This Week in Music History on the "takin ' a walk" podcast -2-10

Summary

Podcast Summary: "This Week in Music History" – February 10, 2025

Podcast Title: Takin' a Walk
Host: Buzz Knight
Episode: This Week in Music History on the "takin ' a walk" podcast -2-10
Release Date: February 10, 2025
Hosted by: iHeartPodcasts

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Introduction to the Episode

In this episode of "takin' a walk", host Buzz Knight teams up with musicologist and radio historian Harry Jacobs to delve into notable events in music history that occurred during the week of February 10th. The conversation traverses iconic album releases, remarkable Grammy moments, and significant milestones of legendary artists, offering listeners a comprehensive exploration of music's rich tapestry.

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Van Halen’s Debut Album – February 10, 1978

Harry Jacobs kicks off the discussion by highlighting the release of Van Halen's first album:

Harry Jacobs [02:35]: "It's this week in 1978 that the first Van Halen album came out. Remember hearing 'Eruption' or 'You Really Got Me'? Remember how powerful that was to hear Eddie Van Halen ripping through those opening chords of that song, the way that they did it."

Buzz Knight echoes the sentiment, emphasizing the album's groundbreaking impact:

Buzz Knight [03:04]: "They just burst on the scene and it was just like we hadn't really heard anything really like this. This was something that kind of took us all on a real ride."

The duo reminisces about Van Halen's enduring legacy and the sentiment that with the passing of key members, the band's era might be concluding.

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Amy Winehouse’s Grammy Triumphs and Tragic End – February 10, 2008 & 2012

Transitioning to the 50th Annual Grammy Awards in 2008, Harry Jacobs discusses Amy Winehouse's remarkable achievements:

Harry Jacobs [03:32]: "In 2008, the 50th annual Grammy Awards happened. Amy Winehouse won five of them, including Best New Artist and Record of the Year for 'Rehab'. I always loved 'Rehab.' That's a song. Boy, that's a song."

Buzz Knight reflects on the depth of Winehouse's talent and the tragic dimensions of her life:

Buzz Knight [03:48]: "We did not comprehend all of her amazing talent until she left this earth. And we also, I think, didn't really understand the depth of her darkness either."

They delve into the challenges Winehouse faced, including substance abuse, contrasting her struggles with celebrities who overcame similar issues.

In 2012, Harry touches upon Whitney Houston's passing:

Harry Jacobs [04:42]: "In 2012, Whitney Houston passed away in Beverly Hills."

Buzz Knight succinctly comments on the turmoil around such losses:

Buzz Knight [05:04]: "Speaking of torture. Right? A lot of torture there."

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The Beatles Recording "Please Please Me" – February 11, 1963

Harry Jacobs reminisces about The Beatles' historic recording session:

Harry Jacobs [04:41]: "In 1963, February 11, The Beatles recorded 'Please Please Me' and it was a one day session. It lasted 10 hours at Abbey Road Studios."

Buzz Knight underscores the intensity of the session:

Buzz Knight [04:55]: "Incredible."

They discuss the camaraderie and the chaotic creativity that fueled The Beatles' early success.

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Black Sabbath’s Pioneering Heavy Metal Album – February 13, 1970

Harry Jacobs shifts focus to Black Sabbath’s seminal album release:

Harry Jacobs [09:57]: "In 1970, February 13th, Black Sabbath released 'Black Sabbath,' often regarded as the first real heavy metal album. 'Paranoid' and 'Iron Man.'"

Buzz Knight reflects on the album's initial reception and lasting legacy:

Buzz Knight [10:03]: "I don't think back then we understood how significant it was when it came out. I think it was just different because of it."

They explore the album's influence on the heavy metal genre and its enduring classics that remain staples on rock radio.

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Ray Charles’ Posthumous Grammy Awards – February 11, 2005

Harry Jacobs brings up Ray Charles’ posthumous recognition:

Harry Jacobs [11:00]: "In 2005, Ray Charles won five Grammys. And at that point in 2005, Ray Charles had passed away, so he received those Grammys posthumously."

Buzz Knight comments on the bittersweet nature of such honors:

Buzz Knight [11:11]: "Always rather see them when they're alive. Get them. That's all I'll say on that."

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The Beatles’ "All You Need Is Love" and John & Yoko’s Peace Campaign – February 14, 1972

Harry Jacobs highlights the Beatles' message of love and peace:

Harry Jacobs [11:15]: "One of my favorite Beatles songs, 'All You Need Is Love.' February 14, 1972. John and Yoko felt that all they needed was love and decided to spend their week-long stay in bed in the presidential suite, the Amsterdam Hilton Hotel promoting world peace."

