This Week in Music History for the week of 8-11

Summary

Taking a Walk: Music History on Foot – Week of August 11-17, 2025

Host: Buzz Knight
Guest: Harry Jacobs
Release Date: August 11, 2025

The latest episode of Taking a Walk, the "MUSIC HISTORY ON FOOT" podcast hosted by Buzz Knight, delves into a vibrant week in music history, spanning from August 11 to August 17. Joined by guest Harry Jacobs, a seasoned music historian, the episode offers a rich tapestry of events, anecdotes, and reflections that celebrate iconic moments and figures in the music world.

August 11, 1964: The Beatles' "A Hard Day's Night" Lands in US Theaters

The episode kicks off with the Beatles' groundbreaking 1964 release of "A Hard Day's Night," both as a film and a soundtrack album. Harry Jacobs highlights the cultural impact of the Beatles during this era, noting their transition from a popular band to global cultural icons.

Harry Jacobs: "August 11, 1964... Beatles released 'A Hard Day's Night,' the movie in the US. Did you see this in the theater?"
Buzz Knight: "I must have. I've seen it so many times, but I first saw it in the theaters."

This exchange underscores the Beatles' pervasive influence, captivating audiences not just with their music but also with their charismatic presence on the big screen.

August 12, 1960: The Quarrymen's Final Performance and the Birth of the Beatles

Harry takes a deep dive into the early days of the Beatles, recounting August 12, 1960, when the Quarrymen, the precursor to the Beatles, performed their final show at the Cavern Club in Liverpool. This performance marked the end of an era and the beginning of the Beatles' legendary journey.

Harry Jacobs: "August 12, 1960, the band that would end up becoming the Beatles played their final show at the Cavern as the Quarrymen."
Buzz Knight: "I gotta head to Liverpool sometime. A lot of history to be had there."

Buzz's enthusiasm for Liverpool's rich musical heritage adds a personal touch, reflecting the enduring legacy of the Beatles' hometown.

August 12, 1972: Alice Cooper's "School's Out" Tops UK Charts

Shifting focus to 1972, the conversation turns to Alice Cooper's anthem "School's Out," which clinched the number one spot in the UK. Harry reminisces about his childhood impressions of Alice Cooper's theatrical and often frightening persona.

Harry Jacobs: "I remember seeing pictures of him, thinking, 'Man, that's a scary dude.'"
Buzz Knight: "And little did you know, he's one of the nicest, sweetest guys."

This juxtaposition between Cooper's onstage persona and his real-life personality highlights the multifaceted nature of rock stardom.

August 14, 1985: Michael Jackson Takes Control of His Music Catalog

The duo delves into a pivotal moment for Michael Jackson in 1985 when he successfully acquired the rights to his extensive music catalog. This maneuver not only solidified Jackson's control over his artistic legacy but also set a precedent for artist autonomy in the music industry.

Harry Jacobs: "Michael ended up taking control four days later. ... he owns it all, Harry."
Buzz Knight: "That's an example of why you have people."

Their discussion emphasizes the strategic acumen Jackson displayed, ensuring his legacy would remain firmly in his hands.

August 16, 1991: Nirvana Films "Smells Like Teen Spirit" Music Video

Highlighting the early '90s grunge explosion, the episode covers Nirvana's iconic "Smells Like Teen Spirit" music video filmed on August 16, 1991. Harry reflects on the song's monumental impact on the music landscape.

Harry Jacobs: "Smells Like Teen Spirit. What a song that was."
Buzz Knight: "Oh, yeah."

Their brief exchange captures the song's enduring relevance and its role in defining a generation.

August 17, 1968: The Doors' Final Performance with Jim Morrison

The final significant event discussed is The Doors' last live performance with the legendary frontman Jim Morrison at the Hollywood Bowl on August 17, 1968. The conversation touches on Morrison's enigmatic presence and the band's enduring legacy.

Harry Jacobs: "The Doors played their final live performance with Jim Morrison, the Hollywood Bowl."
Buzz Knight: "You keep running the Jim Morrison still alive story... You get a million downloads a month... telling people Jim Morrison's living behind the Dinosaur barbecue in Syracuse."

