This week in Music History on the "takin ' a walk" podcast 4-14

Summary

Podcast Summary: "takin' a walk" – This Week in Music History (April 14, 2025)

Host: Buzz Knight
Guest: George M. Johnson
Release Date: April 14, 2025
Podcast: "takin' a walk" by iHeartPodcasts

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Introduction to the Music History Desk

Buzz Knight opens the episode by welcoming listeners to "This Week in Music History," introducing his guest, George M. Johnson, a seasoned music historian and guitar enthusiast. The duo sets the stage for a deep dive into significant music events that occurred during the week of April 14th across various years.

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The Beatles' Controversial "The Ballad of John and Yoko" (1969)

Discussion Highlights:

• Recording Insights: George reveals an intriguing fact about The Beatles' recording process for "The Ballad of John and Yoko." He shares, “The Ballad of John and Yoko featured McCartney and Lennon playing all the instruments on that song.” (04:20)

• Censorship Issues: The track faced bans from certain radio stations due to its lyrical content referencing Christ. George elaborates, “The song was banned by some radio stations because it used Christ. Christ, you know, it ain't easy.” (04:48)

• Cultural Impact: Buzz adds context about the band’s controversial statement, “I think a little after that [the song], they were more popular than... than God or Jesus or something?” (04:55) highlighting the cultural tensions of the era.

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Creedence Clearwater Revival's UK Debut and John Fogerty's Reunion (1970)

Discussion Highlights:

• Historic Performances: The band made their UK debut in 1970, performing iconic nights at the Royal Albert Hall. George reminisces, “In 1970, CCR made their debut in the United Kingdom. They did a couple nights in the Royal Albert Hall, a legendary gig from Creedence 1970.” (05:43)

• Personal Anecdotes: George shares a personal story about meeting John Fogerty, detailing their interaction and Fogerty's generosity: “He threw me a little white Fender guitar pick like the one I'm holding right now when he finished the song.” (06:32)

• Band Dynamics: The conversation touches on internal band conflicts and legal battles, particularly with Fantasy Records and John Fogerty’s relationship with his brother. George states, “There was an issue... with his brother too.” (07:56)

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The Rolling Stones' Debut Album and "Jumping Jack Flash" (1968 & 1970)

Discussion Highlights:

• Album Release: On April 16, 1968, The Rolling Stones released their self-titled debut album in the UK, marking a significant moment in rock history. George notes, “April 16, 1964, the Stones released their self-titled album in the UK.” (11:26)

• Classic Tracks: The band recorded "Jumping Jack Flash" at Olympic Studios in London on April 20, 1968. Buzz emphasizes its enduring legacy: “If you're a guitar player, you have to learn how to play it. It's a prerequisite.” (16:17)

• Musical Influence: The song’s impact on guitarists is highlighted, describing it as “a great legendary lick.” (16:20)

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Paul McCartney's Solo Debut (1970)

Discussion Highlights:

• First Solo Project: Following The Beatles' breakup, Paul McCartney released his debut solo album, "McCartney," in 1970. Buzz shares his admiration: “I thought was a great first project after the Beatles.” (12:11)

• Album Reception: George agrees, stating, “We could breeze by this. 1985, April 18, Wham...” (Note: This may be a transcript error; context suggests positive reception of McCartney’s work.)

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Wham! Breaks Ground in China (1985)

Discussion Highlights:

• Historic Performance: On April 18, 1985, Wham! became the first western pop group to perform in China. George admits, “I was not a Whammy fan. Wake me up before you go. I'm guessing you weren't as well.” (12:51)

• Cultural Significance: Despite mixed personal tastes, the group’s performance was a milestone in cultural exchange between the West and China.

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AC/DC's Brian Johnson Joins the Band (1980)

Discussion Highlights:

• Band Transition: Following Bon Scott’s death in February 1980, Brian Johnson was introduced as AC/DC's new lead singer on April 19, 1980. George outlines the swift transition: “Within a month they brought Brian Johnson in... and then within weeks of that, they were recording Back in Black right after that.” (13:30)

• Personal Connections: Buzz shares his interview experience with Brian Johnson, highlighting Johnson’s amicable nature and his interactions with other music legends like Mark Knopfler: “I thought that was a sweet interview.” (14:03)

• Legacy and Challenges: The discussion touches on Johnson's temporary departure due to hearing issues and subsequent return to the band, as well as his ongoing contributions and interests outside of music.

