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