Buzz Knight admires the boldness of their activism:

Buzz Knight [11:34]: "Pretty badass move, if you think about it."

They equate this gesture to other significant acts of resilience and commitment.

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Sergeant Pepper’s Grammy Success – February 16

Harry Jacobs discusses the groundbreaking achievement of The Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band":

Harry Jacobs [11:48]: "February 16th, 'Sgt. Pepper' won four Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, and it was the first rock album to win album."

Buzz Knight shares his personal admiration for the album:

Buzz Knight [12:03]: "Of the year, I would have to say my opinion, number one album of all time."

They delve into the album's innovative production and its influence on future music creators like Brian Wilson and Phil Spector.

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Ike Turner’s Legal Troubles – February 16

Concluding the historical recap, Harry Jacobs addresses the darker side of Ike Turner's legacy:

Harry Jacobs [12:43]: "Also, on February 16, Ike Turner was incarcerated for cocaine possession, marking yet another troubling chapter in the life of Ike Turner."

Buzz Knight succinctly summarizes Turner's complex persona:

Buzz Knight [13:16]: "Talented, but ugh."

They acknowledge the controversial aspects of Turner's life, balancing his musical contributions with his personal misconduct.

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Carlos Santana’s Grammy Sweep – February 12, 2000

Harry Jacobs celebrates Carlos Santana’s monumental achievement:

Harry Jacobs [06:54]: "Carlos Santana was on that list. In 2000, on February 12, he won eight Grammy Awards for 'Supernatural.' This is a perfect example of someone getting a whole nother life and a whole nother audience."

Buzz Knight praises Santana's enduring creativity and genre-blending:

Buzz Knight [08:08]: "Carlos is still reimagining things in the way that he creates these days. It's so admirable that a guy is still curious. He still bends the genres a bit along the way and still is experimenting."

They discuss Santana's collaborations, including his work with Daryl Run DMC McDaniels, highlighting his versatility and continued relevance in the music industry.

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Closing Remarks

Buzz Knight and Harry Jacobs wrap up the episode by reflecting on the diverse range of topics covered, from legendary album releases to the personal lives of iconic artists. They encourage listeners to engage with related content on their other podcasts, "Music Saved Me" and "Taking a Walk," and to delve deeper into the stories that shape music history.

Buzz Knight [13:16]: "Thanks for wrapping up another week in music history, the week of February 10th. And thanks for checking out the Taking a Walk podcast. We are part of the iHeart PODC Podcast Network and available at Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts."

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Notable Quotes

• Harry Jacobs [02:35]: "Remember hearing 'Eruption' or 'You Really Got Me'? Remember how powerful that was to hear Eddie Van Halen ripping through those opening chords of that song."

• Buzz Knight [03:04]: "They just burst on the scene and it was just like we hadn't really heard anything really like this."

• Harry Jacobs [03:32]: "Amy Winehouse won five of them, including Best New Artist and Record of the Year for 'Rehab'."

• Buzz Knight [05:04]: "Speaking of torture. Right? A lot of torture there."

• Harry Jacobs [11:15]: "John and Yoko felt that all they needed was love and decided to spend their week-long stay in bed in the presidential suite, the Amsterdam Hilton Hotel promoting world peace."

• Buzz Knight [12:03]: "Of the year, I would have to say my opinion, number one album of all time."

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Conclusion

This episode of "takin' a walk" offers a nostalgic yet insightful journey through significant moments in music history, enriched by the expertise of Buzz Knight and Harry Jacobs. Whether reminiscing about Van Halen's explosive debut or reflecting on the profound impacts of artists like Amy Winehouse and Carlos Santana, listeners are provided with a well-rounded narrative that celebrates both the triumphs and the tribulations of the music world.

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For more engaging discussions on music history and artist stories, tune into the "takin' a walk" podcast available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

Transcript

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[Buzz Knight]

I'm Buzz Knight, the host of the Taking a Walk podcast. And here's another look at this week in music history for the week of February 10th. And we go over to the music history desk to musicologist, radio historian, radio legend, media executive. What else can I pile on to your resume? Harry Jacobs, welcome.

[Harry Jacobs]

I appreciate the the kind words and the musicologist. I kind of like that. That's my, that's my favorite. And that's what we're doing, right?

