This week in Music History on the "takin ' a walk" podcast 3-24

Summary

Taking a Walk Podcast Episode Summary: Week in Music History (March 24th)

Host: Buzz Knight | Guest: Harry Jacobs | Release Date: March 24, 2025

In this engaging episode of the "Taking a Walk" podcast, host Buzz Knight teams up with music historian Harry Jacobs to explore significant events in music history that occurred during the week of March 24th. The duo delves into anniversaries of iconic albums, memorable concerts, and influential artists, providing listeners with a rich tapestry of musical insights, personal anecdotes, and expert analysis.

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1. Celebrating David Bowie's Diamond Dogs - 50th Anniversary (March 24, 1975)

Timestamp: [02:54 - 05:02]

The episode kicks off with the 50th anniversary of David Bowie's groundbreaking album, Diamond Dogs. Harry Jacobs expresses his admiration for the album, particularly highlighting the track "Rebel Rebel." He shares, "Rebel, Rebel, one of my favorites" ([03:13]).

Buzz Knight echoes this sentiment, adding, "Absolutely one of my favorites" ([03:13]). Jacobs recounts his journey as a Bowie fan, likening Bowie to Neil Young and explaining how his appreciation for Bowie's work deepened over time: "I didn't get into Bowie until I was in my 30s" ([03:19]).

The conversation shifts to Bowie's influence on other artists, with Jacobs mentioning Peter Frampton's pivotal role in revitalizing Bowie's career: "Peter Frampton... being one of the people that kind of saved his career" ([04:42]). Buzz Knight reflects on Bowie's artistic evolution, emphasizing his respect for Bowie's relentless creativity and innovation.

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2. The Beatles' Final Recording Session - 55th Anniversary (March 25, 1968)

Timestamp: [08:16 - 09:07]

Buzz Knight and Jacobs commemorate the 55th anniversary of The Beatles' final recording session at Abbey Road. They ponder the historical significance of this milestone, with Buzz musing, "Can you imagine if you were a fly in the wall during all that?" ([08:31]).

Though brief, this segment underscores the profound impact The Beatles have had on music and culture, celebrating their enduring legacy and the monumental moments that defined their illustrious career.

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3. Rush's Permanent Waves - 45th Anniversary (March 27, 1980)

Timestamp: [08:31 - 10:49]

Marking the 45th anniversary of Rush's Permanent Waves, Buzz and Jacobs delve into the album's significance within Rush's discography. They discuss standout tracks like "Spirit of Radio" and "Jacob's Ladder," recognizing the album's influence on the progressive rock genre.

Buzz Knight introduces Alex Lifeson's new project, "Envy of None," highlighting Lifeson's continued creativity and resilience after overcoming health challenges: "I found him to be absolutely exhilarating. Creatively fired up these days" ([09:07 - 09:51]).

The conversation touches on the future of Rush, with Knight expressing skepticism about a potential reunion: "I don't think we see Rush again" ([09:53]). He appreciates Lifeson's dedication to his new endeavors, emphasizing the guitarist's passion and innovative spirit.

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4. Led Zeppelin's Houses of the Holy - 50th Anniversary (March 28, 1973)

Timestamp: [10:49 - 11:12]

Buzz and Jacobs celebrate the 50th anniversary of Led Zeppelin's Houses of the Holy. They praise the album's enduring quality and its pivotal role in Led Zeppelin's esteemed catalog. Highlights include discussions on iconic tracks like "No Quarter," with Harry Jacobs stating, "Led Zeppelin is the holy Grail for me" ([10:49]).

The duo acknowledges the album's influence on rock music, appreciating its complexity and the band's unparalleled musicianship. They agree that while some tracks like "Presence" may not have resonated as strongly, the overall album remains a masterpiece.

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5. Cream's Farewell Concert Film - 55th Anniversary (March 30, 1970)

Timestamp: [08:17 - 14:15]

On the 55th anniversary of Cream's farewell concert film release, Buzz and Jacobs reflect on the legendary band's impact on rock music. They reminisce about the talents of Jack Bruce, Ginger Baker, and Eric Clapton, celebrating Cream's innovative sound and lasting legacy.