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Reflections on Music Legacy and Modern Releases

Discussion Highlights:

• Catalog Releases: Buzz expresses reservations about posthumous releases and artificial renditions of classic music, stating, “Trying to turn something into magic with none of the people still there.” (09:12)

• Economic Aspects: George speculates on the financial implications of artists like Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan releasing new or archival material, pondering, “Does he reap the money from that project? This was all obviously pre deal.” (10:43)

• Enduring Influence: Both hosts reflect on the lasting impact of classic bands and their music, emphasizing the importance of preserving authenticity while honoring legacies.

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Conclusion

Buzz Knight wraps up the episode by summarizing the rich week in music history covered, including landmark events and personal anecdotes shared by George M. Johnson. He thanks George for his insights and encourages listeners to tune in for future episodes of "takin' a walk," part of the iHeart Podcast Network.

“Pretty robust week. Harry Jacobs, thanks for everything on a look at the Week in music history of April 14th.” (17:06)

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Notable Quotes:

• “The Ballad of John and Yoko featured McCartney and Lennon playing all the instruments on that song.” — George M. Johnson (04:20)

• “The song was banned by some radio stations because it used Christ. Christ, you know, it ain't easy.” — George M. Johnson (04:48)

• “If you're a guitar player, you have to learn how to play it. It's a prerequisite.” — Buzz Knight (16:17)

• “Brian was referred to Angus Young by Bon Scott because he was in a band called Geordi.” — George M. Johnson (13:35)

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This episode offers a comprehensive exploration of pivotal moments in music history, enriched by personal stories and expert analysis. Whether you're a seasoned music enthusiast or a curious newcomer, Buzz Knight and George M. Johnson provide engaging narratives that illuminate the enduring legacy of some of the world's most influential musicians and bands.

Transcript

[Dennis Black]

Ever notice your dog slowing down and having health issues and wonder what can I do to make them better? Well, my friend, add rough greens to your dog's food for 90 days and I guarantee you'll see changes that will amaze you. Greetings naturopathic doctor Dennis Black, inventor of rough greens here, and I invite you to give your pup the Ruffgreens 90 Day Challenge. In the first 30 days, you'll see shinier coats and increased energy. By day 60, your dog will have a stronger immune system, less shedding, improved joint function, all due to the live nutrients that you've added to their diet. And at 90 days, better digestion, reduced inflammation, improved heart health, and you may even have reduced their cancer risk. Fetch your dog a free Jumpstart trial bag today. Go to try roughgreens.com use promo code try rough that's T R Y R U F F Go to try rough greens.com use promo code try rough use Just cover the shipping. You don't have to change your dog's food to improve your dog's health. Just add a scoop of rough greens.

[Hannah Smith]

After a crime. You read the headlines, but do you know the story?

[Pasha Eaton]

At the time that I called the police, he knew I had called him and left the house with a firearm and was texting me that he was going to use it.

[Hannah Smith]

I'm Hannah Smith. And I'm Pasha Eaton. We host the Knife, a podcast from the Exactly Right network that cuts to the heart of the story. Through in depth interviews and candid conversations, we'll bring you firsthand accounts of people living through the ripple effects of crime. Most of us don't know the legal process and because they always tell you this word, closure, I really wish people would stop using that word because there is no such thing as closure. These are the scars that are left behind. These are the voices you haven't heard. New episodes every Thursday. Listen to the knife on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Unknown Speaker]

If money is a taboo topic and nobody wants to talk about it, how can we be educated on something we're unwilling to talk about?

April is Financial Literacy Month and Black Tech Green Money is where culture meets capital. Each week I sit down with black entrepreneurs and leaders to share their blueprint for building generational wealth throughout through tech innovation and ownership.