Buzz injects humor while addressing the myths surrounding Morrison's untimely death, highlighting the enduring fascination with his persona.

Personal Anecdotes and Reflections

Throughout the episode, Buzz shares personal memories that intertwine with the historical narratives, adding depth and relatability. He recounts being in Texas when Elvis Presley passed away on August 16, 1977, sharing how his family's way of keeping him informed about current events at summer camp inadvertently sparked his interest in true crime.

Buzz Knight: "I was in Texas visiting my brother... I was still in camp and my father sent me a copy of the New York Post with Elvis in his casket... that created the true crime nut in me."

Harry appreciates Buzz's storytelling, noting how personal experiences often shape one's passion for music and related genres.

Additional Highlights

• Jefferson Airplane's Debut (August 13, 1965): Harry and Buzz discuss the live debut of Jefferson Airplane at the Matrix Club in San Francisco, contextualizing it within the vibrant hippie movement of the 1960s.

• Foo Fighters' UK Debut (1995): The conversation touches on the Foo Fighters' emergence in the UK, emphasizing the UK's influential role in launching significant musical acts.

• Stephen Stills' 1970 Arrest: A brief mention of Stephen Stills' 1970 arrest for cocaine possession, highlighting the tumultuous lives often led by rock legends.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with reflections on the week's musical milestones, celebrating both monumental events and personal connections to music history. Harry Jacobs and Buzz Knight's dynamic interplay ensures that listeners are not only informed but also entertained, making complex historical narratives accessible and engaging.

Harry Jacobs: "A robust week in music history. Thank you, Harry Jacobs for a look at it."
Buzz Knight: "Thanks to all of you for checking out the Taking a Walk podcast."

Listeners are encouraged to explore more episodes available on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeart.

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This episode of Taking a Walk masterfully blends historical facts with personal anecdotes, offering a comprehensive and engaging exploration of a week rich in musical history. Whether you're a longtime music enthusiast or a casual listener, Buzz Knight and Harry Jacobs provide insightful commentary that deepens your appreciation for the timeless impact of these iconic moments and figures in music.

Transcript

[Buzz Knight]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[Unknown]

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This episode of Taking a Walk is brought to you by Chase Sapphire Reserve. Whether I'm booking my next vacation or going to a concert, Chase Sapphire Reserve is my gateway to the world's most captivating destinations. When I use my Chase Sapphire Reserve card, I get eight times points on all the purchases I make through Chase Travel and even access to one of a kind experiences like music, music festivals and sports events. And that's not even mentioning how the card gets me into the Sapphire Lounge by the club at select airports nationwide. No matter where I'm walking, travel is more rewarding with Chase Sapphire Reserve. Discover [e-mail] Sapphire Reserve cards issued by JP Morgan Chase Bank, NA member FDIC subject to credit approval terms apply.

[Buzz Knight]

I'm Buzz Knight, the host of the Taking a Walk podcast and welcome to another episode of this Week in Music History for the week of August 11th through the 17th. And we go right over to the music history desk to the man, Harry Jacobs. Hello, Harry.

[Harry Jacobs]

Buzz. Pleasure to be here again. Pleasure to. To be your researcher, to be muse, to be. Want to call it music maven, whatever it is. So music.

[Unknown]

Glad you're here.

[Harry Jacobs]

All right. August 11, 1964. Be of course, we can't have one of these without ever without some Beatles story, some Beatles information. Beatles released Hard Days Night, the movie in the US in 64. Did you see this in the theater?

[Buzz Knight]

Ah, I must have. I must have. I've seen it so many times, but I must have first seen it in the theaters.

[Harry Jacobs]

Yeah, yeah. This is back when you were going to the movies because now you refuse to go to the theater.

[Buzz Knight]

Although with Spinal Tap in the fall making its debut in the theaters in imax, I might have to break that. That rhythm of mine.

[Harry Jacobs]

How fun does that look?

[Buzz Knight]

Looks great.

[Harry Jacobs]

Yeah.

[Buzz Knight]

And by the way, Paul McCartney cameo in there.