Buzz shares a personal anecdote about Ginger Baker's unexpected appearance at a Hat Shell concert in Boston during the mid-90s: "He still looked 100 in the mid-90s" ([11:54 - 12:45]). The conversation turns somber as they honor the recent passing of Bob Rivers, a guest who had appeared on the podcast. Jacobs pays tribute to Rivers' unwavering creativity despite his battle with cancer: "He was making music the week before he passed away" ([14:15]).

Buzz Knight expresses heartfelt condolences: "Rest in peace, Bob Rivers" ([14:52]), highlighting Rivers' significant contributions to music and his inspiring spirit.

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6. Notable Highlights and Personal Reflections

Throughout the episode, Buzz and Harry intertwine personal reflections with historical analysis, offering listeners a nuanced understanding of each topic. They blend factual information with heartfelt emotions, making the history come alive.

Key Quotes:

• Buzz Knight on Bowie’s Legacy: "Watching Bowie and his music evolve... you had to have great respect for his work." ([03:53])
• Harry Jacobs on Peter Frampton's Influence: "Peter Frampton... was really good soul." ([04:20])
• Buzz Knight on Rush's Future: "I found him to be so into this new project, it'd be hard to imagine, in my opinion." ([09:53])
• Harry Jacobs on Bob Rivers: "He was making music the week before he passed away... he was working on new twisted tunes." ([14:15])

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Conclusion

The episode concludes with a heartfelt tribute to Bob Rivers and a recap of the discussed anniversaries. Buzz Knight invites listeners to continue exploring music history with them, celebrating the legacies of influential artists and the timelessness of their contributions.

Listeners are encouraged to follow the "Taking a Walk" podcast for more in-depth journeys through music history, ensuring that the stories of these legendary figures continue to inspire new generations.

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This detailed summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions, notable quotes with proper attribution and timestamps, and maintaining a coherent and engaging flow for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Transcript

[Harry Jacobs]

Please welcome aboard the Johnson family. The whole fam's here for the Disney Cruise. So you know we came to play. And listen, the adults are gonna have a ball. First we're chilling in the infinity pool, onto massages at Sense's Spa, then gliding into Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge for a toast. We're even gonna kick back with Mickey on Disney's private island. That's how we get down. Cause Disney Cruise Line is where we came to play.

[Matt Rogers]

Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang just won Podcast of the Year at this year's iHeart Podcast Awards.

[Bowen Yang]

Oh wow.

[Buzz Knight]

You're kidding.

[Harry Jacobs]

Stop it.

[Matt Rogers]

Lady Gaga will take home the Innovator award at Monday's iHeartradio Music Awards. Now these iHeart Award winners are teaming up on a brand new episode of Las Culturistas.

[Buzz Knight]

Thank you so much for having me here, but please, please, please don't make.

[Bowen Yang]

Me get angry about anything in public.

[Matt Rogers]

Just open the free iHeartRadio app, search Las Culturistas and and listen now.

[Tim Harford]

45 years ago, a Virginia soul band called the Edge of Daybreak recorded their debut album Behind Bars. Record collectors consider it a masterpiece. The band's surviving members are long out of prison, but they say they have some unfinished business.

[Buzz Knight]

The Edge of Daybreak, Eyes of Love.

[Harry Jacobs]

Was supposed to have been followed up by another album.

[Tim Harford]

Listen to Soul incarcerated on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Bowen Yang]

Snakes, Zombies. Sharks. Heights. Speaking in public, the list of fears is endless. But while you're clutching your blanket in the dark, wondering if that sound in the hall was actually a footstep, the real danger is in your hand when you're behind the wheel. And while you might think a great white shark is scary, what's really terrifying and even deadly is distracted driving eyes. Don't drive distracted. Brought to you by NHTSA and the AD Council.

[Tim Harford]

Hey there Snafu listeners. I am beyond thrilled to finally share with you that this coming April my very first book is coming out and it is based on this very podcast packed with jaw dropping moments and tons of laughs. Please stop by snafu-book.com and pre order yourself a book or two or 100. Just keep them in the closet whenever you need to give out a cheeky, sophisticated gift. Take care.

