The Track Star Podcast

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