[Harry Jacobs]

Yeah, there's a couple of cameos in there, but that's, that'll be a good one. McCartney for sure. 1984, Ray Parker Jr hit the number one spot with Ghostbusters. Who you gonna call Bus?

[Buzz Knight]

Ghostbusters. What a movie. And look, the song, I don't know, maybe not my favorite song of all time, but in that movie in the Context of that movie. In that amazing movie. Outstanding.

[Harry Jacobs]

I can't hear it without tapping my fingers or tapping my feet. It's just a great. It's just a great tune.

[Buzz Knight]

I know it is.

[Harry Jacobs]

August 12, 1960, the band that would end up becoming the Beatles played their final show at the Cavern as the Quarryman. Their last show was the Quarryman. They became the Beatles right after that.

[Buzz Knight]

I gotta head to Liverpool sometime.

[Harry Jacobs]

Yeah, I think that would be a great trip. A lot of history to be had there.

[Buzz Knight]

Yeah.

[Harry Jacobs]

1972, Alice Cooper hit number one in the UK with schools out. This was, you know, I remember when I was a kid, I remember, you know, listening to top 40 or rock radio when I was, you know, 9, 10 years old or whatever and seeing Alice Cooper, you know, seeing pictures of him, whatever, Thinking, man, that's a scary dude. Like, what is that all about? The eye makeup and the. The devil, the, you know, frightening.

[Buzz Knight]

And little did you know, he's one of the nicest, sweetest guys. And this fall will be inducted into the Radio hall of Fame.

[Harry Jacobs]

Oh. For his radio show.

[Buzz Knight]

Isn't that something? Wow.

[Harry Jacobs]

That's a big deal for Alice Cooper.

[Buzz Knight]

Yep.

[Harry Jacobs]

Smart, articulate, golf nut. Oh, yeah, golf nut. In 1994, on August 12, Woodstock 94 kicked off in Socrates with Nine Inch Nails, Green Day and others. I didn't get to that one. I was at the 1 in 99. Did you go in 94 to Socrates?

[Buzz Knight]

I did. I didn't go to either.

[Harry Jacobs]

99 was a mess. I left before the fires, but they. They burnt that down.

[Buzz Knight]

You're lucky you got out.

[Harry Jacobs]

Yeah, I'm really. I remember waking up the next day in New Jersey because I was going down to see Bruce and at the start of that tour, and I remember putting the TV on and thinking, oh, my God, Woodstock's on fire. It was all over the news. It was crazy. August 13, 1965, Jefferson Airplane made their live debut at a club called the Matrix Club in San Francisco.

[Buzz Knight]

It must have been a scene, I gotta say. Yeah, the hippies were in full force.

[Harry Jacobs]

They were. Is there another band that you can think of that went through three different name changes and kept part of their name? Right. We got the Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship, and then just the Starship.

[Buzz Knight]

Yeah, I can't think of one.

[Harry Jacobs]

Yeah, yeah. Unique.

[Buzz Knight]

Unless Pablo Cruz went through something like that. I'm just kidding.

[Harry Jacobs]

What you gonna do when she says goodbye? Buzz. Right. What you gonna do? Yeah. How about that for unaided recall?

[Buzz Knight]

Why am I singling out poor Pablo Cruz here? That's unfair.

[Harry Jacobs]

I don't know. They had a couple good tunes, by the way. I'm waiting for them to come up on, on this day, and they will.

[Buzz Knight]

We'll give them their due.

[Harry Jacobs]

1990, Curtis Mayfield was paralyzed after a stage lighting equipment, a piece of rigging fell on him during a performance. This was an awful situation. Poor guy. August 14, 1985. Michael Jackson ended up taking control four days later. Last week, we talked about him buying the rights for the, you know, in the mid-40s. 47 million bucks, whatever it was, took him four days. And then he took charge of that catalog.

[Buzz Knight]

Moving quick, Michael.

[Harry Jacobs]

Can you, can you imagine that, though? The, the, you know, making the purchase and then waking up on that day going, we signed, we're closed. I own everything. I own it all, Harry.

[Buzz Knight]

That's an example of why you have people.