[Buzz Knight]

I'm Buzz Knight, the host of the Taking a Walk podcast. And welcome to another look at this Week in Music history for the week of March 24th. And let's take a look over and give the high sign to the man at the music desk. The music history desk. Hello, Harry Jacobs.

[Harry Jacobs]

Well, it's good to be here again for the week of March 24th. Another good week. Got the 50th anniversary, David Bowie's Diamond Dogs on March 24th. Actually 1975. Great, great songs on that, not the least of which is Rebel, Rebel, one of my favorites.

[Buzz Knight]

Same here. Absolutely one of my favorites. Did you. Were you a Bowie fan at the beginning?

[Harry Jacobs]

No. It took it. Bowie was like Neil Young for me. It took a minute. There were some things that I really loved. Pinnock in Detroit. Rebel, Rebel, I always loved. There was a single version of Rebel, Rebel, which was really different, you know, than. Than the album version back when they were doing that. And I always loved that. But there were a handful of tracks I really liked a lot. And I didn't get into it and really into his music until I was in my 30s. And then I really became a, you know, a big fan of Bowie's. And I never saw him. Did you ever see him?

[Buzz Knight]

I never saw him. And I was not a fan at the beginning. I was around a bunch of folks at the. The College Station that were big fans and they were fans of Bowie. And let's just say, you know, we put Queen in there in terms of glam rock, and it wasn't. It wasn't my thing then. And ultimately, watching Bowie and his music evolve and his. His art evolve and the way he lived it, you know, right to the end, as a creator, you had to have great respect for his work and. And those who intersected his. His life and his career. Peter Frampton as an example. I mean, how Frampton's career was on the down and out. And when Bowie said, you're gonna join the touring band and be part of this, Frampton singled him out, certainly at the Rock and Roll hall of Fame as really, you know, being one of the people that kind of saved his career. So he seemed not only this tremendous creative, but a really good soul.

[Harry Jacobs]

The Ziggy Stardust thing always had me scratching my head. You know, when I was a kid, I didn't really get it. You know, there was something just, you know, a little. A little odd with that interesting fact. You're talking about Frampton. You know, who else? Another guitar. Another great guitar player who owes a lot to David Bowie. He played on the album let's Dance. Remember who played guitar on. On that album? Yes, I pick you. Buzz your hand.

[Buzz Knight]

Yes, Mr. Music History. I think I know the answer.

[Harry Jacobs]

Go ahead.

[Buzz Knight]

Stevie Ray Vaughan for 20.

[Harry Jacobs]

Yeah, you get Stevie Ray Von for 20. Is it you. You. You win? Yeah. He certainly helped a lot of people along, along the way. So he smoked like it was his job too. I don't know if you. I mean, you probably knew that, but he, you know, big. I don't know if that's what led to his. I'm sure it is what led to his demise, but. Chain smoker David Bowie. On March 24, Elvis was drafted into the army. I just watched the 68 concert and this special on him which I thought was, you know, incredible. I'm a huge Elvis fan.

[Buzz Knight]

The documentary. Yeah, the Reinvention of Elvis.

[Harry Jacobs]

Correct.

[Buzz Knight]

Oh, man. Yeah. That's the Spencer Proffer project with Steve Binder. And we had them on Taking a Walk talking about that project. What an incredible documentary that is. And the. Just the behind the scenes aspects of it, the, the crowd shots, how they found crowd members, you know, in the present day to talk to them. It was really a great documentary. And the person I didn't know a lot about was Steve Bender, who's still alive to this day, I believe is in his early 90s. And what a trailblazer he was as well. So Elvis, his own trailblazer, but certainly Mr. Bender as well. That is a great documentary and it really shines a light on Elvis in a really unique way.

[Harry Jacobs]

Yeah. Did you see the 68 Special?

[Buzz Knight]

The.

[Harry Jacobs]

That there was a. A special on it on Netflix?

[Buzz Knight]

No.