[Buzz Knight]

We're because we're fans of Music. That's it.

[Harry Jacobs]

The week of February 10th. Kind of a. Kind of a neat week. Some fun things to talk about. You know, Alex Van Halen's book just came out in October, and it was this week in 1978 that the first Van Halen album came out. Remember hearing Eruption or. Or. You really Got me. Remember how powerful that was to hear Eddie Van Halen ripping through? You really Got Me. Those opening chords of that song, the way that they did it.

[Buzz Knight]

Yeah, they just burst on the scene and it just was just like we hadn't really heard anything really like this. This was something that kind of took us all on a real ride. And, you know, through various generations of the band, they continued to do that, you know, easily.

[Harry Jacobs]

I'd love a half a dozen of those songs if. If not more Shame now that he's gone and Van Halen is probably done, you know, forever at this point.

[Buzz Knight]

Yep.

[Harry Jacobs]

In 2008, the 50th annual Grammy Awards happened. Amy Winehouse won five of them, including Best New Artist and Record of the Year for Rehab. I always loved Rehab. That's a song. Boy, that's a song.

[Buzz Knight]

We did not comprehend all of her amazing talent until she left this earth. And we also, I think, didn't really understand the depth of her darkness either.

[Harry Jacobs]

She was a troubled individual. There's no question. The opioids got their hook into her. And that rarely finishes well, really has a. Rarely has a really good ending. There's a handful of people that, you know, that did it at that level, that recovered, you know, Robert Downey's got a good story, Right. Remember the horror stories? Right. You know, climbing into someone else's bed in someone else's house and the craziness he did, and he got straight and on the straight and narrow. But then you, you know, you see Amy and she's the rule versus the exception, it would seem.

[Buzz Knight]

That's right.

[Harry Jacobs]

Unfortunately.

[Buzz Knight]

So, yep.

[Harry Jacobs]

In 1963, February 11, the Beatles recorded Please Please Me and. And it was a one day session. It lasted 10 hours at Abbey Road Studios.

[Buzz Knight]

Incredible.

[Harry Jacobs]

10 hours of those boys driving each other crazy. For sure. 2012, Whitney Houston passed away in Beverly Hills.

[Buzz Knight]

Speaking of torture. Right? A lot of torture there.

[Harry Jacobs]

Yeah. Did you ever watch the reality show with her and Bobby Brown?

[Buzz Knight]

I did not.

[Harry Jacobs]

Oh, this was, you know, right around the time, I'm assuming, right after the Osbornes. I don't know where we are chronologically with that, but that was a show. She was another one. I mean, it kind of goes hand in hand with this Amy Winehouse conversation about. About drugs. It's just a sad, sad story from an unbelievable. Another unbelievably talented singer and woman. Did. Did you stay close? I mean, you've been a rock guy your entire career, you know, musically. And, and now since taking a walk and, and music saved me, you know, you're branching out to country, you're dealing with pop, you're dealing with rap, you're dealing with all kinds of different music. Have you been a guy that's been out of that rock realm? We've known each other for 40 years. I've never asked you that question. Do you, do you enjoy. Did you enjoy, you know, Whitney Houston and Amy Winehouse and pop? Do you appreciate it? Tell me, talk to me about.

[Buzz Knight]

Yes. And more so in later years, as the work I would do for radio companies would expand beyond rock. So I had to buy the nature of that as well. I had to understand, you know, pop or just different genres, never forgetting that pop actually is short for popular, which is always interesting to come around and talk about. But I had to branch out. And, you know, it. It's. It's fun to do that, especially when there's music that can kind of, you know, once again, in a moment, just, you know, be that guilty pleasure.

[Harry Jacobs]

You know, at the end of 2024, I think the last week of the year, you. You reran your top five guests on Taking a Walk. And I went through that list blindly. Generally. We know what we're. We're going to talk about when we, when we talk. And. And I was so curious to see what you had, what you had picked. And Carlos Santana was on that. That list. And in 2000, on February 12, he won eight Grammy Awards for Supernatural. This is a perfect example of someone getting a whole nother life and a whole nother audience. It's almost like the lives that Aerosmith has had in terms of, you know, different iterations of their music and, you know, pre, mtv, mtv, you know, their breakup, all this stuff. Santana was, you know, a classic rock artist that didn't have a lot of mainstream exposure at that time. Certainly, you know, there were some hits that got radio play, pop, pop music. But this album was unbelievable. A whole bunch of guest singers, I.

