The Track Star Podcast

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.

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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 Sug...

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 c...

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 reflec...

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.

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Together they reflect legendary figures in the ‘70s punk movement – such as The...

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...

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...

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: ...

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 de...

Today on Track Star*, we’re putting Emmy-nominated actress Dakota Fanning’s music knowledge to the test with a mix of Southern classics, childhood favorites, and songs that shaped her along the way.

Ahead of her new film The Sun Never Sets, Dakota reflects on growing up between Hollywood film sets and a traditional Southern upbringing, sharing stories from her childhood, career, and the music tied to it all. Watch the full episode as Dakota Fanning puts her music knowledge to the test and shares stories from a life spent on and off screen.

Today on Track Star*, we are quizzing Alabama’s very own Whitmer Thomas on home-state classic hits and punk-driven 2000s tracks. Showcasing his own musical influence and childhood upbringing, Whitmer Thomas takes us on a tour through his journey as a singer and stand-up comedian and how they intertwined, with anecdotes that shaped his career along the way.

From stories of van tours as a teenager, being raised by his musical mother, and his love-hate relationship with Alabama, Whitmer Thomas has us hooked on this episode of Track Star.

This Episode's Track Li...

Today on Track Star*, we are quizzing the iconic Australian pop star Troye Sivan on Y2K euphoria and melancholy R&B classics. Revealing the extent of his own musical influence and knowledge, Troye Sivan gives us the opportunity to learn about his journey as a singer and performing artist and his recent experience touring with legendary genre-bending musician Charli XCX.

With personal stories, a rapid guessing speed, and sunglasses that Jack himself wants to purchase now, Troye Sivan brings a laidback chatty vibe to this episode of Track Star. 

Th...

Today on Track Star*, we are quizzing legendary rapper Too $hort on Funk deep-cuts and influential Hip-Hop classics. Revealing the extent of his music knowledge, Too $hort gives us the opportunity to learn about and appreciate the overlapping worlds and influences of Motown, Funk, and Hip-Hop.

Too $hort takes the time today to show us some of the music he was raised on, breaking down how his father’s love of Funk and Motown influenced his own creative process and musical appreciation.

With personal stories and impressive knowledge, Too $hort presents a unique and important pe...

Today on Track Star*, we are joined by Brandon Flowers to talk about some of the songs and artists that have inspired his work, both as a solo artist and frontman of The Killers. 

Listening to some classic songs and sharing personal stories of bleached hair, Strokes-induced depression, and playing with Bruce Springsteen, Brandon breaks down how artists like Bruce, The Strokes, and others became a part of his life and fundamentally changed how he approached music. 

Brandon takes the time today to share with us his love for a wid...

Brittany Howard, acclaimed solo artist and lead singer of band Alabama Shakes, joins us today on Track Star* to listen to a few classic Funk, Rock, and Doo-Wop songs and discuss their personal and historical importance. Discussing artists from Pink Floyd to Sly Stone, Brittany explains how the music she grew up with influenced the music she makes today, and how some art and artists can challenge us to think outside the box, accept ourselves, and be better human beings. Today’s episode is full of thoughtful commentary, important life stories, and plenty of dancing and singing to accompany. Th...

Travis Barker, best known for his work as drummer in the band Blink-182, joins us today on Track Star* to listen to some iconic rap, rock, punk, and hardcore, and break down some of his earliest and most important influences, explaining how the music they made, from Led Zeppelin to the Muppets, changed his life. 

Revealing his favorite punk and metal bands, as well as the drummers that inspired him to work hard and play harder, Travis shows us that making great music is an exercise of equal parts joy and dedication.

Telling a complicated l...

On today’s episode of the Track Star Podcast, we’re celebrating the centennial of Oscar Peterson with two guests who have helped preserve and carry forward his extraordinary legacy.

Jack is joined by Kelly Peterson, Oscar’s wife and the head of his estate and legendary bassist Christian McBride, who reflects on Peterson’s unmatched artistry and influence on generations of jazz musicians.

Together, they revisit some of Oscar Peterson’s most iconic tracks -- including "Tenderly,", "Hymn to Freedom," and "Love Ballade" -- while sharing personal stories and exploring the brilliance that made him one of t...

Questlove, the multi-dimensional musician, filmmaker, and artist, joins us today on Track Star* to show us his deep and profound appreciation for music, and to teach us about the role music has played throughout his life. 

Originally gaining notoriety as drummer and co-frontman of the Roots, Questlove became a core member of the Soulquarian collective. Today, Questlove gives us a peek into the group's creative process, as well as a lesson on the history of the collective and the members who made it iconic.

As we walk through different musical moments and movements, Questlove takes t...

In today’s episode of Track Star* Warren Haynes, best known for his work as a member of the Allman Brothers Band, joins us to listen to some iconic, genre-defining Blues and Rock songs, and to discuss the influence they had on the development of Rock.

Haynes takes the time today to give us an important lesson on the history of the guitar and how it defined Blues and Rock and Roll music. Diving into the music that influenced him as a child to pick up the guitar and learn to play, Jack and Wa...