[Harry Jacobs]

You have people, right? Yeah, I, I, I think that's a, a pretty good illustration of why you have people. In 1995, the Foo Fighters made their debut in the United Kingdom. Great band, Foo Fighters.

[Buzz Knight]

Oh, yeah. I'm fascinated when you see so many instances back in history and more recently in music history of UK breakouts that occur, you know, major things that happened first in, in the uk. It's, it's an interesting, and considering the fact that the radio landscape in the UK is certainly way different than it was and is in the United States, but always ahead of the curve on musical independence in the UK for sure.

[Harry Jacobs]

1970, Stephen Stills was arrested for possession of cocaine at a hotel in San Diego. He, you know, another one with a history. Oh, yeah, without question. But he, he's one of those guys that, when you talk to guitar players, he's one of those guys that, that his name always comes up is really kind of underrated in terms of his skill set, but I've always admired him as a player and a singer and, you know, love the one you're with is, you know, it's one of my favorite songs of all time, for sure. August 15, 1969, day one of the, the Woodstock Festival. The original Woodstock with Richie Havens and Joan Baez and Sweetwater as well at that. You, you were probably too young for that one.

[Buzz Knight]

Too young. I remember it being advertised that it was going to be happening reading the Village Voice and, you know, the thought crossed my mind, would I once again benefit from being a younger brother of older brothers and maybe tag along, kind of glad it didn't happen in a way. I don't know if he would have made it out.

[Harry Jacobs]

It probably Would have been a little over. How old were you in 69.

[Buzz Knight]

I was.

[Harry Jacobs]

10. Right.

[Buzz Knight]

Okay.

[Harry Jacobs]

Apparently we have a connection problem. 1991, Paul Simon played the last at 10 gigs at Central Park. Right. A little residency over the summer.

[Buzz Knight]

Yeah, those must have been great.

[Harry Jacobs]

Oh yeah. You know, poor Paul is two things to say. Losing his hearing. So he's having a really tough time playing. I just saw a clip over the weekend, I don't know how old this was, but it's funny that he came up now of him doing a show, kind of a low key show somewhere fairly recently, and someone in the audience screams out Kodachrome. And he said, I, you know, we haven't played that song in 20 years. And you know, oh, come on, play it. Crowd claps and he said, not unless you have $20. I'm not playing that song. Not playing. And sure enough, the guy pulls out a 20 and Paul Simon puts his guitar down and walks out. Guy brings it up to the front row. Paul examines it, stuffs it in his pocket, brings, brings himself back to his his post and sits and plays Kodachrome for the guy.

[Buzz Knight]

That's pretty cool.

[Harry Jacobs]

It's like a, it's like a bar tip jar.

[Buzz Knight]

Did you see the, I think it was Hulu. The, The Paul Simon 2 parter?

[Harry Jacobs]

No, I have not seen that.

[Buzz Knight]

Yeah, it's terrific. I think it's Hulu. I always get the, the, the, you know, the platform along. So don't, don't count on me for sure. But I do believe it was Hulu.

[Harry Jacobs]

What's the relationship like since you saw it? What's the relationship like? If I may, a little sidebar between he and Art. I know that, that they had their tough times. Are they friendly and respectful to each other?

[Buzz Knight]

Recent reconciliation. Yep.

[Harry Jacobs]

Yeah, yep. So what, what was it? Was it just a, you know, the fact that they're a two person band and they probably were just both nudges and drove each other crazy?

[Buzz Knight]

That's it?

[Harry Jacobs]

Yeah.

[Buzz Knight]

What else was going to happen eventually, right?

[Harry Jacobs]

Plus you look at Art's hair and you go, come on, really? I gotta look at this. August 16, 1977, another one. Remember where you were when Elvis Presley died at Grace Lane? He was just 42 years old when he died. Where were you?

[Buzz Knight]

I was in Texas visiting my brother who had lived there just for a few years outside of Houston. Yep.

