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

Summary

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

Episode Information:

• Title: This Week in Music History
• Podcast: takin' a walk
• Host: Buzz Knight
• Author: iHeartPodcasts
• Release Date: January 27, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of takin' a walk, host Buzz Knight collaborates with Harry Jacobs, a radio professional and self-described musicologist, to delve into significant events in music history that occurred during the week of January 27th. The discussion spans various decades, highlighting landmark moments, influential artists, and pivotal releases that have shaped the musical landscape.

Key Historical Events Discussed

1. "We Are the World" Recording - January 28, 1985

Buzz and Harry explore the monumental effort behind the recording of "We Are the World," emphasizing the collaboration of legendary artists to create a philanthropic anthem.

• Buzz Knight [03:31]: "The documentary The Greatest Night in Pop was an incredible watch to really get the behind the scenes and the flavor of it."
• Harry Jacobs [04:10]: "Think about Lionel Richie coaching Bob Dylan on how to sing like Bob Dylan."

Insights:

• The event was a massive coordination effort involving superstars like Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner, and Bruce Springsteen.
• Despite its success, there were moments of tension, such as Waylon Jennings walking out, illustrating the complexity of managing such high-profile talents.

2. The Beatles' Final Live Performance - February 1, 1969

The duo reflects on The Beatles' impromptu rooftop concert, marking the band's last live performance.

• Buzz Knight [05:15]: "It's fascinating thinking about the length of that concert. It's about 15 minutes longer than the concerts they used to play at places like Shea Stadium."
• Harry Jacobs [05:36]: "They would show up somewhere at, you know, something like Shea and play for 30 minutes. That was it."

Insights:

• The rooftop concert was a unique and extended performance compared to their typical shows, offering fans a rare and memorable experience.
• The documentary Get Back (referred to as Get Back through [05:44]) provides an in-depth look at this significant moment.

3. Led Zeppelin's First British TV Appearance - January 31, 1970

Discussion centers on Led Zeppelin's performance of "Whole Lotta Love" on the BBC and the subsequent disappearance of the footage.

• Harry Jacobs [05:54]: "They released it became the number one seller because of the Princess Diana tribute that."
• Buzz Knight [06:30]: "They must have put a paywall up or something that requires you to have to pay to see it."

Insights:

• The performance is iconic yet inaccessible due to the BBC removing the footage, sparking curiosity and speculation among fans.
• The hosts lament the fractured relationship between band members, particularly between Jimmy Page and Robert Plant, which hinders potential reunions.

4. David Bowie's First US Visit - January 27, 1971

Buzz and Harry discuss Bowie's influential time in New York, interacting with Andy Warhol and Lou Reed, which inspired the creation of Ziggy Stardust.

• Buzz Knight [10:00]: "There's some great photos from that era... sharing creative moments that shaped the direction of rock."

Insights:

• Bowie’s immersion in the New York art scene was pivotal in developing his alter ego, Ziggy Stardust, blending music with avant-garde artistry.
• The interactions with prominent figures like Warhol and Reed played a significant role in shaping his innovative style.

5. The Clash's London Calling Release - January 29, 1979

An in-depth analysis of The Clash's seminal album, focusing on its blend of punk, new wave, and reggae influences.

• Harry Jacobs [10:36]: "It was like a hidden track, right?"
• Buzz Knight [11:54]: "Challenging musical styles that pushed boundaries."

Insights:

• London Calling is celebrated for its eclectic mix and raw energy, making it one of the greatest albums in rock history.
• The album's diversity in sound, including tracks like "Train in Vain" and "Lost in the Supermarket," showcases The Clash's versatility and willingness to experiment.

6. Elton John's "Candle in the Wind" - 1997

The discussion highlights the unprecedented success of Elton John’s tribute to Princess Diana, originally penned for Marilyn Monroe.

• Harry Jacobs [12:26]: "It became the best-selling single of all time."
• Buzz Knight [12:57]: "Elton's ability to craft pop hits put a spotlight on him in a different way."

Insights:

• The reimagining of "Candle in the Wind" for Princess Diana elevated Elton John's artistry, blending heartfelt lyrics with universal appeal.
• The song's transformation underscores the power of music to adapt and resonate across different contexts and eras.

7. Whitney Houston's Super Bowl 30 Performance - January 27, 1991

Buzz and Harry reflect on Houston's iconic rendition of the "Star-Spangled Banner" and the subsequent "wardrobe malfunction" incident.

• Harry Jacobs [13:08]: "It was an awkward moment as a parent, for sure."
• Buzz Knight [13:43]: "It had ripple effects on broadcast media regarding censorship and delays."