Lenny Kaye is an icon of the punk rock scene. As a member of the Patti Smith Group, as well as in his work as a solo artist and rock critic, Kaye joins us today on Track Star* to listen to a few songs and break down some important Punk history.

Beginning with a discussion of the songs and movements that influenced Kaye himself as a child, the conversation soon shifts to a broader discussion of what defined the punk scene and mindset, and how that developed over time. 

Kaye joins us today for an i...

Today on Track Star* we are joined by legendary singer, songwriter, and producer Swamp Dogg to cover some of the songs that defined his career and discuss the complicated and somewhat blurred relationship between country and R&B. 

Swamp Dogg takes some time today to break down a few classic country and R&B songs, giving us an insider perspective on the hit-making process and a unique view of the people behind the iconic songs.

Between the songs and the stories, Swamp Dogg gives an important analysis of Country and R&B and the similarities a...

Today on the Track Star Podcast, we are joined by Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons of KISS to talk about rock and roll songwriting, the New York City music scene, and what it really takes to make a song, or a band, truly great. 

With a collection of songs spanning American and English rock, punk, Motown, and more, Paul and Gene share their thoughts on how different artists and movements engage with the craft of songwriting and balance the art of the song with the energy of performance and the demand of the public. 

Gene an...

This week on the Track Star Podcast, Jack is joined by Maryland Governor and Music-Obsessed Wes Moore. In this episode, he sits down with Jack to unpack the songs that have shaped his life, from the music that soundtracked his childhood and helped form his identity to those that continue to inspire his work today. He reflects on his childhood, the influence of hip-hop, and how music became such a big part of his life. Sharing stories behind the songs and artists that left a lasting impact, they go from the cultural significance of The Notorious B.I.G...

Today we are joined by Hrishikesh Hirway, musician and host of the hit podcast Song Exploder, to listen to and discuss some of the songs that have influenced and defined his work, both in his music and his show.

In this episode, Jack chooses a few songs to play for us, and Hrishikesh explains the personal and professional significance they have had on his life and career. Hrishikesh talks about his love for exploring and investigating the stories and influences behind songs, as well as what made him start his podcast, and how it reconnected him to...

David Porter, one of the key figures behind Stax Records, joins us today on the Track Star Podcast to discuss his role as one of the primary songwriters, hitmakers, and creative forces behind the Memphis soul movement. ​

Starting with his youth in Memphis, Porter brings us along for a trip through his life, exploring the complex influences that came together in Memphis in the early 60s to define the Stax sound. Porter explains the importance of Stax Records’ position as a collective movement coming out of a segregated Memphis at the time. ​

In today’s episode...

Jack Johnson joins Track Star* today to listen to a few songs and chat about the impact they had on his life, personally and professionally, and how those songs and artists continue to inform the work he does today.

In this episode, Jack Johnson gets into the role music played in his childhood, his falling in love, and his life as a surfer, a filmmaker, and finally a musician. Exploring the power of music to make us laugh and cry, and to transport us to different times and places, Johnson emphasizes, above all else, the importance of...

Today on the Track Star Podcast, Este Haim joins Jack to talk about a few perfect songs. Este and Jack each brought 3 (ish) songs to the table to discuss what makes them perfect, the influences they have had, and the personal significances they carry.

Taking us on a journey through time and genre, Este and Jack cover everything from transcendental meditation to Britney Spears’ Pop perfection. As Este walks us through a few of her perfect songs, she reveals the songs, artists, and moments that inspired her to make music, and how her family supported and encouraged th...

Johnny Knoxville, the acclaimed stuntman, actor, comedian, and producer known best for his role as co-creator and star of Jackass, joins us today to listen to a few songs and share stories of how the show came to be and what it means to him.  Covering a few classic Outlaw Country songs as well as some iconic Jackass songs, Johnny explains the influence of music on him personally, as well as the role it played in the development and creation of the show.  In today’s episode, Johnny reflects on the time he spent working on Jackass, discussing the peop...

Today on Track Star*, Jack is joined by legendary Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament to discuss his life and work, and the wide variety of music that inspired it. 

In this episode, Jeff and Jack have a conversation about music, community, and the glue that binds us together as they talk about the moments and memories that made Jeff Ament. 

Covering everything from his early childhood in rural Montana to his youth in Seattle to his time with Pearl Jam and beyond, Jeff shows us how building community and encouraging positive human interaction can change li...

This week on Track Star* Jack is joined by comedian, actor, and producer, John Leguizamo to cover some iconic Latin artists and discuss how Latin music speaks for and resonates with populations around the world.  Along the way, John and Jack consider how Bad Bunny became the #1 artist in the world, how salsa in the 70s created a space for Latin people in New York, and the cultural significance of the breakthrough by Latin artists in the past few years.  John takes us on a brief and powerful journey through a slice of the history of Latin music, with ma...

Finneas O’Connell joins The Track Star Podcast to explore some of the most fascinating and unconventional production choices behind iconic songs and compositions.

