The Track Star Podcast

Parker Posey joins Jack on Track Star to talk about her life in music, the songs that have stayed with her, and the artists who have inspired her along the way. Known for her unforgettable roles across film and television, Posey brings her signature humor, curiosity, and personality to a conversation that moves between music, memories, and storytelling. From the theatrical world of Kate Bush and the emotional songwriting of Harry Nilsson to the sounds of Talk Talk and Deee-Lite, Parker and Jack explore an eclectic mix of songs and the personal connections behind them.   This Episode's Track List: Wuthering Heights - Kate Bush Without You - Harry Nilsson It's My Life - Talk Talk Life's What You Make It - Talk Talk Music Selector Is the Soul Reflector - Deee-Lite

Daddy Yankee joins Jack on Track Star to talk about his life in music and the career that helped bring reggaeton to a global audience. From his early days in Puerto Rico to becoming one of Latin music’s most influential artists, Daddy Yankee reflects on the artists that shaped him along the way. They get into the roots of reggaeton, from Shabba Ranks and the early sounds of Latin urban music to the influence of hip-hop and salsa legends like The Notorious B.I.G. and Héctor Lavoe. Daddy Yankee reflects on coming up in Puerto Rico around the same time Biggie was making his mark in New York, the unique rhythms that helped define reggaeton, and the salsa heroes who inspired him. They also discuss the global rise of Latin music, a new generation of artists like Rauw Alejandro and Myke Towers, and how the genre continues to influence music around the world. Daddy Yankee’s new album, La Postal, is out today, October 30.   This Episode's Track List: Biggie - Hypnotize (2014 Remaster) Shabba Ranks - Dem Bow Myke Towers - LALA Hector Lavoe - El Cantante Tu Pum Pum - Lisa M Rauw Alejandro: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 56/66 - Bizarrap, Rauw Alejandro Hector & Tito - Baila Morena

Jack is joined by John Clayton, Ekep Nkwelle, and Janis Siegel for a special episode of the Track Star Podcast exploring the history of women in jazz and celebrating the life and legacy of Ella Fitzgerald.   Together, they trace the contributions of women who helped shape jazz, from the genre’s early pioneers to the artists carrying it forward today. At the center of the conversation is Ella Fitzgerald, whose extraordinary voice, improvisational talent, and groundbreaking career helped redefine what was possible in jazz.   Through music, personal stories, and reflections on their own experiences, John, Ekep, and Janis explore the influence of Ella and Jazz across generations.   This Episode's Track List: Satin Doll - Ella Fitzgerald A-Tisket, A-Tasket - Ella Fitzgerald, Chick Webb Flying Home - EllaFitzgerald How High the Moon - Ella Fitzgerald How High the Moon (Live at Deutschlandhalle, Berlin, 1960) - Ella Fitzgerald, The Paul Smith Orchestra Organ Grinder’s Swing - Ella Fitzgerald, The Count Basie Orchestra Someone to Watch Over Me - Ella Fitzgerald Cheek to Cheek - Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong

Elvis Costello and Jack hit the street to put his music knowledge to the test on today's episode of Track Star. From the early rock and roll of Little Richard to the country sounds of George Jones, the conversation moves through decades of music and across genres. Along the way, and nearly five decades after the release of his debut album, My Aim Is True, Elvis revisits the sounds of Little Feat, The Byrds, Iggy Pop, ABBA, The Pogues, and Bonnie Raitt, sharing stories and reflections on the artists and records that have stayed with him throughout his life.   This Episode's Track List:   Lucille - Little Richard Sailin’ Shoes - Little Feat One Hundred Years from Now - The Byrds Nightclubbing - Iggy Pop Tiger - ABBA Tennessee Whiskey - George Jones Sally MacLennane - The Pogues Guilty - Bonnie Raitt

Tom Morello joins Jack on Track Star for a conversation about his life in music, the artists who shaped his sound, and the power of music to inspire change. Best known as the guitarist for Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave, Morello has spent decades pushing the boundaries of what a guitar can do. He and Jack dive into his musical influences, from classic rock and heavy metal to punk and hip-hop, and explore the stories and artists that have stayed with him throughout his career. This Episode's Track List: This Land Is Your Land - Woody Guthrie White Riot - The Clash  Stairway to Heaven - Led Zeppelin Detroit Rock City - KISS Greystone Chapel - Johnny Cash  The Ghost of Tom Joad - Bruce Springsteen  Alright - Kendrick Lamar

