The Track Star Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Testing Tom Morello's Music Knowledge Oct 21, 2026

Show notes

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 Returns for a Deep Dive on Jazz Legends Oct 19, 2026

Show notes

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

Testing LL Cool J's Music Knowledge Oct 16, 2026

Show notes

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

Is Gen Z the Best Music Generation? Oct 14, 2026

Show notes

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

Testing Daniel Kaluuya's Music Knowledge Oct 09, 2026

Show notes

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

Why Paul Simon’s “Graceland” Made Music History Oct 07, 2026

Show notes

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

Testing Elvis Costello's Music Knowledge Oct 02, 2026

Show notes

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

Sheryl Crow Teaches Us About Her Top Music Influences Sep 30, 2026

Show notes

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

Testing Queen Latifah's Music Knowledge Sep 28, 2026

Show notes

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

Grandmaster Flash Explains How Rap First Started Sep 23, 2026

Show notes

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

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