Podcast Summary: "Waiting on the Moon with Peter Wolf"

Podcast Information

• Title: takin' a walk
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
• Episode Title: "Waiting on the Moon with Peter Wolf"
• Release Date: April 15, 2025
• Description: The "takin' a walk" MUSIC HISTORY ON FOOT podcast, hosted by Buzz Knight of iHeartPodcasts, delves into the rich tapestry of music history. Each episode features in-depth conversations with influential figures in the music industry, exploring their personal stories, insights, and the creative processes behind their work.

Introduction

In this captivating episode of takin' a walk, Buzz Brainerd welcomes Peter Wolf, a multifaceted artist renowned for his roles as the former lead singer of the Jay Giles Band, solo artist, painter, DJ, and author. Peter Wolf discusses his memoir, Waiting on the Moon, which has recently become a New York Times bestseller. The conversation promises an engaging exploration of Wolf's illustrious career, personal life, and the myriad experiences that have shaped his journey in the music world.

Early Life and Musical Influences

Peter Wolf begins by reflecting on his formative years and the profound impact his father had on his artistic development. He shares, "I would say my father would be, out of all the people I could meet, would be the first on my list" ([02:44]). Wolf's father introduced him to a diverse array of classical music and abstract expressionist painters like Miro, fostering an early appreciation for the arts that would later influence Wolf's multifaceted career.

A pivotal moment in Wolf's childhood was attending the Alan Freed Cavalcade of Stars at the age of ten, where he witnessed legendary performers such as Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, and James Brown. Wolf recounts, "each artist had a dynamic and an individual stage presence... It was just amazing" ([05:10]). This exposure ignited his passion for music and performance, setting the stage for his future endeavors.

Career in Music and Radio

Wolf's journey into the music industry is marked by his tenure as a DJ at WBCN in Boston. He reminisces about interviewing iconic artists like Van Morrison, Rod Stewart, and Jeff Beck, stating, "I got to get the crème de la crème" ([22:48]). His midnight radio show became a haven for musicians and music enthusiasts alike, allowing him to connect with a diverse range of artists and deepen his understanding of various musical genres.

One of the standout moments Wolf shares is his unexpected encounter with Van Morrison. After befriending Morrison through his radio show, Wolf introduces, "That started the beginning of a friendship that still goes on to this day" ([26:09]). This story highlights Wolf's genuine passion for music and his ability to forge lasting relationships within the industry.

Interactions with Notable Artists

Wolf's memoir, Waiting on the Moon, is rich with anecdotes featuring interactions with music legends. He discusses his experiences with Sly Stone, a pivotal figure in funk music, describing a surreal and heartbreaking encounter that underscored the fragility of fame. Wolf explains, "It was a very sobering moment... an unforgettable one" ([29:53]). This encounter not only showcased Sly Stone's decline but also reinforced Wolf's commitment to understanding the deeper dynamics of fame and artistry.

Additionally, Wolf touches upon his relationship with Will Jennings, a renowned songwriter, and their collaborative efforts, including the creation of memorable songs like "Tears from Heaven." These stories provide listeners with an intimate glimpse into the collaborative nature of music creation and the personal bonds that underpin successful artistic partnerships.

The Book: "Waiting on the Moon"

Waiting on the Moon is structured as a collection of short stories, each chronicling different facets of Wolf's life and career. Wolf shares his writing process, noting, "Each chapter is its own short story... I wanted to make a book of short stories of my adventures" ([15:46]). The memoir avoids a linear narrative, allowing readers to explore various periods and experiences in a non-sequential manner.

Initially, Wolf intended to exclude personal topics such as his marriage to Faye Dunaway and his time with the Jay Giles Band. However, encouragement from his publisher led him to incorporate these elements, resulting in a richer and more comprehensive narrative. He reflects, "Once I started writing about my marriage... I felt that they were right, that it needed. It was part of the narrative" ([15:46]).

Marriage to Faye Dunaway

One of the most personal revelations in the conversation is Wolf's marriage to actress Faye Dunaway. He contrasts their enduring marriage with the brief unions of other celebrities, stating, "Faye and I had five, six years of a really incredible period... We each supported each other in our careers" ([00:00], [22:09]). Their partnership was symbiotic, with both supporting each other's professional endeavors—Faye attending Wolf's concerts and Wolf visiting Faye on movie sets.

This relationship not only provided personal fulfillment but also enriched Wolf's perspective on the intersections between different artistic disciplines, further influencing his multifaceted career.

Reflections on Fame and Legacy

Throughout the episode, Wolf contemplates the ephemeral nature of fame and the importance of artistic integrity. His encounter with Sly Stone serves as a poignant reminder of how fame can both elevate and isolate individuals. Wolf muses, "what one can gain out of notoriety or fame and what one can lose... how easily one can lose notoriety and fame" ([29:53]).

This reflection extends to his critique of the modern music industry, where Wolf expresses concern over the overwhelming volume of content and the difficulty for artists to stand out. He shares, "there's no real record stores... it's such a large, large ocean out there that it's hard to focus" ([35:39]). This insight underscores his dedication to creating meaningful and enduring work amidst a rapidly changing entertainment landscape.

Conclusion and Final Reflections

As the conversation draws to a close, Buzz Brainerd and Peter Wolf share a mutual appreciation for each other's contributions to the music and radio industries. Wolf eagerly anticipates the release of his ninth album, Midnight Travelers, and expresses enthusiasm for future collaborations with Buzz.

In a heartfelt exchange, Wolf emphasizes the enduring nature of their friendship and shared passion for music: "We're both old, you know, radio... next walk is going to go to a restaurant that has a nice fine wine list" ([36:31]). This closing sentiment encapsulates the essence of the takin' a walk podcast—celebrating the timeless connections and shared journeys that define the world of music.

Notable Quotes

• Peter Wolf on His Father’s Influence:
  “I would say my father would be, out of all the people I could meet, would be the first on my list.”
  [02:44]

• Peter Wolf on Early Musical Inspirations:
  “Each artist had a dynamic and an individual stage presence... It was just amazing.”
  [05:10]

• Peter Wolf on Writing His Memoir:
  “Each chapter is its own short story... I wanted to make a book of short stories of my adventures.”
  [15:46]

• Peter Wolf on His Marriage to Faye Dunaway:
  “Faye and I had five, six years of a really incredible period... We each supported each other in our careers.”
  [00:00], [22:09]

• Peter Wolf on Fame and Legacy:
  “What one can gain out of notoriety or fame and what one can lose... how easily one can lose notoriety and fame.”
  [29:53]

• Peter Wolf on the Music Industry Today:
  “There's no real record stores... it's such a large, large ocean out there that it's hard to focus.”
  [35:39]

Key Takeaways

• Impact of Early Influences: Peter Wolf's exposure to legendary musicians during his childhood profoundly shaped his artistic trajectory.

• Significance of Personal Relationships: His marriage to Faye Dunaway and friendships with artists like Van Morrison highlight the intertwined nature of personal and professional lives in the creative industry.

• Insights into the Music Industry: Wolf provides a candid look at the challenges of maintaining artistic integrity and visibility in a saturated market.

• Legacy of Fame: Through his experiences and encounters, especially with figures like Sly Stone, Wolf reflects on the transient nature of fame and the importance of lasting artistic contributions.

• Literary Contribution: Waiting on the Moon serves as a testament to Wolf's diverse experiences, offering readers a mosaic of stories that illuminate various aspects of music history and personal growth.

This detailed summary encapsulates the essence of the "Waiting on the Moon with Peter Wolf" episode, providing an informative and engaging overview for listeners and those interested in the intersections of music, personal narratives, and industry insights.