Jon Batiste is back on the Track Star Podcast, this time joining Jack in the "band room" to pick up right where they left off. They dive deeper into the importance of music, explore Jon's personal voice memos and notes filled with unreleased demos and musical ideas, and talk about jazz traditions, Monk's meditations, and the artists who have shaped the way Jon listens and plays. Along the way, they break down a legendary live performance by Duke Ellington, listen to recordings from Art Tatum, Ella Fitzgerald, Bud Powell, and Keith Jarrett, and explore the history and improvisation at the heart of jazz. And, of course, the conversation turns into some unexpected jamming of their own. This Episode's Track List: Moonglow - Art Tatum Beethoveen Blues - Jon Batiste Black Mozart - Jon Batiste HK Jam - Jon Batiste (Voice Memo) Holy Water - Jon Batiste (Voice Memo) Always Know - Jon Batiste Diminuendo in Blue - Live - Duke Ellington Blue Skise - Ella Fitzgerald In Walked Bud - Thelonious Monk You Go To My Head - Bud Powell In Walked Bud - Jon Batiste Jelly Roll - Earl Hines Redbeans - Jon Batiste Blues for Basie - Oscar Peterson American Symphony - Jon Batiste (Voice Memo) Köln, January 24, 1975, Part I - Live - Keith Jarrett

LL Cool J joins Jack on Track Star to talk about the music he loves and the artists who helped shape his sound. Having made his own mark on hip-hop, LL revisits some classics and share his influences. They span early hip-hop from Treacherous Three and Funky 4 + 1, unforgettable records from Biz Markie and Roxanne Shanté, and a stacked lineup of MCs on “The Symphony.” Along the way, there’s Beastie Boys, Diana Ross, Chaka Khan, and U2. This Episode's Track List: Just a Friend - Biz Markie Hey Ladies - Beastie Boys The Body Rock - Treacherous Three Love Hangover - Diana Ross Roxanne’s Revenge - Roxanne Shanté The Symphony (ft. Craig G & Masta Ace) - Marley Marl, Kool G Rap & Big Daddy Kane Sunday Bloody Sunday - U2 Rappin and Rocking the House - Funky 4 + 1 Ain’t Nobody - Chaka Khan

Ahead of Breakaway Carolina, Jack sits down with Sean and Alex, two local Gen Z music fans, at Applebee’s in Charlotte for a special episode of the Track Star Podcast, made possible by @bacardi. Over Bacardi cocktails, they explore how their generation discovers, shares, and experiences music: from first iPods and TikTok discoveries to the artists they feel understand them best. The conversation spans Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, and Taylor Swift, the freedom of moving between genres, and the connection between EDM, rave culture, and community. They debate whether algorithms help or limit discovery, how social media brings fans closer to artists, and what happens when phones become part of every concert experience. With more access and choice than ever, what makes Gen Z’s relationship with music different? Then, the conversation moves from the table to Bacardi x Applebee’s Neighborhood Afters, as Sean and Alex join Jack for an evening of music and community. Special thanks to @bacardi for making this episode possible. #ad #BacardiPartner #DoWhatMovesYou

Daniel Kaluuya joins Jack on Track Star to put his music knowledge to the test, with a playlist spanning American hip-hop, soul, UK garage, grime, and rap. From Jay-Z, Lauryn Hill to Skepta and Little Simz, the episode brings together classics from both sides of the Atlantic.   The music moves from soul and R&B into the energy of UK club music, with Jorja Smith, Giggs, Jme, and D Double E. Jack and Daniel listen, react, and talk through the songs. Catch Daniel in A24’s Misty Green, out today.   This Episode's Track List:   Heart of the City – Jay-Z Ex-Factor – Lauryn Hill Blue Lights – Jorja Smith Do You Mind (Crazy Cousinz Remix) Party Hard – Donae-O P’s & Q’s – Kano Man Don’t Care – Jme ft. Giggs Shutdown – Skepta Talkin the Hardest – Giggs Raindance – Dave, Tems Venom – Little Simz Street Fighter Riddim – D Double E Pay As You Go – Wiley feat. Dizzee Rascal, Ace & Maxwell That’s Not Me – Skepta ft. JME

Music historian Ashley Kahn and bassist Bakithi Kumalo join Jack on the Track Star Podcast to explore the music, people, and stories behind Paul Simon’s Graceland. Drawing on Kahn’s new book, Days of Miracle and Wonder: Paul Simon and the Trials and Triumphs of Graceland, the conversation traces the album’s South African roots and the collaborations that helped shape its unmistakable sound. Bakithi shares his perspective from inside the studio and on the road, recalling his first meeting with Simon, his experience on the Graceland tour, and what it meant to perform alongside South African legends. Together, Ashley and Bakithi bring the album’s history to life through personal memories and the music that connects it all, from the sounds that inspired Graceland to the influence it continues to have today. This Episode's Track List: Gumboots (with Boyoyo Boys) - Paul Simon The Boy In The Bubble - Paul Simon Graceland - Paul Simon You Can Call Me Al - Paul Simon Pata Pata - Miriam Makeba Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes - Paul Simon

