough cookies in my day, but Wheeze is a guy who would dig his feet in as a program director to a morning show. He was a pain in my ass, but he was.

[Harry Jacobs]

Yes, he was. I'm sure.

[Lester Holt]

In 2000, on June 10th, Eminem's the Marshall Mathers Album debuted at number one. I really loved the real Slim Shady.

[Harry Jacobs]

Yeah, me too.

[Lester Holt]

Just one of those songs. Even. Even now, it's. I think it's.

[Harry Jacobs]

Oh, yeah, it's a good one.

[Lester Holt]

Just a great, you know, catchy, catchy song. June 12, 1976. I went into the rabbit hole for this to see if I could find some video of it, but Roger Daltrey and Keith Moon, imagine this. Joined the Beach Boys on stage in Anaheim for Barbara Ann.

[Harry Jacobs]

That's wild. I. I was reading this and going, what? Yeah, it's crazy.

[Lester Holt]

I. I went through so many YouTube videos this morning thinking, God, I gotta find this. I gotta find it, I gotta find it. Where is it? And there's nothing on YouTube with it. I'm sure there's video somewhere. But I. I kind of like to hear Roger Daltrey and Keith Moon on Barbara Ann.

[Harry Jacobs]

That's crazy.

[Lester Holt]

Yeah.

[Harry Jacobs]

We'll have to ask Roger Daltrey sometime about it.

[Lester Holt]

I hope. I hope you have the opportunity to. To ask him. That would be outstanding. June 14, 1970. Derek and the Dominoes was Formed Eric Clapton, Duane Allman. The album with Layla came out. Layla and other assorted love songs.

[Harry Jacobs]

There's some, there's some brilliance on that entire album, I'll tell you that.

[Lester Holt]

I was explaining to, to someone from not our generation not long ago.

[Harry Jacobs]

Oh, that was nice of you to include me that way.

[Lester Holt]

Well, not your generation, not my generation. Oh, okay, okay, edit that out and fix it. But yeah, but I was explaining to someone not long ago who didn't understand. We said, oh, I love that song, Layla. I said, do you have any idea what it's about? And she said, no, I have no idea. It's about 10 years younger than I am, about 48, 50 years old. And I explained the George Harrison connection to Eric Clapton and Patty Harrison. And every time I think about that story, I'm left scratching my head. This Eric Clapton, his best friend, George Harrison, he falls in love with Harrison's wife. They end up getting married and Clapton and Harrison still end up being friends after that. How do you recover from that?

[Harry Jacobs]

Yeah, well, they would probably blame everything on drugs, so.

[Lester Holt]

Yeah. And such a sad and heartbreaking song when you think about it from that perspective. Eric Clapton really loved her and he was in a, a nearly impossible situation. So anyway, 1970, June 14th. Derek and the Dominoes was formed. And of course the great Dwayne Allman who did the slide guitar at the end of Layla. June 15, 1985. Dire Straits, Brothers in Arms began a nine week run at number one. I remember this as if it were yesterday with Money for nothing, especially with the MTV videos. But that's another album with some great tracks that, the dobro guitar on the COVID Oh yeah.

[Harry Jacobs]

And when you, when you dig into that one, you know, particularly the title track, which is just, it's so amazing.

[Lester Holt]

Yeah, I, I, I have fond memories of that. And that was around the time a Live Aid too, that was a, you know, deal. And Sting in the background. I remember, I think, I think it was maybe Sting and even Phil Collins playing with Mark Knopfler at Live Aid, if I'm correct.

[Harry Jacobs]

I believe you're right. Yep.

[Lester Holt]

1996, George Martin, who was the producer for the Beatles, Legendary. Part of, of that band, non musical part. But he was recognized knighted as the fifth Beatle by the Queen.

[Harry Jacobs]

I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Martin a few times and what a gentleman, what an aura that was, you know, that just you felt from him.

[Lester Holt]

And.

[Harry Jacobs]

He, he was also able to really be playful when we had him on. I had brought my morning show to London when I was working in Columbus, Ohio at QFM96. And we had bought this broadcast package. A week of. Of shows would be produced and guests would come on and they had a great booking person and they got George Martin to come over one of the days. And there was a bit that the. That the morning show was doing and we pulled George Martin into the bit, basically saying, when we ask you about your favorite, you know, band or whatever that's new and emerging, please say fill in the blank. I can't remember the name of it. Please say that you're fascinated by. And we gave him the name to. To play along with the bit and he did it with a flawless. It's obviously, it's. It sounds so hysterical the way I'm describing it now. Not. But he couldn't have played along anymore as a gentleman. Played the bit perfectly and was just a gracious. A gracious man. And it was a big thrill getting to. Getting to. To meet him a couple times.

