Podcast Summary: "takin' a walk" – This Week in Music History

Episode Details

• Title: This Week in Music History on the "takin' a walk" podcast
• Host: Buzz Knight
• Guest: Harry Jacobs
• Release Date: January 13, 2025

Introduction to the Music History Desk

At [02:18], Buzz Knight introduces the episode's focus on music history for the week of January 13th. He is joined by his friend Harry Jacobs, a seasoned media personality and rock aficionado. Together, they delve into significant events in music that occurred during this week across different years, blending insightful discussions with nostalgic reflections.

Johnny Cash’s "At Folsom Prison" Anniversary

Buzz kicks off the conversation by highlighting the release anniversary of Johnny Cash's iconic album "At Folsom Prison," which originally dropped in January 1968. He remarks, “Johnny Cash’s presence at a prison was a groundbreaking move back then” [03:00], emphasizing Cash's influence beyond the country genre, notably on rock musicians like Bruce Springsteen.

Harry adds depth to the discussion by recalling his conversation with Jelly Roll, another artist with a criminal past, who expressed immense respect for Cash’s authenticity. Harry mentions, “Jelly Roll leaned in terms of what a badass Johnny Cash was” [04:19], underlining the profound impact Cash had on his peers.

The Raw Image of Johnny Cash

The hosts reminisce about one of their favorite images of Johnny Cash—the infamous photograph where Cash is giving the finger to the camera. Buzz reflects, “He looks really angry and that's really describes the times, right, that we were in at that time” [05:00], tying the image to the turbulent social climate of 1968.

Pete Townsend and the Rainbow Concert Supporting Eric Clapton

Shifting to [05:26], Buzz discusses the 1973 Rainbow Concert organized by Pete Townsend to support Eric Clapton during his struggles with drug addiction. He notes, “Eric Clapton was really at the height of his drug use, was really struggling” [05:00], and explains the significance of the concert as a spontaneous "jam session" rather than a highly produced event.

Harry reminisces about the concert's reception, mentioning, “When the Rainbow concert was released, I think it was received fairly tepidly” [06:22], suggesting that the performances didn’t capture the magic expected from such legendary artists at that time.

The Rolling Stones and the Ed Sullivan Show Incident

At [08:46], Buzz brings up the Rolling Stones' appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1967, where they were asked to change the lyrics of “Let’s Spend the Night Together” to “Let's Spend Some Time Together” due to the conservative broadcasting standards. He muses, “This was the beginning, you know, of time for them, in a sense” [09:57], highlighting the early challenges the band faced in mainstream media.

Harry humorously speculates on whether Mick Jagger or Keith Richards have ever discussed this incident, replying, “I have not. But, you know, there's so many incidents with the Stones. That's why we love them” [09:37], showcasing the enduring legacy and myriad stories surrounding the band.

Paul McCartney’s 1980 Tokyo Arrest

Buzz shifts to a more recent event from January 16, 1980, when Paul McCartney was arrested in Tokyo for marijuana possession. He reflects, “Imagine that bag of weed he gets nine days in Tokyo” [10:44], drawing a parallel to today's more accepting attitudes towards marijuana.

Harry comments on the situation, stating, “It caused a lot of misery for Paul at that time and certainly cost him a few bucks along the way for that delay” [10:44], emphasizing the personal and professional repercussions McCartney faced due to the incident.

The Beatles’ Songwriting Inspiration

Buzz introduces an intriguing fact related to The Beatles, revealing that a January 17, 1967 article in the Daily Mail about potholes in Blackburn and the death of Guinness heir Terror Brown inspired lyrics for the song “A Day in the Life.” He shares, “Their songwriting genius... scanning every possible source for some inspiration” [12:02], celebrating Lennon and McCartney's knack for drawing inspiration from diverse and unexpected places.

Johnny Rotten’s Exit from the Sex Pistols

At [12:02], Buzz discusses the notorious departure of Johnny Rotten from the Sex Pistols in 1978. He recounts, “They said he wasn't weird enough” [12:14], a statement he finds amusingly paradoxical given the band’s punk ethos. Harry humorously reflects, “That's hysterical... Isn't that the definition of punk anyway? Getting kicked out of a band” [12:22], highlighting the rebellious nature synonymous with punk culture.

Historical Pop Culture Highlight: The Boston Molasses Flood

Concluding the episode, Buzz shifts to a historical event outside the music realm—the Great Molasses Flood in Boston on January 15, 1919. He narrates, “21 people actually died in that and 150 were injured” [13:06], sharing the tragic and bizarre nature of the disaster. Harry adds a local perspective, noting the enduring traffic woes in Boston, “To this day, it's still hellacious in Boston” [13:18], linking past and present challenges of the city.

Closing Remarks

The episode wraps up with Buzz summarizing the discussed events, stating, “There you go. There's the week.” [13:32], and Harry thanking Buzz for the engaging discussion. They encourage listeners to tune into future episodes for more deep dives into music history.

Notable Quotes:

• Buzz Knight [03:00]: “Johnny Cash’s presence at a prison was a groundbreaking move back then.”
• Harry Jacobs [04:19]: “Jelly Roll leaned in terms of what a badass Johnny Cash was.”
• Buzz Knight [05:00]: “He looks really angry and that really describes the times, right, that we were in at that time.”
• Buzz Knight [12:14]: “They said he wasn't weird enough.”
• Harry Jacobs [12:22]: “That's hysterical... Isn't that the definition of punk anyway? Getting kicked out of a band.”

Conclusion This episode of "takin' a walk" masterfully traverses key moments in music history that coincide with the week of January 13th, weaving together stories from different decades. Host Buzz Knight and guest Harry Jacobs provide insightful commentary and engaging anecdotes, enriched by notable quotes and personal reflections. Whether you're a long-time listener or new to the podcast, this episode offers a captivating exploration of music's past and its enduring legacy.