[Harry Jacobs]

Really good. Really good. A lot of, lot of surprises. You know what? I'm really fascinated by history. The older I get. And so to watch these things, especially that where, you know, there was this question about what was going on with him, you know, at, at that point, what direction he was going in the. And the whole process of how they shot it and what they did. And you know, to me, I found it fascinating. And I just love his music.

[Buzz Knight]

It's Elvis, baby.

[Harry Jacobs]

And I. I've lived in Vegas for 25 years. I've never seen an Elvis impersonator. But I was in Cabo a couple weeks ago and there was a. An Elvison person there. We went to the shows like every Tuesday night at this, you know, this resort that we went to. And it was really good. It was really, really good. I had a great time. Except, you know, when he started to talk, he had this, you know, Hispanic accent, which was, I thought was funny, but the way he sang in the band, it was just. It was raucous and it was fun.

[Buzz Knight]

Let's love it.

[Harry Jacobs]

Yeah. 55 years from the, from March 25th is the final recording session of the Beatles at Abbey Road. Pretty important date.

[Buzz Knight]

Oh yeah. It was a moment for sure. Big moment. And it's one that. Can you imagine if you were a fly in the wall during all that? My God.

[Harry Jacobs]

Would have been. Would have been something else. March 27th is the 45th anniversary of Russia's permanent waves 1980. Again, think about this today's track list day. But you know, spirit of Radio Free Will on there. Jacob's Ladder, another fantastic album for Rush. And. And you've got a little Rush, you know, Taking a Walk news too.

[Buzz Knight]

Yeah. Alex Lifeson, the great guitarist who has a new project. Actually it's a band that's had an album, an ep. So this would be their third release called Envy of None. He was excited to talk about that project and he'll be on an upcoming Taking a Walk. I found him to be absolutely exhilarating. Creatively fired up these days for the work that he's doing. I guess had recently been through some health challenges and had gone through those and solved those. So it was feeling good health wise. But what a great musician. Look forward to putting that one out and always been a big fan of Rush through their whole career.

[Harry Jacobs]

Do you think we see Rush again?

[Buzz Knight]

I don't. I don't think so. I think. I think Alex is clearly moved. I don't see it being a. Hey, let's put person X in there to fill the void. I. My heart says no. I didn't ask him the question, but I found him to be so into this new project, it'd be hard to imagine, in my opinion.

[Harry Jacobs]

Is there a reason you didn't ask him why?

[Buzz Knight]

I think I had read that he had. He had said it was great and I've moved on. So I'm pretty certain I had seen him pretty much distance himself from that. So I stayed focused on. On Envy of None, which I recommend you check out that music. It's. It's pretty cool. I wouldn't even classify it as only progressive rock. It's beyond progressive rock. It's kind of indie rock and. And it's. It's really cool sounding.

[Harry Jacobs]

Yeah. Great. Great guitar player. So. March 28, 1973. Led Zeppelin's houses of the Holy now maybe minus Presence. I love their entire catalog. Like that's. You know, Zeppelin is the. Is the holy Grail for. For me. But Houses was fantastic.

[Buzz Knight]

Oh my God. Yeah. One of my. One of my favorites. And I would agree Presence wasn't as much. But everything else ob obviously, you know, holds up in A big way.

[Harry Jacobs]

Yeah. And. And the last one for the day. March 30 marks 55 years for the Cream farewell concert film. It was released in theaters 1970. You know, when I think about how people age, I think about Cream. I think about Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker and. And how maybe not to age. You know, you look at those guys now, and it's like, oh, my goodness. That they make Keith look young.

[Buzz Knight]

Yes. Were you and I together when Ginger Baker showed up at the Hat Shell in. In Boston when we were doing one of our concerts because he happened to be in town for some, I almost want to say, rugby event or something.

[Harry Jacobs]

I don't. I would have remembered that we did a couple things at the Hat Shell together. I don't think so, but, I mean, listen, that would have been in the mid-90s, and he still looked 100 in the mid-90s.

[Buzz Knight]

He did. He did. He. It was one of these things. Some handler had told him to come over to see us, and when he came over there, I'm not sure he knew why he was there. It was, I believe our dear friend Chuck Nolan did a. An interview with him. We'll have to ask Chuck sometime, but I don't think he got much out of Ginger Baker.