Elvis Costello joins Jack on the Track Star Podcast to explore the music that has stayed with him throughout his life. From the sharp pop instincts of Nick Lowe and the blues-rooted rock of Fleetwood Mac to Randy Newman’s storytelling, Stevie Wonder’s soul and reggae grooves, and Bruce Springsteen’s rock anthems, the conversation spans generations, genres, and approaches to songwriting.   They also revisit Costello’s own work and along the way, he reflects on the connections between listening, writing, and performing. Today, Costello releases the 49th anniversary box set of his 1977 debut album, My Aim Is True. Nearly five decades later, he joins us to look back at the music that shaped him.   This Episode's Track List: So It Goes - Nick Lowe Man of the World - Fleetwood Mac Little Criminals - Randy Newman Watching The Detectives - Elvis Costello Master Blaster (Jammin’) - Stevie Wonder Alison - Linda Ronstadt Growin’ Up - Bruce Springsteen

On today’s episode of the Track Star Podcast, we are honored to be joined by a once-in-a-generation, 9-time Grammy-winning artist, singer, and performer. Jack is joined by Sheryl Crow, who launched herself into the forefront of the music world with her hit single, “All I Wanna Do”, and quickly cemented her superstar status by winning the Grammys for ‘Best New Artist,’ ‘Record of the Year’ and ‘Best Female Pop Vocal Performance’ just two years later. Since then, she has won six more Grammys and has become a major advocate for environmental causes and breast cancer awareness. Sheryl Crow shares her journey to stardom and how the legendary artists and songwriters she worked with throughout her career, like Prince and Dolly Parton, shaped her music. Through personal stories and anecdotes, Sheryl Crow makes us feel like we are right there with her as she reflects on the experiences that made her the star she became: both inspiring and heartbreaking. Sheryl’s new album Pick You Up will be released on October 9th. This Episode's Tracklist: Soak Up The Sun - Sheryl Crow Dreams - Fleetwood Mac Little Red Corvette - Prince I Will Always Love You - Dolly Parton All I Wanna Do - Sheryl Crow Freedom Bus - Sheryl Crow ft. Jesse Welles (You Make Me Feel) Like A Natural Woman - Aretha Franklin (You Make Me Feel) Like A Natural Woman - Carole King

Today on Track Star*, we are quizzing the legendary ‘90s rapper/singer Queen Latifah on some hip hop and soul tracks. As a New Jersey native, Queen Latifah has plenty of stories about her hometown classics. And through each song, she takes us down her musical journey while shocking us with her effortless music knowledge. ​ With each track Jack plays, Queen Latifah has an intriguing behind-the-scenes story about the artist, giving perspective on her own musical influences through fascinating anecdotes. This Episode's Track List:  Rapper’s Delight - The Sugarhill Gang Me & Mr Jones - Amy Winehouse Jolene - Dolly Parton I Know You, I Live You - Chaka Khan Buddy (Native Tongue Decision) - De La Soul Name It Claim It - The Clark Sisters Just Another Day… - Queen Latifah

On today’s episode of the Track Star Podcast, we are joined by a guest who pioneered Hip-Hop and DJing as the lead of the legendary group Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, as well as through his groundbreaking dual-turntable techniques. Jack is joined by Grandmaster Flash, who revolutionized turntablism through various cutting, scratching, and backspinning methods, as well as the quick mix theory, involving two identical records played at the same time. In this episode, Grandmaster Flash shares his journey from falling in love with music as a child after discovering his father’s record player, to DJing in clubs and helping popularize the hip-hop style. This Episode's Track List: Find The Man Bros. - The Love Unlimited Orchestra Killer Joe - Quincy Jones Move On Up - Curtis Mayfield Take Me To The Mardi Gras - Bob James Rapper's Delight - The Sugarhill Gang The Message - Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five

This week on the Track Star* Jack is joined by Ravi Coltrane, Grammy nominated saxophonist, bandleader and composer, as well as the son of the legendary John Coltrane and co-owner of the RKM Music record label. Together Ravi and Jack reminisce about the golden age of jazz and one of jazz’s most influential figures through his most iconic tracks.The soundtrack of this episode takes us through John Coltrane’s transformative career, as Ravi helps describe exactly what made his sound so beautiful. Ravi also shares personal anecdotes about John Coltrane’s recording history and process, while reflecting on the revolutionary legacy that made jazz what it is today.00:00 - Intro00:21 - Miles Davis (ft. John Coltrane) - Round Midnight02:50 - Thelonious Monk (ft. John Coltrane) - Trinkle Tinkle07:54 - John Coltrane - Blue Train11:25 - John Coltrane - Russian Lullaby14:32 - Miles Davis (ft. John Coltrane) - So What16:09 - Miles Davis (ft. John Coltrane) - So What17:10 - John Coltrane - Giant Steps19:58 - John Coltrane - Chasin’ The Trane24:34 - John Coltrane - Alabama27:05 - John Coltrane - A Love Supreme, Part I - Acknowledgement33:34 - John Coltrane - Ascension - Edition I / Pt. 1

