Takin' A Walk - Music History with Buzz Knight

Guitarist and singer Eddie 9V shares his music history journey with host Buzz Knight on takin’ a walk, tracing the sounds, performances, and hard-earned lessons that shaped his distinctive voice.
While waiting out a flight delay, Eddie 9V joins Buzz Knight for an easygoing conversation about music history, the moments that change an artist’s direction, and the work behind a life on the road. He looks back on starting out as a drummer, playing metal and indie rock, and discovering a deeper connection to the blues. One performance by Howlin’ Wolf made a lasting impression: an example of how feeling and presence can reach an audience in a way that goes beyond technique.
That lesson became practical during the long club sets Eddie played for tips. Performing night after night taught him how to command a room, keep listeners with him, and make a personal connection—even when the crowd arrived unfamiliar with his music. He also recalls touring from a young age with his brother, an early education in the demands and rewards of a musician’s life. These are the kind of inside music stories that make this Buzz Knight podcast a compelling stop for fans curious about the people and experiences behind the songs.
Eddie and Buzz get into the songwriting process, including Nashville sessions, creative collaborations, and the many ways a song can begin. Sometimes there’s a riff; sometimes the first spark is a lyric or a voice memo captured on a phone. Eddie explains why he puts the vocal first before adding guitar solos, and how choosing the right starting point can help a song find its character. For listeners who love artist songwriting stories, this conversation offers a candid look at how ideas become performances.
The discussion also turns to Down Here, Eddie 9V’s Easy Eye Sound debut, produced by Dan Auerbach. With others handling production, Eddie could focus on performing—a chance to bring the songs to life from the inside out. He describes chasing a big, vintage recording sound while making music that feels genuine and present. The title track draws its perspective from his grandparents and their modest life, giving the album’s broader sonic ambition a deeply personal foundation.
Touring brings its own stories, from demanding travel to opening for the Black Keys. Eddie recalls winning over audiences who didn’t necessarily know his music, meeting them with energetic blues performances and a direct, personal connection. His approach reflects both guitar mastery and the instinct to serve the song: play with conviction, stay connected to the room, and let the feeling lead.
Throughout the conversation, Eddie 9V reflects on what it takes to keep roots music alive—not by treating it like a museum piece, but by playing it with honesty and emotion. He shares listening favorites, talks about the sounds that continue to inspire him, and reveals Neil Young as his dream walking companion. It’s a memorable moment in a conversation full of music and memories, creative insight, and the resilience required to keep moving forward.
For fans of blues, rock, songwriting, and the stories that connect generations of artists, this takin’ a walk interview offers a fresh perspective on a working musician’s journey. Join host Buzz Knight for an engaging look at Eddie 9V’s influences, Nashville connections, recording approach, and life on tour—an inspiring music interview about finding your sound, earning an audience, and keeping the music real.
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What happens when a musician finally steps away from the road—and gives himself room to hear where the music wants to go? On takin’ a walk, host Buzz Knight sits down with Midge Ure for an intimate conversation about creative freedom, unexpected turns, and the experiences behind A Man of Two Worlds, his first new album in 12 years.
Built as a pairing of songs and instrumentals, the album grew in part from the isolation of COVID. Midge Ure reflects on how years of touring kept him from the studio, why taking a break from a piece of music can help him judge it more clearly, and how the pandemic left him feeling more stoic and focused on making music for himself. His thoughts on the songwriting process offer a candid look at how patience, distance, and changing circumstances can reshape an artist’s work.
Ure also shares how he thinks about performing live: not as a collection of separate songs, but as one continuous journey for the audience. He traces his instinct for melody to growing up in Glasgow, where radio brought together an unusually broad mix of sounds alongside the influence of traditional Scottish music. These vivid memories open a window into the musical roots behind one of the era’s most distinctive artists.
The conversation travels through an extraordinary career shaped by curiosity and change. Ure recalls finding teenage pop success with Slick, moving into punk with the Rich Kids, and later joining Visage and Ultravox. He explains how guitar and synthesizers came together naturally in his work, helping him navigate the shifting sound of rock and electronic music. Rather than describing his career as a series of calculated reinventions, he sees artistic growth as evolution: one experience leading, often unexpectedly, to the next.
There’s also a behind-the-scenes story from one of music’s most memorable collaborative moments. Ure looks back on co-writing and producing “Do They Know It’s Christmas” with Bob Geldof, and the pressure of recording a remarkable lineup of Band Aid artists against a demanding deadline. It’s a revealing glimpse of the coordination, urgency, and purpose behind a legendary music moment—and a compelling addition to the inside music stories that make takin’ a walk more than a music history podcast.
Warm, thoughtful, and full of hard-won perspective, this inspiring music interview explores music and resilience, creative instincts, and the unpredictable paths that shape a life in music. As the walk draws to a close, Buzz Knight asks Ure who he would choose to walk with. His answers—John Lennon and Mick Ronson, for very different reasons—offer one last glimpse into the people and ideas that continue to inspire him.
Join Buzz Knight and Midge Ure for a memorable conversation on takin’ a walk—a podcast for listeners who love legendary musicians, iconic bands, classic rock stories, artist songwriting stories, and the personal histories behind the songs. Discover the journey behind A Man of Two Worlds, revisit defining chapters in music history, and hear one of rock’s enduring creative voices reflect on the power of evolution, collaboration, and making music that feels true.
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Check out this encore music history interview with Clint Black.
What does it take to build a lasting career without letting go of the person—and the songwriter—you are? On takin’ a walk, host Buzz Knight sits down with country music icon Clint Black for a candid encore conversation about hard-won choices, creative conviction, and the stories behind his memoir, Killing Time.
Black looks back on his early years playing Texas clubs, where he learned to value every audience and adapt to every room. Those music history lessons helped shape a career that would become part of country music history, alongside the influential artists of the Class of ’89. He shares early musical memories, reflects on Nashville’s changing opportunities, and explains why insisting on writing his own songs mattered—even when standing by that belief put him at odds with his record label. For artists, he says, creative freedom and financial security can pull in different directions; the challenge is deciding what matters most.
Writing Killing Time with researcher and collaborator Craig Shelburne meant revisiting more than career milestones. Black describes a process filled with laughter, catharsis, grief, and moments that were emotionally demanding. He also opens up about defending his marriage against false reporting and recounting a serious accident followed by multiple surgeries. These honest reflections make this a compelling story of music and resilience—and a reminder that the journey behind the songs can be as powerful as the songs themselves.
From seeing his life represented in a Country Music Hall of Fame exhibition to continuing to pursue excellence onstage, Black remains focused on what he can control: the work, the performance, and the connection with the audience. He talks about live music as an opportunity to entertain on his own terms, and recalls collaborating with his wife, Lisa, on a Lifetime movie inspired by their song “When I Said I Do. ” He closes on a personal note, sharing his faith and naming Jesus Christ as the person he would most like to take a walk with.
This Clint Black interview brings together career storytelling, artist songwriting stories, music and memories, and revealing inside music stories from a defining voice in country music. Join Buzz Knight for a thoughtful, friendly conversation about ambition, partnership, adversity, and the value of staying true to your creative instincts. If you love legendary musicians, inspiring music stories, and the human experiences behind a remarkable career, take a walk with Clint Black on takin’ a walk—the Buzz Knight podcast where music history comes alive through the people who made it.
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Hear the inside music history story of the new documentary "Gregg Allman: The Music of My Soul"
Michael Lehman, Gregg's manager from 2004 on, and Bert Holman, longtime manager of the Allman Brothers Band, join Buzz Knight to go inside the life of one of rock's most iconic musicians: the fame, the addiction, and the redemption.
They talk about the new documentary, how Gregg confronted his demons in his later years, and the dynamics that shaped the Allman Brothers Band. They also describe the shy, funny man behind the public persona, including a childhood moment, being locked in a closet, that stayed with him for life. A must-listen for fans of classic rock and music history.

