The Track Star Podcast

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 perspective on early Hip-Hop figures and influences.



This Episode's Track List:

Distant Lover - Marvin Gaye

Mary Jane - Rick James

Computer Love - Zapp

You Dropped A Bomb On Me - The Gap Band

It Was a Good Day - Ice Cube

I Get Around (ft. Shock G, Money B) - 2Pac

Stompin’ And Pimpin - 8Ball & MJG

EARFQUAKE - Tyler, The Creator

I Don’t F**k With You - Big Sean

DADZ LOVE - Justin Bieber, Lil B

Last Time That I Checc’d (ft YG) - Nipsey Hussle

Fantastic Voyage - Lakeside

Love’s Train - Con Funk Shun

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 wide range of music and show us the importance of listening to and learning from a wide variety of influences.



This Episode's Track List:

Crying - Roy Orbison

Cry! Cry! Cry! - Johnny Cash

Hard to Explain - The Strokes

Louisiana 1927 - Randy Newman

Badlands - Bruce Springsteen

Watching the Detectives - Elvis Costello

Everyday - Weyes Blood

Pulling Mussels (From the Shell) - Squeeze

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.

This Episode's Track List:

Holdin’ On - Sly and the Family Stone
Moonage Daydream - David Bowie
Runaround Sue - Dion
Blue Moon - The Marcels
Have a Cigar - Pink Floyd
Bambi - Prince
Put a Little Love In Your Heart - Jackie DeShannon

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 life story between drum breaks and hard rock classics, Travis takes the time today to share with us a new perspective on his life and the moments behind the music that defined it.

This Episode's Track List:

Paul Revere - Beastie Boys

Beat on the Brat - Ramones

Aint Talkin Bout Love - Van Halen

Rock and Roll - Led Zeppelin

Super Rad! - The Aquabats!

My War - Black Flag

I’m the One - Descendents

Raining Blood - Slayer

Love for Sale - The Buddy Rich Big Band

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 the greatest pianists and composers of all time. This episode is a celebration of Oscar Peterson’s life, music, and lasting legacy.

This Episode's Track List:

Oscar Peterson - Tenderly

Oscar Peterson Trio - Falling In Love With Love

Oscar Peterson Trio - Night Train

Oscar Peterson Trio - C Jam Blues

Oscar Peterson Trio - Hymn To Freedom

Oscar Peterson Trio - Wheatland

Ella Fitzgerald, Oscar Peterson - Mean To Me

Oscar Peterson - Love Ballade