[Lester Holt]

Legend. I saw him once. I didn't get a chance or didn't have the fortitude to walk over and say hello, but you. And I talked about the Cheap Trick. Sergeant Pepper's connection. They did a show here and he was the producer. He and his son actually produced the Cheap Trick sergeant Peppers, which was an amazing show. They basically went through the entire Sgt. Pepper's album and then bang through like nine of their hits after. So it was just wow, everything. But I remember walking by the soundboard and looking over and thinking, oh my God, that's George Martin. Yeah, A handshake away.

[Harry Jacobs]

Yeah, yeah.

[Lester Holt]

Crazy. Do you know that cheap trick in 1978 played the entire Sgt. Pepper's album at Budokan?

[Harry Jacobs]

I didn't know that. I know they're. They're, you know, their love of the Beatles and all that, but I didn't.

[Lester Holt]

Know that there was a. I gotta research this. But there was some sort of a Bunny. Carlos the drummer. Former drummer before Rick Nielsen's son took over for the band playing drums. But there was some sort of connection with. With Bun E. Carlos and the Beatles as well. Fun to look into, but at any rate, there's a little. Jordan. You're. You're brush with George Martin and. And my near brush with George Martin. June 15th is Harry Nilsson's birthday. Bunch of legendary songs. Without you. Everyone's talking. Everybody's talking, rather.

[Harry Jacobs]

Oh, God, yeah. And he sounded like he was a fun guy to hang around, even though he was like off his rocker.

[Lester Holt]

Listen, the story about Harry Nilsson and I'm not Talking out of school because they're both, you know, not here to defend themselves. But the, the thought was that Harry Nilsen and John Lennon were heroin buddies.

[Harry Jacobs]

They, they, they were raucous. We know that. And you know who was, who was friends also with, with Harry.

[Lester Holt]

Who's.

[Harry Jacobs]

That was previous two time guest on the, the podcast. The, the, the great actor Ed Begley.

[Lester Holt]

Jr. Oh, yeah, and he talked about it. Yeah, talked about it on your interview. I thought that was great. I forgot about that. Yeah, that would be a good one for you to go back and listen to the, the actor Ed Begley. The actor and activist Ed Begley Jr. Right.

[Harry Jacobs]

Yeah, he, he had a book out. We had him on for that. And then I literally took a walk in his neighborhood with him live and in living color out there and in the suburbs of la.

[Lester Holt]

He's an animal activist. He's a, a, you know, a kind of a unearthy, you know, an environmental activist. He's got products too. I think he's got like a, you know, some cleaning products, you know, non bleach, you know, kind of things, natural things.

[Harry Jacobs]

And one of the nicest guys in the world.

[Lester Holt]

Yeah, he's one of those guys. You know, you interview a lot of people and, and I try to listen to as much as I can, but it always makes me smile when someone that doesn't know someone else and they're being interviewed uses the interviewer's name. And he was so friendly. It was like the two of you guys were friends. And I thought that was a very nice. A number of people have done that with you and do that with you. But I, you know, he was one of those guys where I thought, man, he's a nice guy. He took the time to learn, you know, buzz his name and know who he's talking to. And he was inquisitive. He was just, he was a good guest.

[Harry Jacobs]

You should have seen him invited as into his. Into his house.

[Lester Holt]

Yeah.

[Harry Jacobs]

And I brought along a friend of mine to take photos, Ruth Pressloff, who is, is one of the, the greatest people. And I asked permission, I said, can I bring my friend Ruth over? And he's like, sure. So he greets us at the door and he said, buzz, come on in. Hello, Ruth. You know, just like, he's just, he's a great guy.

[Lester Holt]

Like, he's seeing old friends.

[Harry Jacobs]

Yep.

[Lester Holt]

That's great. Well, there you go. That's, that's this Week in Music history for June 9th through the 15th. And we'll keep trucking along the research continues.

[Harry Jacobs]

Well, thank you Harry. This was a good one, as they all are, and appreciate it. And thanks to all of you for your support of the Taking a Walk podcast, available wherever you get your podcasts.