Once we know more, we can have more. One thing we tell our clients is the more that you learn, the more that you earn. But you have to be willing to.

Learn to hear this and more. Game changing insight. Listen to black tech green Money on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Maria Tremarke]

Welcome to the Criminalia podcast. I'm Maria Tremarke.

[Holly Fry]

And I'm Holly Fry. Together we invite you into the dark and winding corridors of historical true crime.

[Maria Tremarke]

Each season we explore a new theme. From poisoners to art thieves.

[Holly Fry]

We uncover the secrets of history's most interesting figures, from legal injustices to body snatching.

[Maria Tremarke]

And tune in at the end of each episode as we indulge in cocktails and mocktails inspired by each story.

[Holly Fry]

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

[George M. Johnson]

I'm ready to fight.

[Unknown Speaker]

Oh, this is Fighting Words.

[George M. Johnson]

Okay, I'll put the hammer back.

[Unknown Speaker]

Hi, I'm George M. Johnson, a best selling author with the second most banned book in America. Now more than ever, we need to use our voices to fight back.

[George M. Johnson]

Part of the power of black queer.

[Unknown Speaker]

Creativity is the fact that we got.

Us, you know, we are the greatest.

[George M. Johnson]

Culture makers in world history.

[Unknown Speaker]

Listen to Fighting words on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast.

[George M. Johnson]

Foreign.

[Buzz Knight]

This is Buzz Knight, the host of the Taking a walk podcast, Music history on foot. And welcome to this week in music History, the week of April 14th. And we go over to the music history desk to podcaster, music fan, music maven, guitar maestro Harry Jacobs at the music history desk. What's going on, Harry?

[George M. Johnson]

Do you just pull those things out of a hat? Like, do you have a list of like you, you, you write on a little piece of paper and, and they really just hair it up and rotate? Yeah, you get a lot of them. So.

[Buzz Knight]

Yeah, I gotta add more to it though, so let me know.

[George M. Johnson]

I. I will. This is a good week, Buzz. Another good week. In 1969, Lennon and McCartney recorded the ballad of John and Yoko and a little Beatles fact that I had no idea about. The Ballad of John and Yoko featured McCartney and Lennon playing all the instruments on that song. I just learned that as I was researching the week.

[Buzz Knight]

Yeah, I didn't know that. And what was the band of the lyrical content about the ban on the.

[George M. Johnson]

Connections is the issue here. The song was banned by some radio stations, I think because it used Christ. Christ, you know, it ain't easy.

[Buzz Knight]

That's it.

[George M. Johnson]

You know, that's the. That's it. And I think at that point in time, you know, you were careful about, you know, for the Christians taking the Lord's name and, and it was, it was that. And this was Was this around the time that, that Lennon said that it was more. They were more popular than. Than God or Jesus or something?

[Buzz Knight]

I think a little after that. But nonetheless, that was always fresh in people's minds, so that's probably why as well.

[George M. Johnson]

Yeah, so. So the, the, what Buzz is alluding to is that song did get banned by some radio stations because of that content in there. But I do find it interesting that those guys played the instruments. And I knew that about McCartney, by the way. McCartney has on some of his own albums, played keyboards, played bass, played guitar, and also drums, which I had no idea he was. He had the drumming in his background.

[Buzz Knight]

The multi talented one, yeah.

[George M. Johnson]

In 1970, Credence made their debut in the United Kingdom. They did a couple nights in the Royal Albert Hall, a legendary gig from, from Creedence 1970.

[Buzz Knight]

You know, someone should do the definitive story on everything that went south for the Van Creedence Clearwater Revival.

[George M. Johnson]

You know, I'll tell you, we're doing this on, on Zoom and, and probably won't. I don't know if you put videos of this out or not, but I, I met John Fogarty. I want to hear about your experience with him too. I'm sure you've, you've had the chance to meet him, but I met him right after he was allowed to start singing the songs again. 97, 98. In that neighborhood.

[Buzz Knight]

Same here. Around that time. Okay. Yep.