[Harry Jacobs]

Right. Hey, I want to. Before we forget, you know, it's been, you know, a couple of weeks here, but you had the great Bob Rivers on. You're on Taking a Walk, and he was fantastic and. And really told some great stories, and you talked a fair amount about his battle with cancer and. And on, you know, the week of the. The 13th, he ended up passing away. And I. I want to recognize Bob, you know, as we talk today.

[Buzz Knight]

Yeah. Harry, I'm glad you mentioned that. You were reading my mind. I was gonna mention it as well. It was an honor to have Bob on, and what a great talent. What a inspiring figure for how he led certainly these last years of his life. You talk about somebody that did not let this terrible illness affect that creativity. It seems as if right to the end, he was in creative mode. Just a tremendous loss. And certainly our heart goes out to, you know, his family and friends. You know, you're one of his friends and many of the friends who are mourning the death of this great figure.

[Harry Jacobs]

Lisa and Keith and Andrew, and, you know, he. I love the expression when someone says, how was your day? And I get to say, I took the day for a ride. I filled the day up. And Bob, literally, as you just said, until the very end, he was making music. The week before he passed away. He was working on new twisted tunes and recording with his brothers. He's got a film project with Alan White from yes. So he just. He. He was going to live out his everyday like it was his last. And I love that about him and, and he was a friend. So.

[Buzz Knight]

Rest in peace, Bob Rivers. And thanks for everything that you gave us in your career and, and Harry, thanks for introducing us and reconnecting us for that past episode. So. Well, thanks, Harry, for another look at this week in music history for the week of March 24th. And thanks for listening to the Taking a Walk podcast. You can find us wherever you get your podcasts.

[Matt Rogers]

Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang just won podcast of the Year at this year's iHeart Podcast Awards.

[Bowen Yang]

Oh, wow.

[Buzz Knight]

You're kidding.

[Harry Jacobs]

Stop it.

[Matt Rogers]

Lady Gaga will take home the Innovator award at Monday's iHeartradio Music Awards. Now these iHeart Award winners are teaming up on a brand new episode of Las Culturistas.

[Buzz Knight]

Thank you so much for having me here, but please, please, please don't make.

[Bowen Yang]

Me get ang anything in public.

[Matt Rogers]

Just open the free iHeartRadio app. Search Las Culturistas and listen now.

[Tim Harford]

45 years ago, a Virginia soul band called the Edge of Daybreak recorded their debut album Behind Bars. Record collectors consider it a masterpiece. The band's surviving members are long out of prison, but they say they have some unfinished business.

[Buzz Knight]

The Edge of Daybreak as a love.

[Harry Jacobs]

Was supposed to have been followed up.

[Tim Harford]

Another app, Listen to Soul incarcerated on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Bowen Yang]

Snakes, zombies, sharks, Heights. Speaking in public, the list of fears is endless. But while you're clutching your blanket in the dark, wondering if that sound in the hall was actually a footstep, the real danger is in your hand when you're behind the wheel. And while you might think a great white shark is scary, what's really terrifying and even deadly is Distracted driving. Eyes forward. Don't drive distracted. Brought to you by NHTSA and the Ad Council.

[Tim Harford]

The legendary escapologist Harry Houdini was obsessed with the afterlife.

[Buzz Knight]

I see a little boy.

[Bowen Yang]

He is in a happy place.

[Tim Harford]

Join me, Tim Harford, for a cautionary tales trilogy on the world's most famous magician and his campaign to ban mediums that would cost him friends and leave him fearing for his life.

[Buzz Knight]

They're going to kill me.

[Tim Harford]

Listen to Cautionary tales on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Buzz Knight]

I was always around it. Hollywood saved me on this week's episode of Eating While Broke, a podcast presented by the Black Effect Podcast Network. Nick Cannon joins us to discuss his journey from teenage comedian to entertainment mogul. Now I do the super dad content with my kid and everything that people go viral for making millions of dollars on YouTube doing in the 90s. Listen to Eating While Broke from the Black Effect Podcast Network on America's number one podcast network, iHeart. Follow eating while Broke and start listening on the free iHeartRadio app today.