The Track Star Podcast

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

Questlove, the multi-dimensional musician, filmmaker, and artist, joins us today on Track Star* to show us his deep and profound appreciation for music, and to teach us about the role music has played throughout his life.

Originally gaining notoriety as drummer and co-frontman of the Roots, Questlove became a core member of the Soulquarian collective. Today, Questlove gives us a peek into the group's creative process, as well as a lesson on the history of the collective and the members who made it iconic.

As we walk through different musical moments and movements, Questlove takes the time to share with us his love for music and the people who make it.

This Episode's Track List:

The Light - Common

Don’t Leave Me This Way (ft. Teddy Pendergrass) - Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes

I Won’t Last a Day Without You - Carpenters

For the Love of Money - The O’Jays

Bang the Drum All Day - Todd Rundgren

Long Lonely Nights - Lee Andrews & The Hearts

Loan Me a Dime - Boz Scaggs

In today’s episode of Track Star* Warren Haynes, best known for his work as a member of the Allman Brothers Band, joins us to listen to some iconic, genre-defining Blues and Rock songs, and to discuss the influence they had on the development of Rock.

Haynes takes the time today to give us an important lesson on the history of the guitar and how it defined Blues and Rock and Roll music. Diving into the music that influenced him as a child to pick up the guitar and learn to play, Jack and Warren take us on a walk through Rock and Blues history, giving us advice on how to listen to and make music along the way.



In discussing his own music alongside the music that came before him, Haynes offers a unique and important perspective on the narrative of Rock history.



This Episode's Track List:

Fire - The Jimi Hendrix Experience

Lay Down Sally - Eric Clapton

Sweet Little Angel - B.B. King

Going Down - Freddie King

Born Under a Bad Sign - Albert King

Brokedown Palace - Grateful Dead

Midnight in Harlem - Tedeschi Trucks Band

Cortez the Killer - Neil Young & Crazy Horse

Statesboro Blues - Blind Willie McTell

If This Is Just a Game - David Allan Coe

Mississippi Queen - Mountain

Lenny Kaye is an icon of the punk rock scene. As a member of the Patti Smith Group, as well as in his work as a solo artist and rock critic, Kaye joins us today on Track Star* to listen to a few songs and break down some important Punk history.

Beginning with a discussion of the songs and movements that influenced Kaye himself as a child, the conversation soon shifts to a broader discussion of what defined the punk scene and mindset, and how that developed over time.

Kaye joins us today for an invaluable, first-person perspective on the New York punk movement of the late 70s, interrupted only occasionally by singing and dancing.

This Episode's Track List:

Gloria - The Cadillacs

Never Let You Go - The Five Discs

Johnny Too Bad - The Slickers

Know Your Rights - The Clash

The Golden Road (To Unlimited Devotion) - Grateful Dead

Sonic Reducer - Dead Boys

White Wedding - Billy Idol

Today on Track Star* we are joined by legendary singer, songwriter, and producer Swamp Dogg to cover some of the songs that defined his career and discuss the complicated and somewhat blurred relationship between country and R&B.

Swamp Dogg takes some time today to break down a few classic country and R&B songs, giving us an insider perspective on the hit-making process and a unique view of the people behind the iconic songs.

Between the songs and the stories, Swamp Dogg gives an important analysis of Country and R&B and the similarities and differences between the two.

This Episode's Track List:

Cry to Me - Solomon Burke

She’s All I Got - Johnny Paycheck

She’s All I Got - Freddie North

In the Midnight Hour - Wilson Pickett

Please Don’t Bury Me - John Prine

Quarter to Three - Gary U.S. Bonds

You Ain’t Woman Enough - Loretta Lynn

Knock on Wood - Eddie Floyd

He’s Sure the Boy I Love - The Crystals

Acid Tongue - Jenny Lewis

Searching For Heaven - Swamp Dogg