On today’s episode of the Track Star Podcast, we are joined by a guest who, in his new book, Resident Punk, shares memories from living with some of punk’s most recognizable names. Jack is joined by Legs McNeil, the journalist known as one of the three founders of the legendary Punk magazine, as well as the author of Please Kill Me: The Uncensored Oral History of Punk and Resident Punk: How I Smoked, Drank, and Stumbled my way through the ‘70s Punk Scene. ​ Together they reflect legendary figures in the ‘70s punk movement – such as The Ramones, Richard Hell, Heartbreakers, and Blondie – and its origins. Through fascinating personal anecdotes, Legs McNeil guides us through the history of one of music’s most radical genres and shows us the behind-the-scenes of iconic moments. ​ This Episode's Track List: Good Thing - Paul Revere & The Raiders High Tension Wire - Dead Boys Ghost Rider - Suicide No Fun - Sex Pistols Chinese Rocks - Heartbreakers Detroit 442 - Blondie

Today on Track Star Versus*, Apple TV's MAYDAY stars Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh go head-to-head in a battle of music knowledge. The pair test their expertise across ’80s rock, new wave, and pop classics from artists including Queen, David Bowie, Cyndi Lauper and more!   Between competitive guesses, needle drops, and plenty of singing along, Ryan and Kenneth bring their quick wit and undeniable chemistry to an especially lively round of Track Star Versus*.   This Episodes Track List: Under Pressure - Queen & David Bowie Every Breath You Take - The Police Time After Time - Cyndia Lauper Don’t Get Me Wrong - Pretenders Freedom - Wham!    

Today on Track Star*, Jack chats with legendary Colombian musician and singer-songwriter Juanes. Juanes shows us how his music taste grew alongside him, from Latin folk in his younger years to hard rock and metal, both in English and Spanish. His deep love for all kinds of music shines as he speaks about the iconic artists and songs that shaped him, especially the sounds of his hometown of Medellin, Colombia. His infectious enthusiasm transports us to his childhood and reveals the wide-range of influences behind his artistsry. This Episode's Track List: Black Dog - Led Zeppelin Seek & Destroy - Metallica No Tengo Dinero - Juan Gabriel Adiós Muchachos - Carlos Gardel Vestido de Cristal - Kraken El Amor Después Del Amor - Fito Páez De Música Ligera - Soda Stereo Como Abeja al Panal - Juan Luis Guerra

Today on Track Star*, we are quizzing Oscar-nominated actor Andrew Garfield on funk, soul as well as some vocal jazz. In this episode, Andrew shares how different styles of music affect his interpretations of the characters he plays, as well as sharing stories about the obscure French Hip-Hop group he was a member of and his life-changing concert experiences.   Watch as he breaks down the soul and vocal ‘purity’ of the timeless classics , and displays the truly special way in which he listens to all kinds of music.   This Episode's Track List:  Tieduprightnow - Parcels Father Figure - George Michael Lovely Day - Bill Withers Mississippi Goddam - Nina Simone Grace - Jeff Buckley Water Get No Enemy - Fela Kuti The Wind That Shakes the Barley - Martin Carthy Just a Gigolo / I Ain’t Got Nobody - Louis Prima

Today on Track Star*, we are quizzing a local librarian from the NY Public Library, Dan, and his encyclopedic knowledge of 70s/80s rock. While regaling us with fascinating anecdotes surrounding a range of his favorite artists, his deep passion for music is obvious and infectious. Dan has a remarkable knack for expressing exactly what he loves about each and every track Jack throws at him, creating one of the most entertaining and informative episodes of Track Star* to date.    Dan adds perspective to the artists behind beloved rock classics through captivating details, and remarkably descriptive explanations of musical style, in this terrific new episode of Track Star*. This Episode's Track List:  Black Cow - Steely Dan Excitable Boy - Warren Zevon Gotta Get Up - Harry Nilsson Ocean Man - Ween I’m Holding You - Ween Watching the Detectives - Elvis Costello Home - Mac DeMarco Jesus Just Left Chicago - ZZ Top Makes No Sense at All - Hüsker Dü In a Jar - Dinosaur Jr.