[George M. Johnson]

So when I met him, I said, you know, I play guitar. And I said, you're a lot of your music. You know, who'll Stop the Rain and you know, Born on a Bayou. These were the first songs I ever taught myself how to play on the guitar. And I never. It was a really neat conversation with him. And then I never, I would never take tickets like the good tickets that the radio station would get and take advantage of them. But we had two front row tickets to that concert. And I said, these are, these are mine tonight. And he, he played like Born on the Bayou and looked down. He threw me a, you know, a little white Fender guitar pick like the one I'm holding right now when he finished the song. And I thought, that's pretty cool.

[Buzz Knight]

That is cool.

[George M. Johnson]

That's pretty cool. Tell me about your experience with him.

[Buzz Knight]

Just a tremendous, Just a gentleman, gentle emphasis as well. Saw him play a industry show at the Hard Rock in New York City. So that was a cool place to see him. And he. I think it was that period that you just described where he was just able to start doing the song. My recollection Wasn't it a big lawsuit with. With Fantasy Records. Is that right?

[George M. Johnson]

With his brother too.

[Buzz Knight]

Oh, right.

[George M. Johnson]

There was an issue. Yeah.

[Buzz Knight]

Wow.

[George M. Johnson]

And there's a. There's a version of Credence that's out. I know with, with Tom. It's Credence Clear Water Revisited or something like that, which is. No John Fogarty, which is just bad.

[Buzz Knight]

Yeah, yeah.

[George M. Johnson]

John doesn't even use the name anymore. But it was, it was a momentous thing when he could finally sing those songs. It was one of the things that had been missing from, you know, our concert, you know, ability to see live was to see him sing those songs. It was amazing to see him.

[Buzz Knight]

And he still sounds good.

[George M. Johnson]

Oh, he sounds. Sounds great. Sounds great. And those are it for people wanting to start to learn how to play guitar. Those are really easy, fun songs to play. Just three or four chord songs. So at any rate, 1970 CCR made their debut in the United Kingdom. They played the Albert hall for the first time in 1971. The Beatles won the Academy Award. I was not aware that they won that. And for best original score for Let It Be.

[Buzz Knight]

Yeah, I do know that either. No, didn't know.

[George M. Johnson]

Great movie, great album. You know, they didn't make a bad album, in my opinion. There wasn't anything that was bad that that came out.

[Buzz Knight]

The only thing that in years later I might not say bad, but put a question mark of is how the estate keeps trying to put different stuff out, redone things out, rehash things out, AI oriented things out. Those things have always, as a fan, even left me flat. You know, like I always can't help but think probably just like you, would John have wanted this? Yeah, you know, would George have wanted this? You know.

[George M. Johnson]

Interesting. Yeah. George underrated as a guitar player. You had Alex Lifeson, former, you know, guitar player from Rush, who mentioned George Harrison is one of his influences, guitar style wise. But I don't disagree with you in terms of. Of those projects that happened. Not. Not all were bad, but some have been bad.

[Buzz Knight]

Yeah. Well, the stuff that was unearthed in those projects that would be part of those collections, you know, the rarity stuff, that type of thing that I find cool. Just like we were previously talking, you know, about Springsteen releasing the newer stuff and you know, the catalog stuff Dylan's done over his career continues. So I take no issue with that. Is just trying to turn something into magic with none of the people still there.

[George M. Johnson]

Yeah, I'm curious about how it works too. I don't know. I mean, I don't know if either of us will be able to provide clarity on this. But when you've got someone like Bruce or Dylan, that puts new music out at this point, or older music. Right. So the project we mentioned in last week's discussion about the new Bruce stuff that's coming out, the tracks, I wonder if that music falls under his old deal. Right. He sold his catalog for half a billion $500 million Bruce got for it. Does he reap the money from. From that project? This was all obviously pre deal. I wonder how he gets paid on. On that. I'm curious about that.

[Buzz Knight]

I'd be curious too. You have to think that when those, you know, the big deal was signed off on that there was a road map knowing this is coming out or this is coming out. So yeah, it had to be valued somehow, I would guess, you know.

[George M. Johnson]

Yeah. Interesting. April 16, 1964, the Stones released their self titled album in the UK. Their. Their debut, obviously, you know, post Beatles. Beatles were first to the races and.