Insights:

• Whitney Houston's powerful performance remains a standout moment in Super Bowl history, showcasing her vocal prowess.
• The incident with Janet Jackson led to significant changes in media regulations and heightened awareness of live broadcast standards.

8. Billy Joel's 52nd Street Release - January 27, 1979

The release of Billy Joel's album is celebrated, particularly the song "Big Shot."

• Harry Jacobs [14:41]: "One of the greatest lines in pop music: 'you wake up in the morning with your head on fire and your eyes too bloody to see.'"

Insights:

• 52nd Street solidified Billy Joel's place in pop music, with "Big Shot" exemplifying his ability to blend catchy melodies with sharp, narrative lyrics.
• The album's enduring popularity highlights Joel's talent for creating relatable and enduring music.

9. Paris Peace Accord - January 27, 1973

The episode touches on the conclusion of the Vietnam War and its lasting impact.

• Harry Jacobs [16:17]: "There was no winning it."
• Buzz Knight [16:43]: "A lot of suffering."

Insights:

• The end of the Vietnam War marked a significant moment in history, with profound effects on veterans and society.
• Although primarily a political event, its inclusion underscores the interplay between historical events and their influence on the music and culture of the time.

10. Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood Final Episode

A heartfelt reflection on the final airing of the beloved children's program and the accompanying documentary.

• Harry Jacobs [15:02]: "He did fresh episodes for years... important to continue his teachings about being a good person."
• Buzz Knight [15:28]: "It defines compassion."

Insights:

• Mr. Rogers' unwavering commitment to kindness and education left a lasting legacy, emphasizing the impact of media on personal development.
• The documentary offers an emotional perspective on Fred Rogers' life and philosophy, resonating deeply with listeners.

Conclusion

In this episode, Buzz Knight and Harry Jacobs traverse a rich tapestry of music history, uncovering stories that highlight the evolution of music, the personalities behind iconic moments, and the cultural contexts that shaped them. From legendary performances and groundbreaking releases to significant historical events intertwined with music, the discussion provides a comprehensive and engaging exploration for both avid music enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.

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Notable Quotes:

• Buzz Knight [03:31]: "The documentary The Greatest Night in Pop was an incredible watch to really get the behind the scenes and the flavor of it."
• Harry Jacobs [04:10]: "Think about Lionel Richie coaching Bob Dylan on how to sing like Bob Dylan."
• Buzz Knight [05:15]: "It's fascinating thinking about the length of that concert. It's about 15 minutes longer than the concerts they used to play at places like Shea Stadium."
• Harry Jacobs [10:36]: "It was like a hidden track, right?"
• Harry Jacobs [12:26]: "It became the best-selling single of all time."
• Harry Jacobs [15:02]: "He did fresh episodes for years... important to continue his teachings about being a good person."
• Buzz Knight [16:43]: "A lot of suffering."

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Recommended Listening: For those who enjoyed this deep dive into music history, consider exploring other episodes of takin' a walk available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or your preferred podcast platform.

Transcript

[Bobby Bones]

Hey, it's Bobby Bones. Join me and former NFL quarterback Matt Castle every Wednesday for our new podcast, Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle. Between us, we have over 17,500 passing yards, multiple New York Times bestsellers, and one mirrorball trophy from Dancing with the Star. So where else are you going to find a show with that much athleticism and football insight? We talk sports, but we talk pop culture and music and a little bit of everything. Listen to Lots to Say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Maria Tremarki]

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

[Holly Fry]

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

[Maria Tremarki]

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 Tremarki]

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

[Holly Fry]

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

[Jon Stewart]

Jon Stewart is back in the host chair at the Daily show, which means he's also back in our ears on the Daily Show Ears Edition podcast. Join late night legend Jon Stewart and the best news team for today's biggest headlines, exclusive extended interviews and more. Now, this is the second term we can all get behind. Listen to the Daily Show Ears edition on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Matt]

Joel, the holidays are a blast, but the financial hangover? That can be a huge bummer. If you are out there and you're dreading the new statement email that reveals the massive balance that you may have racked up. Well, you could use our help.

[Joel]

That's right. I'm Joel.

[Matt]

And I am Matt and we're from.

[Joel]

The how to Money podcast. Our show is all about helping you make sense of your personal finances so you can ditch your pesky credit car, our debt once and for all, make real progress on other crucial financial goals that you've got, and just feel more in control of your money in general.

