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.

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.