Armed with five song picks each, Finneas and Jack take turns sharing tracks that span everything from film scores to classic records. Along the way, they break down the creative techniques that make each piece unique, uncovering what it really takes to push boundaries and create something unforgettable.

From the role inspiration plays in shaping a song to the ways production itself can become a form of storytelling, Finneas offers a ra...

Today on Track Star*, Jack is joined by Glen Hansard, the acclaimed singer-songwriter, musician, and actor known for his work as a founding member of the band the Frames, as well as his prolific solo musical and acting careers.  ​In this episode, we take a musical journey through his multi-dimensional career, discussing the songs that defined his artistic development from busking on the streets of Dublin to starring in an award-winning movie to working with artists like Eddie Vedder and Bob Dylan.  ​Glen and Jack discuss good people and good music, and the power they have to change lives.  This Ep...

Today on the Track Star Podcast, Jack is joined by Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy for a conversation about everything from touching grass to the pursuit of happiness, discussing how community engagement and human connection have the power to uplift and heal. 

With a carefully curated playlist, Jack walks Senator Murphy through different times and different lives, and facilitates a conversation about how consumerism and globalization have contributed to a cultural disconnect. 

Today’s episode shows how music can lead to important discussions, as Senator Murphy explains how genuine connection is the most important thing in soci...

This week on the Track Star Podcast, Jack is joined by six-time Grammy-winning drummer and record producer Questlove. The genre-defining drummer and co-founder and co-frontman of The Roots as well as an acclaimed director and filmmaker, is the director and producer of the new documentary: Earth, Wind & Fire (To Be Celestial vs. That's the Weight of the World). 

In this episode, Jack and Questlove dive into the songs that have deeply influenced Questlove’s musical upbringing and modern-day career. He reflects on his journey and discusses his lifelong connection to Earth, Wind & Fire and the documentary. 

Wa...

This week on the Track Star Podcast, we’re joined by Grammy Award-winning producer, songwriter, and musician Andrew Watt, one of the defining hitmakers in modern music. From pop stars to rock legends, Andrew has worked with some of the biggest artists in the world, including Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger, Ozzy Osbourne, Justin Bieber, and Lady Gaga. In this episode, Jack plays through a list of songs Andrew has helped create, many of which became chart-topping hits. Andrew reflects on his journey from producing pop records to collaborating with some of rock music’s most iconic artists, and shares his...

On this episode of Track Star*, we're joined by Ben Gibbard and Dave Depper of Death Cab for Cutie. Known for their thoughtful songwriting and influence on indie rock, the two bring decades of musical curiosity to a conversation filled with the records and artists that have stayed with them over the years. Ben, Dave, and Jack dive into the songs that helped shape their tastes, from alt rock, indie pop, post-punk, and emo classics. From the The Cure and New Order to favorites like Built to Spill, Rilo Kiley, and Sunny Day Real Estate, they reflect on inspiration . ...

This week on the Track Star Podcast, we’re joined by New York Times music reporters Jon Caramanica and Joe Coscarelli following the publication of the NYT’s “The 30 Greatest Living American Songwriters.” As the hosts of the popular music podcast “Popcast,” Jon and Joe are no strangers to passionate debate. Their work often explores contemporary music through both a critical and historical lens, helping listeners make sense of today’s artists in the broader context of popular music.

Although we only have time to dive into a handful of names from the list, Jon and Joe unpack the thi...

Comedian, actor, and musician Eric André joins Jack for a conversation packed with punk legends, underground hip-hop, and some amazing music stories and further proves his musical knowledge runs just as deep as his comedy. A lifelong musician who started on piano at age five before moving through tuba, cello, and upright bass, Jack and André trace the artists, records, and experiences that shaped his taste and ultimately led to his own music project, BLARF, which released a new album this year. They chat Death Grips, and him being the only person ever to witness a rehearsal of theirs, th...

This week on the Track Star Podcast, we're joined by blues legend Taj Mahal. He spent over six decades expanding what the blues can be, weaving in Caribbean rhythms, folk, soul, and world music along the way. We got to discuss the artists and traditions that shaped both his career and the genre itself.

This playlist spans from Elvis Presley to Harry Belafonte to Miriam Makeba, and Taj Mahal has a story for every single one. He traces where this music comes from and connects the dots across Delta blues, jazz, Caribbean folk, South African rhythms, and...

Today, the always iconic Shania Twain is putting her music knowledge to the test. We met Shania on the streets of New York City and had a great conversation about country music, pop icons, the recording process, and her first big hit, "Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under?" Showcasing her broad music knowledge, Shania shared stories about Carole King, Def Leppard, Tanya Tucker, Minnie Riperton, The Carpenters, and Mutt Lange.

This week on the Track Star Podcast, Ziggy Marley joins us to talk about his passion for reggae, the musical inspirations that shaped him, and the legacy he carries as part of reggae’s most influential family. Jack guides Ziggy through a conversation about the genre’s legends, and together they explore some of the artists who helped define reggae from its earliest days.

The discussion begins with Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer, who, alongside Bob Marley, formed The Wailers in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1963. From those Jamaican roots, the conversation travels through time to other pivotal voices in t...