[Matt]

You know it for money advice without the judgment and jargon. Listen to how to Money on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Buzz Knight]

I'm Buzz Knight, the host of the Take in a Walk podcast, Music History on Foot. Well, sort of. And welcome to another episode of this week in for the week of January 27th and we go to the music history desk to my main man, radio pro, former radio programmer, self described musicologist Harry Jacobs at the music history desk. Hello Harry.

[Harry Jacobs]

Us good to, good to be here. And we've got a couple of, couple of good ones for this week, the week of January 27th. So I'm, I'm excited about this one.

[Buzz Knight]

Good. Let's let it roll in.

[Harry Jacobs]

In 1985, January 28, they recorded We Are the World which was, you know, monster deal. We, we spoke a little bit about, you know, about, about this in, in the past. But this was a huge deal to organize. Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, these were the, you know, the monsters at the time. Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen. It was just a who's who of music and a tremendous benefit. Harry Belafonte actually had, had organized the entire thing. But Michael Jackson was deeply involved in it.

[Buzz Knight]

The documentary the Greatest Night and Pop was an incredible watch to really get the behind the scenes and the flavor of it. And you really just saw, you know, who was kind of leading that whole charge. Lionel Richie was pretty amazing in terms of the way he kind of led things. I also got to ask John Oates about it I believe as well, maybe even Daryl too if I'm not mistaken about their, you know, vibe of that whole, that whole evening. So yeah, it was a, an incredible, you know, scene there, no doubt. And it had little pockets of drama everywhere. Right.

[Harry Jacobs]

And had some humor. Think about Lionel Richie coaching Bob Dylan on how to sing like Bob Dylan.

[Buzz Knight]

Oh yeah. I mean Bob was the most uncomfortable person there. No doubt.

[Harry Jacobs]

Next to, next to Bruce, it was Bob. They were fish out of water. And I forget who it was but one of the big country, you know.

[Buzz Knight]

Guys walked out, Waylon Jenning. He, Waylon could not deal with it and I think way said he thinks maybe Waylon regretted that move like walking out of that.

[Harry Jacobs]

I'm sure after it came out and it was the monster hit that it was, he thought to himself, son of.

[Buzz Knight]

A gun, I should, yeah, I messed up.

[Harry Jacobs]

I, I, I misplayed that. February 1, 1969, the Beatles performed their final live, live concert. It was the Rooftop in London. This was an impromptu performance. It was almost 45 minutes long. You know, the full concert. More of the footage was released on that and that Peter Jackson let it be. It's amazing to, to see that.

[Buzz Knight]

Oh yeah, just incredible. And it's fascinating thinking about the length of that, that concert. It's about 15 minutes longer than the concerts they used to play at like Shea Stadium. And places like that.

[Harry Jacobs]

Isn't that incredible? Think about that. They would show up somewhere at, you know, something like Shea and play for 30 minutes. That was it.

[Buzz Knight]

That's it.

[Harry Jacobs]

Bang through their two and a half minute songs. And. And that's the end of that.

[Buzz Knight]

Yeah.

[Harry Jacobs]

And.

[Buzz Knight]

And no one could hear anything, I guess.

[Harry Jacobs]

Get back was the 2021 documentary, which.

[Buzz Knight]

Was fascinating to watch. Just. I loved every bit of it. Some people thought it was too long, whatever. I just. I dug the whole thing.

[Harry Jacobs]

January 31, 1970, Led Zeppelin played Whole Lot of Love live on TV. Their first ever British TV appearance on, on the BBC. And that song would, you know, later go on to, to become one of the most iconic Zeppelin songs. I can't find footage of that. I used to be able to find footage of that. For whatever reason, I think the BBC removed that appearance of, of them doing Whole Lot of Love. There's all kinds of appearances in 1970 of Zeppelin playing A Whole Lot of Love in all kinds of places, including the Royal Albert Hall. But the BBC footage is. Is now gone.

[Buzz Knight]

They must have put a paywall up or something that requires you to have to pay to see it. You know, that's all I could think about. And Jimmy Page just, you know, over the recent days, celebrating a birthday, you talk about someone. Well, he and Robert Plant aging gracefully, you know, with such, such dignity. So it's great to see those guys, you know, looking great. And, you know, Jimmy seems like he's not up to that much as far as music. Robert obviously is up to a lot of things, but. Well, you can't deny the monster known as Led Zeppelin. Right, Jimmy?

[Harry Jacobs]

You know, this is a. This is a. An area where, where there's contention between the two of them because Jimmy wanted to take that reunion that they did at the O2 and go on the road. That's what the plan was, was to go and make that show, the launch of a tour and do, you know, a dozen shows all over the world which would have been monster money makers. Just. Can you imagine them getting back together at that time and doing shows?