[Buzz Knight]

And Stones after the fact, but still fairly badass.

[George M. Johnson]

Oh yeah, absolutely. In 1970, Paul McCartney released McCartney, which was, you know, something that marked his departure from the Beatles right after the breakup. His first project was just McCartney, which.

[Buzz Knight]

I thought was a great first project after the Beatles.

[George M. Johnson]

Yeah, I agree completely. We could breeze by this. 1985, April 18, Wham. Became the first western pop group to play in China. I was not a Whammy fan. Wake me up before you go. I'm guessing you weren't as well. Okay. Anyway, I can guess by your silence that I've probably even gone to the wrong topic. This may not even make the air. No, it should. Is there even air at this point? It's okay. All right, fair enough. For the record, I am not a Wham Fan. And by Buzz's silence, I guess he's not as well. I'll speak for Buzz.

[Buzz Knight]

I would never call you a Wham fan.

[George M. Johnson]

Okay, thank you. There you go. I appreciate that. April 19, 1980, Brian Johnson debuted as AC DC's lead singer. Now, there's conflicting information about this. I did a lot of research on this this morning because Bon Scott died in February, the 19th of February in 1980. And within a month they brought Brian Johnson in the. This is an interesting fact. I had never heard this the way that Angus Young heard about Brian Johnson. Do you know how that happened? You know, because you had Brian Johnson on here.

[Buzz Knight]

Yeah, I mean I had a short interview with him. I had like a tip in it hit with him, but I'm not sure.

[George M. Johnson]

Brian was referred to Angus Young by Bon Scott because he was in a band called. I don't know if I'm even pronouncing this right, but Geordi G O R D I E in. In the United Kingdom. So Bon Scott had told Angus, hey, this guy's great. He's something else. And they had done a version of Whole Lot of Rosie. That's how that connection was made between Bon Scott and Brian Johnson.

[Buzz Knight]

That's pretty cool.

[George M. Johnson]

Yeah.

[Buzz Knight]

If you want to see something cool with Brian Johnson, you've probably seen it. You might have turned me on to it. This little, like, YouTube TV show that. That he does or has done where he interviews people. The one in particular that I just thought was so wonderful was Brian Johnson interviewing the great Mark Knopfler. What an enjoyable. Just watch. And, you know, mutual admiration society. Two somewhat unlikely guys to be together. But I thought that was a sweet interview.

[George M. Johnson]

It was great. And two other unlikely people to be together, Brian Johnson and Robert Plant, because that's out there, too. That may be what I had sent you to catch your attention.

[Buzz Knight]

Right. Which is great also. Yeah. Wonderful.

[George M. Johnson]

Yeah.

[Buzz Knight]

Yep.

[George M. Johnson]

Interesting. So, anyway, that's the Brian Johnson thing. So the way that everything came together for me to get this little piece connected to April 19 is that there was a concert apparently in Belgium, which I'm having a tough time verifying, but. But it literally all came together at the same time in 1980, in. In the spring, March or April, between Bon Scott dying in February, Brian Johnson being auditioned the next month, and then within weeks of that, they did the concert in Belgium, and then they were recording Back in Black right after that. So it all happened in a very tight window of time.

[Buzz Knight]

Yep. And Ryan is still kicking it to this day, man.

[George M. Johnson]

Now, they tossed him for a while and then put what's his face from Guns N Roses, Axl Rose. So, yeah, Axl Rose replaced him for a while. There was an issue with his hearing.

[Buzz Knight]

That's right. That's right.

[George M. Johnson]

And. And the word was they tossed him, but then they ended up taking him back in. ACDC is actually out now. Oh, yeah.

[Buzz Knight]

It'd be great to see them. Yeah. And what happened is he got the right, you know, technology for his hearing. I think he. I think he even came to see a doctor in the Boston area, possibly to help him with the proper hearing aid and everything, and. And really, you know, brightened up his. His life, understandably.

[George M. Johnson]

He lives in the US at least part time. He's got a home in Florida.

