Takin' A Walk - Music History with Buzz Knight

• Join Buzz Knight as He Walks with Derek Shulman, Exploring Music History and Legendary Stories from the Music Industry

  Have you ever wondered what it takes to navigate the tumultuous waters of the music industry, from being a celebrated musician to a powerful executive? Join host Buzz Knight in this captivating episode of takin' a walk, where he sits down with the legendary Derek Shulman, the former frontman of the iconic progressive rock band Gentle Giant. Derek opens up about his fascinating new book, Giant Steps, which chronicles his incredible journey through music history, offering a treasure trove of inside stories of musicians that will inspire both fans and aspiring artists alike. Derek Shulman’s contributions to the music world are nothing short of remarkable. He shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career, including the bold decision to sign Bon Jovi when few dared to take the risk. This episode is packed with inspiring music stories that showcase the essence of music storytelling and highlight the importance of authenticity in the industry. Buzz and Derek discuss the unique sound of Gentle Giant, the band’s innovative approach to balancing technical musicianship with a genuine connection to their audience, and the challenges they faced along the way. As a music executive, Derek played a crucial role in developing and promoting several legendary bands, and his insights into the indie music journey are invaluable for anyone looking to make their mark in the industry. He emphasizes that aspiring musicians should prioritize their craft over the pursuit of fame, a message that resonates deeply in today's fast-paced music landscape. Tune in to this episode of takin' a walk for an enriching conversation filled with musician storytelling, interviews with musicians, and the stories behind some of rock music history's most memorable moments. Whether you're a fan of classic rock history or simply curious about the music journey, this episode promises to deliver engaging insights and a deeper understanding of what it means to be a part of the vibrant world of music. Don’t miss out on this chance to walk alongside Buzz Knight and Derek Shulman as they explore the inside stories of musicians, share songwriting stories, and discuss the viral music success that has shaped our cultural landscape. Join us on iHeartPodcasts for this unforgettable episode of the Buzz Knight podcast, where music truly comes alive! </div>Support the show: https://takinawalk.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• Healing Through Music: Antoinette Costa -A Journey of Resilience and Hope on Music Saved Me Podcast

  What if the very thing that brings you joy could also be your lifeline in times of despair? In this heartfelt replay episode of the Music Saved Me Podcast, host Lynn Hoffman sits down with the incredibly talented singer-songwriter Antoinette Costa, who reveals how music has been her guiding light through some of life’s darkest moments. From her earliest memories of harmonizing with her father to crafting her own musicals, Antoinette's journey showcases the profound impact of music on emotional healing and resilience. Antoinette opens up about her recent battle with a brain tumor that required surgery, sharing the raw and emotional details of her health challenges. Throughout this difficult journey, she discovered that music could be a powerful form of therapy, offering her hope and a sense of purpose. With her mother’s encouragement to focus on her passion during recovery, Antoinette created her inspiring album, Pitter Patter, which reflects her experiences and the healing power of music. Join us as we explore the significance of visualization in overcoming fears and how surrounding oneself with positive influences can foster stability and growth. Antoinette emphasizes the importance of creative expression, not just for herself but for everyone who connects with her story. This episode is a testament to the transformative role of music in healing and resilience, showing how it can serve as a bridge to emotional connection and understanding. Whether you’re an independent musician, a fan of emotional healing through music, or simply someone interested in the stories of musicians, this episode promises to resonate deeply. Tune in for an engaging discussion that highlights the intersection of music and mental health, and discover how the Music Saved Me Podcast continues to shed light on the healing power of music and the personal stories behind the art. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights into the music industry and hear from a remarkable artist who embodies the spirit of resilience. Join Lynn Hoffman and Antoinette Costa for a conversation that will leave you inspired and uplifted!Support the show: https://takinawalk.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• Joe Boyd on Global Music's Timeless Power; From Pink Floyd to World Music Revolution-Music History