[Buzz Knight]

No, I. I could imagine it, yeah.

[Harry Jacobs]

But.

[Buzz Knight]

So you're saying that you think the relationship to this day is. Is a little fractured?

[Harry Jacobs]

I think it's a little fractured because Robert doesn't want to sing those songs. And Jimmy and John and certainly Jason Bonham at this point. Jason Bonham's just happy to be along for the ride. But Jimmy and John were game to go out on the road and be Zeppelin again. Robert didn't want to do it.

[Buzz Knight]

I kind of side with Robert. It's like, if you don't want to sing those songs anymore, then because you're happier playing with Alison Krauss, then, you know, hey, man, that's the way that sort of goes, you know.

[Harry Jacobs]

At what point do you think to yourself, think about that money piece, but how many people it would attract? Think about how many millions of fans around the globe would pay to see you sing those songs. It's not worth, if nothing else, to fill your own ego, to fill stadiums, to fill. I mean, isn't there something that.

[Bobby Bones]

I don't know.

[Buzz Knight]

Yeah. I mean, some would do it, right, and. And some have no problem having one surviving member part of the band with, you know, three others being not original members. It's so interesting to see how that all rolls out. For a lot of bands, I think it's a, you know, a money grab when it's. It's too far from what the original really is. But nonetheless, I. I think both of them, Robert and Jimmy, in their own way, you know, are aging gracefully, you know, and. And I have to say that I.

[Harry Jacobs]

I would love to see, you know, it's not going to happen now, but I'd love to see it. I would love to have seen it. I would have flown anywhere to go.

[Buzz Knight]

To go do that. Yep.

[Harry Jacobs]

January 27, 1971, David Bowie came to the US for the first time, and he wasn't allowed to perform because there was a work visa issue. So he could come visit, but he couldn't work. So he spent time in New York, hung out with, you know, these relationships, you know, Andy Warhol and Lou Reed. And those relationships ended up influencing Ziggy Stardust.

[Buzz Knight]

There's some great photos, too, of that era, you know, from a number of. Of distinguished photographers, you know, Andy and Lou and Bowie, you know, huddling, you know, over a cocktail or whatever. So you can't find, you know, anything cooler than that. If you think about the beginnings of. Of what Bowie would create with ziggy.

[Harry Jacobs]

You know, January 29, 1979, the Clash released London Calling. This was a. An epic. But think about what the. Remember what the hit song was from that, right?

[Buzz Knight]

Train In Vain.

[Harry Jacobs]

In Vain. Oh, yeah, you remember that? You couldn't find the. That listed in the tracks on the album. It was like a hidden track, right?

[Buzz Knight]

Yes, it was. That's right. That's right.

[Harry Jacobs]

She's so strange.

[Buzz Knight]

What was so interesting about all that? And I think we touched on this in a previous episode, you know, there was the emergence Of. Of, you know, what we would call sort of. Sort of new wave there. Right. And. And out of that came, you know, certain real pop sounds. And then out of new wave would come a blend of new wave and punk that would come out. And that was sort of how I would characterized the Clash. So they were viewed, I think as this way different entity because they were way different the sound of the rebellion. And then the more you would sort of get in and dig into it, it was this different coolness factor to what the Clash was about. You know, just that. That raw nastiness. And I think over time people started deciphering it style wise. You know, it was the. The reggae aspect of it and the rockabilly aspect as well. So one of the great albums for sure ever.

[Harry Jacobs]

And you. You kind of. Two last thoughts. You think about the. The difference in sound on that same album of a song like London Calling and then Train in Vain, which I want to say they. They almost hid because they thought it sounded too poppy. Is that the story behind.

[Buzz Knight]

I'm not sure. I'm not sure about that. Maybe you might be right. Wasn't also that other one on London Calling that was sort of a. A cool deep track. Lost in the Supermarket.

[Harry Jacobs]

You're the deep track guy. I. I don't. I don't know. Lost in the Supermarket.

[Buzz Knight]

Check it out.

[Harry Jacobs]

Well, I will. A couple of other things of note. Elton John's Candle in the Wind became the best selling single of all time in 1997. Think about when that album actually came out. That was part of Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, you know, in. In the. In the 70s. Right. And it became the number one seller because of the Princess Diana tribute that. That song ended up being 1973. It came out originally and song about Marilyn Monroe.

[Buzz Knight]

Yeah. And you know, Elton with his ability to. To craft pop. Pop hits. He. That really put a spotlight on Elton in a different way when that happened.

