The Track Star Podcast

In honor of what would have been John Prine’s 80th birthday, Fiona Prine and Kurt Vile join Jack on the Track Star Podcast to celebrate the life, music, and lasting legacy of one of America’s most beloved songwriters. Together, they revisit the songs, stories, and humor that defined Prine’s five-decade career, exploring his singular approach to songwriting and his ability to capture the beauty, heartbreak, and absurdity of everyday life. From his early days in Chicago’s folk scene to his influence on generations of musicians, the conversation reflects on the music that made Prine such a cherished figure. Fiona shares personal memories of her late husband, while Kurt Vile discusses Prine’s impact on his own music and songwriting. Together, they celebrate not only an extraordinary catalog, but the kindness, generosity, and sense of community that made John Prine so special. Fish and Whistle - John Prine Jesus, The Missing Years - John Prine Angel from Montgomery - Bonnie Raitt How Lucky - Kurt Vile, John Prine I Remember Everything - John Prine

Beck joins Jack on Track Star, putting his encyclopedic music knowledge to the test. From the influential sounds of The Velvet Underground to the pioneering hip-hop of Grandmaster Flash and Melle Mel, Beck explores music spanning decades, genres, and generations, reflecting on the artists and songs that have shaped his life and career. Along the way, they dive into everything from Bette Midler’s classic ballad “The Rose” to modern hip-hop from Young Thug and Travis Scott. Beck also revisits his collaboration with Hinds on “Boom Boom Back,” sharing stories and insights into his creative process, musical influences, and the unexpected connections between the sounds that inspire him.   This Episode's Track List:  There She Goes Again - The Velvet Underground & Nico White Lines (Don't Do It) - Grandmaster Flash & Melle Mel Boom Boom Back - Hinds & Beck The Rose - Bette Midler pick up the phone - Young Thug & Travis Scott

Seun Kuti joins Jack on the Track Star Podcast for a special episode celebrating the life and legacy of his father, Fela Kuti. As Fela’s youngest son and the longtime leader of his legendary band Egypt 80, Seun has spent his life surrounded by the music that helped define Afrobeat. Together, they look back at Fela’s groundbreaking career, the sounds and influences behind his music, and the lasting impact he’s had on artists around the world. Seun shares stories about growing up with his father, carrying on his musical legacy, and finding his own voice as an artist. The conversation comes at a special moment for Fela’s legacy, following his Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award earlier this year and ahead of his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, alongside 50th anniversary celebrations of Zombie and Expensive Shit. Shuffering And Shmiling, Pt. 2 - Fela Kuti Black Man's Cry - Live - Fela Kuti, Ginger Baker Gentleman - Fela Kuti Sorrow Tears & Blood - Fela Kuti Original Sufferhead - Fela Kuti Shuffering And Shmiling, Pt. 2 - Fela Kuti

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