[Buzz Knight]

Think Rob Thomas from Matchbox 20. Yeah. And Carlos is still, you know, reimagining things in the way that he creates these days. You know, we had on Music Save Me and On a Future Taking a walk, Daryl run DMC McDaniels and Daryl and Carlos teamed up on this latest album of Carlos's on some music as well. So it's so admirable that a guy is still curious. He still, you know, bends the genres a bit along the way and still is experimenting.

[Harry Jacobs]

And for those of you that are fans of, you know, Run DMC and Daryl, just a, you know, quick shameless plug. Our other podcast Music Saved Me and Taking a Walk, both features Time with him, their recent releases and. And if you haven't checked them out, check them out. Lynn Hoffman did an amazing job with him. And, and you as always with, with Carlos. Were you on Zoom with him? Did you?

[Buzz Knight]

Actually, yeah.

[Harry Jacobs]

See. All right, tell me about a fanboy moment. Tell me about that.

[Buzz Knight]

It's just the wildest thing when. Because it came together very quickly. It was a last minute come together thing. They were promoting tour dates for Live Nation and it's just surreal when you sign on and there you see the legend himself right before your very eyes. You know, it's just, it's surreal. I can't put it any other way. It's so I ultimately have to contain my fanboyness, but I can't contain it all, Harry. You know that.

[Harry Jacobs]

Yeah, it's. And then when you got someone like him who's just a, you know, a monster, It's. It's amazing. 1970, February 13th, Black Sabbath released Black Sabbath, often regarded as the first real heavy metal album. Paranoid and Iron Man.

[Buzz Knight]

I don't think back then we understood how significant it was when it came out. I think it was, it was just different because of it. You know, it's hard and you know, the heavy metal side and everything. But when you really reflect on that one for, you know, the core songs in particular, which are staples of, you know, rock radio, classic rock radio, it is really awesome to, to this day to, to see what Black Sabbath did and was all about.

[Harry Jacobs]

There are these comparisons to, you know, satanic and cults and craziness, you know, that people concocted about Black Sabbath back then and for years, right?

[Buzz Knight]

Oh yeah.

[Harry Jacobs]

In 2005, Ray Charles won five Grammys. And at that point in 2005, Ray Charles had passed away, so he received those Grammys posthumously.

[Buzz Knight]

Always rather see them when they're alive. Get them. That's. That's all I'll say on that. You know.

[Harry Jacobs]

One of my favorite Beatles songs, All youl need is love. February 14, 1972. John and Yoko felt that all they needed was love and decided to spend their week long stay in, in bed in the presidential suite, the Amsterdam Hilton Hotel promoting world peace.

[Buzz Knight]

Pretty badass move, if you think about it.

[Harry Jacobs]

Huge, huge move. Huge move. I mean, it's, listen, it's right up there with Bob river staying on the radio for 90 days when the Baltimore Orioles were losing. I, I look at those two things similarly.

[Buzz Knight]

That's right. It's a moment.

[Harry Jacobs]

Yeah, there you go. I'll leave you with, with two more things here. February 16th, quickly. Sergeant Peppers won four Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, and it was the first rock album to win album.

[Buzz Knight]

Of the year, I would have to say my opinion, number one album of all time.

[Harry Jacobs]

You're not going to get a disagreement from me at all. And, and this album set people like Brian Wilson and Phil Spector, who we talked about in last week's episode, this set, guys like that, that were the geniuses that kind of looked at themselves as competing with each other, you know, at that time. And this set that world, especially Brian Wilson on his side when sergeant Peppers came out. And I agree. Probably the, the best album, best rock album of all time.

[Buzz Knight]

Yep.

[Harry Jacobs]

Quick last topic for this week in music history. Also, on February 16, Ike Turner was incarcerated for cocaine possession, marking yet another troubling chapter in the life of Ike Turner. I. I cannot for the life of me think of a kind thing to say. So I'm gonna listen to my mother, what she used to say, which was, if you don't have anything nice to say, Harry, say nothing at all. And I'll leave you with a final thought on Ike Turner.

[Buzz Knight]

Talented, but ugh.

[Harry Jacobs]

The ick. Just the ick factor is high.

[Buzz Knight]

Heavy ick factor. Well, Harry, thanks for wrapping up another week in music history, the week of February 10th. And thanks for checking out the Taking a Walk podcast. We are part of the iHeart PODC Podcast Network and available at Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

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