[Harry Jacobs]

I was at summer camp. And I remember that summer, the Son of Sam stuff was happening in New York. And I remember my parents sending me. I don't know why you Know, this explains my fascination with true crime. But my parents were sending me like the New York Daily News or the Post to camp. Like, my mother would bake some cookies and my father would send the Son of Sam stuff. And, and I remember after he died, like the week later, I was still in camp and I, My father sent me a copy of the New York Post with Elvis in his, you know, in his casket or something and crazy, but that's where I was. 11 years old in summer camp.

[Buzz Knight]

Was your father sending you the full paper or was he, like my father did, sending clippings to you?

[Harry Jacobs]

I think I got the full newspaper on, on some of that Son of Sam stuff, but I, you know, I think on it now, and I think my father sent me a, you know, story on the serial killer the guy's talking to, hearing this guy's dog talking to himself. Was that the right thing? But it, listen, it created the true crime nut in, in me. And, and we'll, you know, we'll be able to share my true crime, my fondness for true crime at some point with the world soon. Buzz.

[Buzz Knight]

Oh, yes, sir.

[Harry Jacobs]

In 1962, Ringo Starr officially joined the Beatles. Do you remember who he replaced? Who the Beatles first drummer was.

[Buzz Knight]

That was, that was Pete Best.

[Harry Jacobs]

Pete Best.

[Buzz Knight]

Yep.

[Harry Jacobs]

Feet best. 1980, the Stones reached number one with emotional rescue. Here's one we haven't really talked about in the, you know, however long we've been doing this. Nothing's come up for Emotional Rescue. Great album, Great song.

[Buzz Knight]

Yeah, I think it's pretty, it's. It's a pretty good one for sure.

[Harry Jacobs]

You know, it was a, it was, it was in that period after Miss you. Right. Some girls was 78. So, you know, they go from what's kind of a disco song to a really quirky Stones Unstones like song with Emotional Rescue. Oh, yeah, but a great tune.

[Buzz Knight]

Great, great title too. Think about it.

[Harry Jacobs]

Absolutely, absolutely. August 16th in 1991, Nirvana shot the music video for Smells Like Teen Spirit. What a song that was.

[Buzz Knight]

Oh, yeah.

[Harry Jacobs]

And our last item for the, for the week ending August 17, the Doors in 1968 played their final live performance with Jim Morrison, the Hollywood Bowl. And of course they would go on to play more shows with, you know, other singers. And I think Scott Stapp was one of them who did, who did a great. Like Love Me two times, if you remember. And there have been other people that have played, did play with the remaining members over the years, but this was the last Jim Morrison Doors performance at the Hollywood bowl.

[Buzz Knight]

At least for now that we know. Because if he comes, you know, out of the, the retirement up there in Syracuse, New York, where he apparently lives, maybe you never know.

[Harry Jacobs]

You. You keep running the Jim Morrison still alive story, people are going to start, listen, you're an authority in music at this point. You get a million downloads a month on all your various podcasts, each of them a million a month per podcast. And, and you're telling people Jim Morrison's living behind the Dinosaur barbecue in Syracuse. I think you're starting a rumor here.

[Buzz Knight]

Yeah, you know, I really don't mean that.

[Harry Jacobs]

Where's your journalistic responsibility, Buzz Cones?

[Buzz Knight]

Somehow I left it at the door.

[Harry Jacobs]

There you go. That's it, Buzz. August 17th, the week ending this week in music history.

[Buzz Knight]

A robust week in music history. Thank you, Harry Jacobs for a look at it. And thanks to all of you for checking out the Taking a Walk podcast. We are available at Apple Podcast, Spotify, iHeart, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Unknown]

This episode of Taking a Walk is brought to you by Chase Sapphire Reserve. Whether I'm booking my next vacation or going to a concert, Chase Sapphire Reserve is my gateway to the world's most captivating destinations. When I use my Chase Sapphire Reserve card, I get eight times points on all the purchases I make through Chase Travel and even access to one of a kind experiences like music festivals and sports events. And that's not even mentioning how the card gets me into the Sapphire Lounge by the club at select airports nationwide. No matter where I'm walking, travel is more rewarding with Chase Sapphire Reserve. Discover [e-mail] Sapphire Reserve cards issued by JP Morgan Chase Bank NA member FDIC subject to credit approval terms apply.

[Buzz Knight]

This is an Iheart podcast.