  Welcome to another special edition of our Buzz's Book Club week where Buzz shares top recommendations of new books on music, just in time for your holiday shopping. Join Buzz Knight on “Takin’ A Walk” for an extraordinary conversation with legendary music producer and author Joe Boyd, whose new book “And the Roots and Rhythm Remain: A Journey Through Global Music” chronicles decades of discovering and championing world music. From producing Pink Floyd’s first singles and Nick Drake’s timeless albums to founding Hannibal Records and bringing global artists to international audiences, Boyd’s career reads like a roadmap of modern music history. In this episode, Boyd takes us on a sonic journey across continents, sharing stories from his groundbreaking work with artists like Toumani Diabaté, Ali Farka Touré, and the Incredible String Band. The conversation explores how traditional music from Mali, Brazil, Bulgaria, and beyond has influenced contemporary sounds, and why these ancient roots and rhythms continue to resonate in today’s music landscape. Boyd discusses the cultural and political forces shaping world music, the challenges of preserving traditional sounds in a globalized world, and his experiences documenting music from remote villages to major concert halls. From his early days at the UFO Club in 1960s London to recent field recordings in Africa and South America, Boyd offers insights into what makes music transcend borders and generations. Listeners will discover behind-the-scenes stories from Boyd’s legendary production work, his philosophy on authentic music preservation versus commercial adaptation, and why he believes the roots and rhythm of traditional music hold keys to understanding our shared humanity. Whether you’re a world music enthusiast, a student of music history, or simply curious about sounds beyond the mainstream, this episode offers a masterclass in listening deeply and thinking globally.Support the show: https://takinawalk.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• Buzz Knight on Takin A Walk with a look at Music History for the week of 12-8

  Welcome to an extraordinary edition of the Takin’ A Walk podcast from Buzz Knight music and the “Master of Music Mayhem,” Harry Jacobs. This comprehensive look at weekly music history explores one of the most emotionally complex weeks in rock and roll history, spanning December 8th through December 14th. From tragic losses to groundbreaking debuts, this week encompasses the full spectrum of music history’s most pivotal moments. John Lennon’s Assassination: December 8, 1980 - A Day That Changed Music Forever The episode opens with perhaps the darkest day in rock music history: December 8, 1980, when John Lennon was shot and killed outside The Dakota apartment building in New York City. Buzz Knight and Harry Jacobs provide intimate personal recollections of this Beatles tragedy that shocked the world. For listeners of this weekly music history episode note the Buzz Knight music podcast replay of "Takin A Walk" with the incredible Julian Lennon. The Beatles Reunion: Free as a Bird and the Anthology Era Moving from tragedy to reunion, the episode explores December 9, 1995, when the Beatles released “Free as a Bird”—the first new Beatles music in 24 years. Both hosts were working together at WZLX in Boston during this momentous release, bringing their firsthand perspective to this Beatles reunion moment. The track, built around a John Lennon demo with contributions from Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, represented a technological and emotional achievement in music history. Harry admits his initial underwhelm with the track, noting that while “Free as a Bird” generated enormous curiosity worldwide, it never achieved the status of Beatles classics like “Ticket to Ride,” “Help!,” or songs from Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. The honest assessment reflects how even beloved artists can struggle to recapture past magic, and both hosts acknowledge they haven’t revisited the song since its release. This candid discussion provides valuable context for understanding fan expectations versus artistic reality in music reunion projects. The Blues Brothers Phenomenon: From Saturday Night Live to Cultural Institution December 9, 1978 marks the Saturday Night Live debut of the Blues Brothers, a moment that transformed comedy sketch into legitimate musical force. The episode provides deep insights into how Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi created this blues and R&B supergroup, enlisting Paul Shaffer, Lou Marini, Duck Dunn, and Steve Cropper, who just passed away—the latter two being legendary members of Booker T. and the MGs and