Taking a Walk: This Week in Music History (July 28 – August 3, 2025)
Hosted by Buzz Knight and Harry Jacobs

Introduction

In this episode of the "Taking a Walk" Music History on Foot podcast, hosts Buzz Knight and Harry Jacobs delve into the significant events that shaped the music landscape during the week of July 28th through August 3rd. From legendary performances and iconic releases to pivotal moments that influenced artists' careers, Buzz and Harry offer insightful reflections complemented by personal anecdotes that bring music history to life.

Major Events of the Week

1. July 28, 1966: Grateful Dead and Allman Brothers at Watkins Glen

The week kicks off with a nostalgic look back to July 28, 1966, when the Grateful Dead and the Allman Brothers took the stage at Watkins Glen in New York. Buzz and Harry reminisce about the venue’s unique atmosphere, especially contrasting it with typical NASCAR tracks.

Harry Jacobs reflects, “I went to Watkins Glen for a NASCAR race, and I'm not a NASCAR person... Watkins Glen is a road course, so there's highs and lows, and they're kind of through the woods... it was loud and rambunctious and fun” (01:50).

Despite Harry not being an avid Dead fan, he acknowledges the significance of the Allman Brothers’ performance, highlighting the event's vibrant and crowded setting, which drew around 600,000 fans.

2. July 29, 1966: Bob Dylan’s Motorcycle Accident

On July 29, 1966, Bob Dylan was involved in a motorcycle accident in Woodstock, New York. This incident led Dylan to take a hiatus from public performances, marking a period of introspection and evolution in his career.

Buzz Knight comments on the mystery surrounding the event, stating, “Anything around Bob Dylan is shrouded in intense mystery” (03:23). The hosts discuss how such experiences often lead to profound changes in an artist's life and work.

3. July 29, 1974: Cass Elliot’s Passing

The hosts mourn the loss of Cass Elliot, famously known as Mama Cass of The Mamas & The Papas, who tragically died of a heart attack in London at the young age of 32 on July 29, 1974.

Harry Jacobs shares, “California Dreaming and some of the other music they did is just really wonderful music” (04:23), emphasizing Cass Elliot's enduring legacy and the affectionate memories she left behind in the music community.

4. August 1, 1965: The Beatles Release "Help!"

August 1, 1965, marks the UK release of The Beatles' iconic album "Help!", which later debuted in the US on August 13th. Buzz and Harry discuss the album's impact and their personal connections to its songs.

Harry Jacobs reminisces, “Ticket to Ride. There's a fun song I haven't heard in a million years” (05:28), highlighting the timeless appeal of The Beatles' music.

5. August 1, 1981: The Launch of MTV

One of the most transformative events in music history, the launch of MTV on August 1, 1981, fundamentally changed how music was consumed and promoted. Buzz and Harry explore MTV's influence on artists and the industry at large.

Buzz Knight notes, “It was completely insane really” (06:02), referring to the early days of MTV when viewers were captivated by continuous music videos.

Harry Jacobs adds, “Think about Dire Straits, they were not necessarily a pop kind of band and this made them... the video skyrocketed them” (07:08), illustrating how MTV provided platforms for diverse genres to reach broader audiences.

The hosts also reminisce about iconic MTV moments, such as the first video played, “Video Killed the Radio Star” by The Buggles, and the emergence of artists like Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty who leveraged MTV to enhance their visual storytelling.

6. August 2, 1975: Aerosmith’s "Sweet Emotion" Peaks on Billboard Hot 100

On August 2, 1975, Aerosmith's "Sweet Emotion" reached number 36 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Buzz and Harry discuss the song’s lasting legacy and its place among classic rock favorites.

Harry Jacobs passionately states, “If I was on a desert island and only had access to five songs for the rest of my life, Sweet Emotion would be one” (10:00), underscoring the song's enduring popularity.

They also touch upon Aerosmith's continued relevance, with hints about Joe Perry considering one more show, highlighting the band's lasting appeal.

7. August 3, 1963: Beach Boys Release "Surfer Girl"

Closing the week's recap, Buzz and Harry highlight the release of the Beach Boys' "Surfer Girl" on August 3, 1963. They celebrate the album's contribution to the band's legacy and its influence on the surf rock genre.

Harry Jacobs shares his affinity, “I have a Beach Boys playlist on my phone. Yeah, I mean, I just, I love it” (11:52), reflecting the personal impact of their music on fans.

Impact of MTV on the Music Industry

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the seismic shift MTV introduced to the music industry. The hosts explore how MTV not only promoted music through visuals but also broke down genre barriers, allowing a diverse array of artists to gain exposure.

Harry Jacobs observes, “MTV crossed those format borders in a way that changed everything” (08:20), emphasizing how the platform enabled varied musical styles to coexist and thrive.

They also discuss the personal connections listeners developed with MTV personalities, reminiscing about iconic VJs like Mark Goodman and Adam Curry, and how these figures added a human element to the music experience.

Personal Anecdotes from the Hosts

Throughout the episode, Buzz and Harry interweave personal stories that add depth to the historical events discussed:

• Concert Memories: Harry recalls attending a NASCAR event and inadvertently experiencing the Watkins Glen concert atmosphere, despite not being a motorsport enthusiast. Buzz shares his memorable experience watching Aerosmith perform at a club in the Fenway area, highlighting the intimate settings that fostered strong connections between artists and fans.

• MTV Nostalgia: Both hosts express a sense of nostalgia for the early days of MTV, when music videos were a novel and captivating format. They reminisce about the formative influence MTV had on their understanding and appreciation of music visuals.

Harry Jacobs humorously recounts a near-forgotten concert at a Cambridge club, saying, “This is literally coming to me right now... I'm screaming, here's the name of the club” (11:36), showcasing the vivid memories that music can engrave in our minds.

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, Buzz and Harry reflect on the richness of the past week's music history, emphasizing the lasting impact of these events on today's musical landscape. From legendary performances and transformative industry shifts to heartfelt personal stories, the hosts encapsulate a week filled with pivotal moments that continue to resonate with music enthusiasts.

Buzz Knight concludes, “That is this week in music history for the week of July 28th through August 3rd. Another great week” (12:24), inviting listeners to appreciate the depth and continuity of music history.

Closing Remarks

Thank you for joining Buzz Knight and Harry Jacobs on this journey through music history. Stay tuned for more episodes of "Taking a Walk" as they continue to explore the stories and legends that have shaped the world of music.

Note: Advertisements and non-content segments have been omitted to focus solely on the informative and engaging discussions between the hosts.