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Join host Buzz Knight on this captivating encore episode of takin' a walk as he dives deep into the life and legacy of Ralph Johnson, the renowned percussionist and vocalist from the iconic band Earth, Wind & Fire. Ralph's new memoir, Rhythm & Fire: A Life in Harmony with Earth, Wind & Fire, serves as the backdrop for a rich conversation that explores the band's extraordinary journey from humble beginnings to becoming a global phenomenon. Buzz Knight, known for his engaging storytelling and insightful interviews, brings you takin' a walk music history like never before, revealing the heart and soul behind one of music's legendary icons.

As Ralph shares his experiences growing up in Los Angeles during the vibrant 60s and 70s, listeners will gain a profound appreciation for the family influences and rich musical environment that molded his artistic journey. The episode also highlights Ralph's reflections on the transformative power of music, emphasizing resilience in the face of challenges that Earth, Wind & Fire encountered throughout their illustrious career. With Buzz Knight guiding the conversation, you'll discover how the band's mission was not just to entertain but to uplift spirits through their unforgettable melodies, steering clear of the industry's vices.

Ralph likens the collaborative spirit within Earth, Wind & Fire to baking a cake, where each member contributes unique ingredients to create a masterpiece. This metaphor resonates deeply as you listen to him discuss the importance of teamwork and harmony in crafting their timeless hits. Buzz Knight's takin' a walk podcast shines a light on these inside music stories, making it a must-listen for fans of classic rock and music history.

As the conversation unfolds, Ralph also teases an upcoming documentary that promises to further explore the profound impact of Earth, Wind & Fire's music across generations. His passion for jazz and his experiences as a drummer add layers of depth to this episode, making it a celebration of creativity, legacy, and the healing power of music. This episode is not just about the past; it's about the enduring influence of legendary musicians and the stories that shaped them.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Earth, Wind & Fire or new to their music, this episode of takin' a walk with Buzz Knight offers a unique glimpse into the lives of music icons. Tune in for an inspiring journey filled with legendary music moments, emotional healing through sound, and the vibrant history of one of the most celebrated bands in the world. Don't miss this opportunity to experience music history on foot with Buzz Knight! </div>
Support the show: https://takinawalk.com/
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