key figures in the Stax Records sound that defined Memphis soul music and produced classics like “Soul Man” and “Green Onions.” Howard Shore, who served as Saturday Night Live’s musical director, recognized the potential in Aykroyd and Belushi’s blues performances and helped facilitate their transition from comedy bit to recording artists. The hosts discuss how this comedy-music crossover assembled world-class musicians around a satirical concept that became genuinely respected in the music community. The Blues Brothers represented a unique fusion of comedy and music that introduced younger audiences to blues legends and R&B classics. The conversation explores Tom “Bones” Malone, a guest on Buzz’s podcast, who joined the Blues Brothers band and played trombone with Blood, Sweat & Tears before becoming part of the SNL band. The episode details the evolution of the band from initial concept to full touring and recording entity, with Buzz noting the impressive live performances featuring the Blues Brothers’ acrobatic stage show, where the larger-than-life Belushi performed cartwheels, splits, and handstands that would later inspire Chris Farley’s physical comedy style. The Blues Brothers soundtrack, featuring “Briefcase Full of Blues” and subsequent albums, has “stood the test of time” according to both hosts. Songs like “Rubber Biscuit,” performed with Matt “Guitar” Murphy, and the memorable Aretha Franklin diner scene where Jake orders “four fried chickens and a Coke,” remain embedded in popular culture. The authentic musicianship combined with comedic brilliance created something that transcended both genres, making the Blues Brothers a permanent fixture in American music history. Otis Redding’s Legacy and Tragic Death: December 10, 1967 The episode takes a somber turn with December 10, 1967, the day Otis Redding died in a plane crash near Madison, Wisconsin, along with members of the Bar-Kays. The timing of this tragedy magnifies its impact—Redding had recorded ”(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” just three days earlier, and the song hadn’t yet been released. The track became a posthumous number-one hit, cementing Redding’s status as one of soul music’s greatest artists, though he never lived to see its success. Wings Over America: McCartney’s Epic Live Album - December 10, 1976 December 10, 1976 brought the release of Wings Over America, Paul McCartney’s triple live album documenting his 1975-1976 tour with Wings. The episode explores the rarity of triple albums in music history, particularly live albums of such scope and ambition. The hosts discuss the bootleg album called “Wings from Wings” that allegedly forced McCartney’s hand, rushing the official release to market before bootleggers could dominate sales. Harry reveals the meticulous production process behind Wings Over America, noting that McCartney collected 8,000 hours of live recordings from the tour. The legendary Beatles bassist and singer then personally mixed the album, listening to five different versions of every song before selecting the best performances. The final album was crafted to sound like a single concert experience, though it actually represented the best moments culled from the entire tour—a production approach that set standards for live albums. The episode highlights how “Maybe I’m Amazed” from this album became the definitive version for many fans, surpassing even the studio recording in emotional power and musical execution. The album also featured several Beatles songs including “Yesterday” and “Bluebird,” allowing McCartney to honor his past while showcasing his post-Beatles work with Wings. This balance between Beatles nostalgia and new material demonstrated McCartney’s artistic evolution while satisfying longtime fans. Early Genesis and Progressive Rock Evolution December 11, 1972 saw Genesis release “Foxtrot,” their fifth studio album and a landmark in progressive rock history. The episode explores this Peter Gabriel-era Genesis and the band’s evolution through various lineups. Harry recalls “Watcher of the Skies” as a standout track, while both hosts discuss later Genesis classics like “The Carpet Crawlers” from “The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway.” The conversation reveals differing perspectives on Genesis eras, with Buzz preferring the Peter Gabriel period and later Phil Collins-fronted work, while Harry admits his fandom developed more during the “Trick of the Tail” era following Gabriel’s departure. This honest exchange reflects how progressive rock bands often created distinct identities across lineup changes, appealing to different audiences in different eras. Buzz shares a memorable concert experience seeing Genesis with double drumming featuring Phil Collins and Bill Bruford (renowned for his work with Yes and King Crimson). This unique configuration represented