[Harry Jacobs]

Did Whitney Houston Star Spangled Banner performance happened at Super Bowl 30. January 27, 1991. Think about how moving that was. Remember watching that live?

[Buzz Knight]

Yeah. Well, what a performer she was. You know.

[Harry Jacobs]

Became a. They released it became a top 20 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 at the time. Time as well. And this also was the week you can't talk about the Super Bowls and history in pop and moments without thinking about the wardrobe malfunction. Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson. Remember the exposure issue and.

[Buzz Knight]

Oh yeah, yeah. I was watching it with my daughter. I remember. And that was. We were like, oops, what just happened? How do you explain to. Let's see, how old would my daughter been then? She was seven or eight years old, I guess then. So it was an awkward moment as a parent, for sure. But what that, that would yield also would be a lot of change in what broadcast media had to be considering when it came to, you know, not violating certain. Certain things, what they needed to censor, you know, the importance of. Of delays. So that had ripple effects, really, when it came to, you know, the way media had to behave themselves, basically. So that was. That was quite a moment and one that still to this day, I think, has impact.

[Harry Jacobs]

Yeah. Interesting and true. Billy Joel released 52nd street this week in 1979. Big Shot's one of my favorite songs. It's got the greatest line, to me, one of the greatest lines in pop music, which is you wake up in the morning with your head on fire and your eyes too bloody to see.

[Buzz Knight]

Yeah, right. Mr. Big Shot.

[Harry Jacobs]

Yeah. Two other things of note, one, a new story. I'll give you the kind of sappy one first, and then we'll talk the new story and wrap it up. But this is the week that the final episode of Mr. Rogers Neighborhood aired. And, you know, I remember watching it when, When I was young. But what I remember, and it was incredibly emotional, was the documentary that they made about Mr. Rogers. Did you ever. Did you see that?

[Buzz Knight]

No, someone recommended it. I didn't. So you're the second one who recommended it. So I should see it.

[Harry Jacobs]

It made me a. Because I watched it when I was a kid and he was just like. When you listen to his message, you know, he. This, you know, just his manner, his personality, his being. It just made me so emotional to watch him talk about what that was like. He did fresh episodes for years. He didn't have to think about the generations. You know, every. Every three or four years, they could have ran reruns and run the same programming. But it was important to him to. To continue his teachings about being a good person. Right. And there's just so much for us to learn. It may. I'd be curious on your take on, on. It made me emotional to watch that.

[Buzz Knight]

Yeah, I'll check it out. But you can't deny, you know, it defines compassion, right?

[Harry Jacobs]

Yeah, absolutely. And this is the week the Paris Peace Accord basically ended the Vietnam War, January 27, 1973. That was, that was the end of our involvement, the US's involvement in that. And that was a war that, like many, there was. There was no winning it.

[Buzz Knight]

And a lot of, lot of suffering.

[Harry Jacobs]

You know, those poor vets came back from, from Vietnam and didn't. Didn't get what they. What they should have.

[Buzz Knight]

Yeah, you got that right. Well, thanks for listening to this episode of this week in music History. Thank you, Harry Jacobs. And you can check out the Taking a Walk podcast at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Bobby Bones]

Hey, it's Bobby Bones. Join me and former NFL quarterback Matt Castle every Wednesday for our new podcast, Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle. Between us, we have over 17,500 passing yards, multiple New York Times bestsellers, and one mirrorball trophy from Dancing with the Star. So where else you can find a show with that much athleticism and football insight? We talk sports, but we talk pop culture and music and a little bit of everything list had a lot to say with Bobby Bones and Matt castle on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Maria Tremarki]

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

[Holly Fry]

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

[Maria Tremarki]

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 Tremarki]

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

[Holly Fry]

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

[Jon Stewart]

Jon Stewart is back in the host chair at the Daily show, which means he's also back in our ears on the Daily Show Ears Edition podcast. Join late night legend Jon Stewart and the best news team for today's biggest headlines, exclusive extended interviews and more. Now this is a second term we can all get behind. Listen to the Daily Show Ears edition on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Matt]

Joel, the holidays are a blast, but the financial hangover, that can be a huge bummer. If you are out there and you're dreading the new statement email that reveals the massive balance that you may have racked up, well, you could use our help.

[Harry Jacobs]

That's right.

[Joel]

I'm Joel.

[Matt]

And I am Matt.

[Joel]

And we're from the the how to Money podcast. Our show is all about helping you make sense of your personal finances so you can ditch your pesky credit card debt once and for all, make real progress on other crucial financial goals that you've got, and just feel more in control of your money in general.

[Matt]

You know it. For money advice without the judgment and jargon, listen to how to Money on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.