takin' a walk – This Week in Music History for the Week of 9-8

Host: Buzz Knight
Guest: Harry Jacobs
Podcast: iHeartPodcasts
Episode Date: September 8, 2025

Overview

This episode of “takin’ a walk” takes listeners through notable events in music history occurring between September 8th and 14th. Host Buzz Knight is joined by music aficionado Harry Jacobs, and together they discuss milestones from John Lennon, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones—highlighting both global pop icons and local New England lore. The episode is conversational and nostalgic, blending personal anecdotes with cultural commentary.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. John Lennon’s "Imagine" Release

Timestamp: [02:14]

• Event: On September 9, 1971, John Lennon released his timeless anthem, “Imagine.”
• Commentary: The hosts reflect on the song’s enduring legacy.
  • Harry Jacobs: “Just a, just a really, really lovely song.” – [02:34]
  • Buzz Knight: “Iconic to this day, you know.” – [02:31]
• They note the song’s continued global resonance and simple, potent message.

2. The Beatles Win Their First Grammy

Timestamp: [02:41]

• Event: On September 13, 1965, The Beatles won their first Grammy for Best Performance by a Vocal Group for “A Hard Day’s Night.”
• Cultural Impact: Marked the band's consolidation as global pop icons.
  • Harry Jacobs: “This solidified their dominance in global pop for them to win a Grammy. Big deal.” – [02:38]
• Did the Beatles Care?
  • Buzz Knight (on Beatle attitudes): “I wonder if they thought a Grammy was a big deal.” – [03:13]
  • The hosts share that at that stage, with The Beatles’ fame at its zenith, the Grammy may have seemed a modest accolade by comparison.
  • Harry Jacobs: “I think the Grammy was just like, oh, that’s cool. Not like…if Steven Wilson won a Grammy, it’d be a huge deal…It wasn’t a big deal for the Beatles two years after their explosion.” – [03:35]
• George Martin’s Influence:
  • Buzz Knight: “I’ll bet Mr. George Martin level set them on that and put some perspective in their head…” – [04:31]
  • Harry Jacobs: “I bet there was a Come to Jesus meeting about the Grammy probably at that point in time. Right?” – [04:48]

3. The Rolling Stones’ 1981 American Tour & Worcester Connection

Timestamp: [05:18]

• Event: In 1981, The Rolling Stones began their American tour in Philadelphia, but the New England significance centers on their tour rehearsals.
• Worcester, Massachusetts:
  • The Stones rehearsed at Longview Farms in North Brookfield, MA. The venue was notable for hosting other artists, but the Stones’ presence was a watershed moment for the region.
  • Harry Jacobs:
    • “They rehearsed for their world tour at Longview Farms in North Brookfield, Massachusetts… Longview Farm is just literally a farm, and the Stones were playing in a barn.” – [06:03]
    • “People would go out there at night and lay down in the field…you could just lay out and listen to the Stones work out their set list.” – [07:21]
  • Sir Morgan’s Cove Surprise Concert:
    • Local DJ Rob Barnett (WAAF) was key in arranging a secret Stones show at Sir Morgan’s Cove, cementing it as a legendary event in Worcester’s music history.
    • Harry Jacobs: “If you talk to Rob Barnett… and you ask him about his life, the Stones thing in Worcester, I’m sure would come up in the top two or three.” – [08:36]
  • Local Reflection:
    • Buzz Knight: “In a way it kind of put Worcester on the map, didn’t it?” – [09:07]
    • Harry Jacobs: “Worcester has struggled and I’m, that’s where I was born. And…I will always have a fondness for Worcester.” – [09:32]
  • The discussion reflects on Worcester’s blue-collar resilience, the cultural significance of such events, and the pride locals retain for their city.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Just a really, really lovely song.” – Harry Jacobs on "Imagine" [02:34]
• “This solidified their dominance in global pop for them to win a Grammy. Big deal.” – Harry Jacobs on The Beatles’ Grammy [02:38]
• “I think the Grammy was just like, oh, that’s cool.” – Harry Jacobs on how The Beatles may have felt [03:35]
• “I’ll bet Mr. George Martin level set them on that and put some perspective in their head…” – Buzz Knight on George Martin’s influence [04:31]
• “They rehearsed for their world tour at Longview Farms in North Brookfield, Massachusetts… the Stones were playing in a barn.” – Harry Jacobs [06:03]
• “In a way it kind of put Worcester on the map, didn’t it?” – Buzz Knight [09:07]
• “I love Worcester. I’m proud that I’m from Worcester.” – Harry Jacobs [11:00]

Important Segment Timestamps

• [02:14] – John Lennon’s “Imagine” release and discussion
• [02:41] – The Beatles’ first Grammy: context and band perspective
• [05:18] – The Rolling Stones’ 1981 tour rehearsals at Longview Farms, stories about Worcester, and the secret concert at Sir Morgan’s Cove

Tone & Takeaway

Consistent with Buzz Knight’s “music lover” persona, the episode mingles factual history, reverent admiration for its subjects, and authentic, regionally-rooted storytelling. It’s both informative and warmly anecdotal, giving listeners both highlights from music history and a sense of personal connection to the stories. Worcester’s pride and the magic of unexpected local moments come through as central themes.

Missed some music history or just want to revisit iconic moments through a New England lens? This episode is for you.