Genesis at a transitional moment, experimenting with expanded instrumentation before settling into the trio format that would define their later commercial success. The “Trick of the Tail” tour demonstrated the band’s ability to continue without their iconic frontman, eventually leading to Collins taking over lead vocals permanently. The episode takes an unexpected turn to December 12, 1901, when Guglielmo Marconi sent the first transatlantic radio signal from Cornwall to Newfoundland. This moment in broadcasting history laid the foundation for everything that followed, including the careers of Buzz and Harry as radio professionals. Harry jokes about Buzz working for Marconi in 1901, highlighting the self-deprecating humor that characterizes their chemistry while acknowledging that without Marconi’s invention, they would never have met or built careers in radio. This historical perspective reminds listeners that music distribution, radio broadcasting, and the entire infrastructure of modern music industry traces back to pioneering moments like Marconi’s transmission. The evolution of radio technology from those first signals to contemporary podcast production represents over a century of innovation that transformed how humans experience and share music globally. The Clash’s London Calling: Punk’s Masterpiece - December 14, 1979 December 14, 1979 saw the Clash release “London Calling” in the UK, a double album that transcended punk rock limitations to incorporate reggae, rockabilly, ska, and R&B influences. The hosts recall the album’s innovative approach, including the hidden track “Train in Vain,” which became a hit despite not being listed on the original album cover—a marketing trick that created mystique and rewarded attentive listeners. Support the show: https://takinawalk.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• "Hit Songs Decoded: Chris Dalla Riva on Data Driven Music Insights from Uncharted Territory

  Welcome to a special edition of Takin’ A Walk with Buzz Knight! This episode kicks off Buzz’s Book Club week, where Buzz shares his top recommendations for new books about music that every music lover needs to read. In this fascinating conversation on the music history podcast Buzz Knight music sits down with author Chris Dalla Riva to explore his groundbreaking book “Uncharted Territory: What Numbers Tell Us About the Biggest Hit Songs and Ourselves.” Chris takes listeners on a data-driven journey through decades of chart-topping music, revealing surprising patterns and insights about what makes hit songs resonate with audiences across generations. Normally Takin A Walk finds the inside music stories but this episode takes us into a whole different analysis of american music. From analyzing the musical DNA of Billboard chart toppers to uncovering hidden trends in hit songs spanning from the 1960s to today, Chris Dalla Riva brings a fresh, analytical perspective to understanding popular music. His chart topping research challenges conventional wisdom about songwriting, production, and what truly makes a song connect with millions of listeners. Whether you’re a musician, music industry professional, or simply a fan who wants to understand why certain hit songs become cultural phenomena, this episode offers eye-opening revelations backed by hard data. Chris discusses everything from tempo and key signatures to lyrical themes and how the streaming era has transformed what we consider a “hit.” Tune in as Buzz and Chris dive deep into the science and art behind the music we love, making this essential listening for anyone curious about the mechanics of musical success. If this episode of Takin’ a Walk – Music History on Foot struck a chord with you, we invite you to keep the journey going by exploring the many other stories, conversations, and musical pathways waiting in our episode library. Every installment of the podcast opens a new door into the world of music—whether it’s a deep dive into a legendary artist’s creative process, a walk through the overlooked corners of music history, or a compelling conversation with the people who shape the soundtrack of our lives. There’s an entire universe of rhythm, narrative, nostalgia, discovery, and behind-the-scenes insight spread across our past episodes, each one crafted to make your next walk, drive, workout, or moment of downtime more meaningful, more memorable, and more connected to the music you love. So don’t stop here, take a few extra steps and check out the rest of the Takin’ a Walk – Music History on Foot catalog. The stories waiting for you are as timeless, surprising, and inspiring as the songs that have carried you through your life. Keep listening and discover your next favorite episodeSupport the show: https://takinawalk.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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