[Buzz Knight]

Florida, Yep. And big into racing cars. Or whatever.

[George M. Johnson]

That's right.

[Buzz Knight]

I hope, I hope not too fast.

[George M. Johnson]

April 20, 1968, the stones recorded Jumping Jack Flash at Olympic Studios in London. That song hit number one in the UK and number three in the US One of those songs you have to. If you're a guitar player, you have to learn how to play it. It's a prerequisite. But just a great legendary lick.

[Buzz Knight]

Oh, yeah. I mean, just to this day, one of the great songs to, you know, drive down the road and listen to.

[George M. Johnson]

Yes.

[Buzz Knight]

Crank up and it still sounds awesome.

[George M. Johnson]

Yeah. We were talking about the Stones playlist for a drive. That's definitely one. That's. That's on there. So that will conclude this week in Music history. We close up the desk. Until next time.

[Buzz Knight]

Pretty robust week. Harry Jacobs, thanks for everything on a look at the the Week in music history of April 14th. And thanks for listening to the Taking a Walk podcast. We are part of the I Heart Podcast Network.

[Dennis Black]

Ever notice your dog slowing down and having health issues and wonder, what can I do to make them better? Well, my friend, add rough greens to your dog's food for 90 days and I guarantee you'll see changes that will amaze you. Greetings naturopathic doctor Dennis Black, inventor of ruffgreens here, and I invite you to give your pup the Ruff Greens 90 day challenge. In the first 30 days, you'll see shinier coats and increased energy. By day 60, your dog will have a stronger immune system, less shedding, improved joint function, all due to the live nutrients that you've added to their diet. And at 90 days, better digestion, reduced inflammation, improved heart health, and you may even have reduced their cancer risk. Fetch your dog a free Jumpstart trial bag today. Go to try rough greens.com use promo code. Try rough. That's T R Y R U F F. Go to try rough greens.com use promo code. Try rough. You just cover the shipping. You don't have to change your dog's food to improve your dog's health. Just add a scoop of ruff greens.

[Hannah Smith]

A crime makes headlines. People talk about it for a few days. Then it disappears. But for the people left behind, their story is just beginning.

[Pasha Eaton]

But at night, we hear the garage opening and my son hears it. We freak out. Honestly, I didn't tell my son this, but I felt that was it.

[Hannah Smith]

From the exactly right network. This is the Knife. Real stories of crime's ripple effects told by those who lived them. New episodes every Thursday. Listen to the knife on the iHeartRadio app. Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Unknown Speaker]

If money is a taboo topic and nobody wants to talk about it, how can we be educated on something we're unwilling to talk about?

April is Financial Literacy Month and Black Tech Green Money is where culture meets capital. Each week I sit down with black entrepreneurs and leaders to share their blueprint for building generational wealth through tech innovation and ownership.

Once we know more, we can have more. One thing we tell our clients is the more that you learn, the more that you earn. But you have to be willing to.

Learn to hear this and more game changing insight. Listen to Black Tech Green Money on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Maria Tremarke]

Welcome to the Criminalia Podcast. I'm Maria Tremarke.

[Holly Fry]

And I'm Holly Fry. Together we invite you into the dark and winding corridors of historical true crime.

[Maria Tremarke]

Each season we explore a new theme. From poisoners to art thieves, we uncover.

[Holly Fry]

The secrets of history's most interesting figures, from legal injustices to body snatching.

[Maria Tremarke]

And tune in at the end of each episode as we indulge in cocktails and mocktails inspired by each story.

[Holly Fry]

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

[George M. Johnson]

I'm ready to fight.

[Unknown Speaker]

Oh, this is Fighting Words.

[George M. Johnson]

Okay, I'll put the hammer back.

[Unknown Speaker]

Hi, I'm George M. Johnson, a best sell author with the second most banned book in America. Now more than ever, we need to use our voices to fight back.

[George M. Johnson]

Part of the power of black queer.

[Unknown Speaker]

Creativity is the fact that we got us.

You know, we are the greatest culture.

[George M. Johnson]

Makers in world history.

[Unknown Speaker]

Listen to Fighting Words on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.