Podcast Summary: takin' a walk – "This week in Music History for the week of 9-22"

Host: Buzz Knight
Guest: Harry Jacobs
Date: September 22, 2025
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts

Episode Overview

This episode is a special "This Week in Music History" edition of takin' a walk, where Buzz Knight is joined by music historian Harry Jacobs. Together, they revisit iconic moments and album releases that occurred during the week of September 22nd to 28th in music history. Their discussion is laced with personal commentary, banter, and nostalgia for the era-defining music that continues to resonate today.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Fleetwood Mac Releases Tusk (September 24, 1979)

[03:04 – 06:41]

• Background & Buzz's Take:
  Harry highlights the significance of Fleetwood Mac following up Rumors with the ambitious double album Tusk, spotlighting standout songs: "Sisters of the Moon," "Tusk," "Over and Over," and "Think About Me."

• Debate on the Album's Reception:

  • Buzz remembers the initial reaction as mixed, suggesting many felt it should have been a single album and viewed it as overreaching after the smash success of Rumors.
  • He notes that "Tusk," with its USC marching band feature, was seen as a "novelty" at the time.
  • Harry counters by celebrating its creative risks, likening Fleetwood Mac’s inventiveness to The Beatles and noting how Tusk is viewed more kindly today.

• Quote Highlight:

  "Tough to follow up from Rumors." – Buzz Knight (06:39)
  "To me, Tusk was a great song. I realized it was different... but think about, you know, the Beatles, you know, would have hired a marching band and would have made it sound great." – Harry Jacobs (06:03)

2. The Loss of John Bonham & Led Zeppelin's End (September 25, 1980)

[06:44 – 08:37]

• Impact on Led Zeppelin:
  Harry marks the anniversary of John Bonham’s death, emphasizing how the band “was never the same.” He references post-Zeppelin collaborations and tribute performances, particularly the O2 concert with Jason Bonham on drums.

• Comparison with Other Bands:

  • Contrasts Zeppelin’s choice to disband with The Who, who performed the night after John Entwistle’s death.
  • Discusses the uniqueness and irreplaceability of drummers like Bonham and Keith Moon.

• Notable Quotes:

  "The band arguably was never the same. And it's interesting because so many bands go on… but this was the right move for them to not continue." – Harry Jacobs (07:34)
  "It proves the fragility, too, of bands… there's a little bit more at the core." – Buzz Knight (07:46)

3. The Release of The Beatles' Abbey Road (September 26, 1969)

[08:41 – 10:13]

• Celebrating an Iconic Album:
  Harry announces the release date of Abbey Road, describing it as “best in class.” Buzz and Harry run through its legendary tracklist, expressing awe and reverence, especially for the medley closing the album: "Golden Slumbers," "Carry That Weight," and "The End."

• Personal Favorites & Standout Moments:

  • Harry mentions Steven Tyler's live performance of "Golden Slumbers."
  • Buzz relishes the album's seamless sequence and musical craftsmanship.

• Quote Highlight:

  "That's how it ends—it's amazing. It's a masterpiece." – Buzz Knight (10:08)

4. Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life Turns 49 (September 28, 1976)

[10:16 – 13:03]

• Album Impact:
  Stevie Wonder’s landmark album is celebrated for classics like "Sir Duke," "I Wish," and "Isn't She Lovely." Harry reminisces about seeing Stevie live, calling him "truly a genius."

• Stevie’s Cross-Genre Appeal:
  Buzz reflects on the days when rock radio embraced Wonder's music, noting how "he was welcome on all formats" and recounting his experience as a DJ spinning his hits.

• Quote Highlight:

  "He’s a guy who bangs out his hits, right? And you think about that album, a couple of great ones—'Sir Duke' and 'I Wish,' among others." – Harry Jacobs (10:57)
  "I think he's truly a genius." – Buzz Knight (11:07)

5. Longevity and Reinvention: The Case of Stevie Wonder

[13:03 – 14:03]

• Stevie's Career Arc:
  Harry marvels at Stevie’s transformation from a Motown child prodigy to mature creative force, pondering other artists with similarly varied careers. Buzz and Harry joke about music history expertise and longevity.

• Quote Highlight:

  "He's had a couple of different lives in a way, career-wise… just an interesting trajectory his career has taken." – Harry Jacobs (13:03)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Tough to follow up from Rumors." – Buzz Knight (06:39)
• "It proves the fragility, too, of bands… there's a little bit more at the core." – Buzz Knight (07:46)
• "That's how it ends—it's amazing. It's a masterpiece." – Buzz Knight (10:08)
• "He’s a guy who bangs out his hits, right?... I think he's truly a genius." – Harry Jacobs & Buzz Knight (10:57, 11:07)
• "He's had a couple of different lives in a way, career-wise… just an interesting trajectory his career has taken." – Harry Jacobs (13:03)

Important Timestamps

• 03:04 – Fleetwood Mac Tusk discussion begins
• 06:44 – John Bonham’s death and Led Zeppelin’s fate
• 08:41 – The Beatles' Abbey Road release
• 10:16 – Stevie Wonder's Songs in the Key of Life
• 13:03 – Stevie Wonder's multi-phase career and artist reinventions

Tone & Language

Conversational, nostalgic, and occasionally irreverent—the hosts blend music history with personal perspective and playful banter, making the discussion both insightful and accessible.

Summary

This episode delivers a vibrant stroll through landmark moments in music history, expertly layered with commentary and a healthy dose of reverence for influential albums and artists. Buzz and Harry—true music aficionados—celebrate, question, and contextualize the impact of each event, leaving listeners with renewed appreciation for the enduring power of great music.