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Today on Track Star*, we are quizzing a local librarian from the NY Public Library, Dan, and his encyclopedic knowledge of 70s/80s rock. While regaling us with fascinating anecdotes surrounding a range of his favorite artists, his deep passion for music is obvious and infectious. Dan has a remarkable knack for expressing exactly what he loves about each and every track Jack throws at him, creating one of the most entertaining and informative episodes of Track Star* to date. Dan adds perspective to the artists behind beloved rock classics through captivating details, and remarkably…

The Track Star Podcast

by Jack Coyne · English · Music

The internet’s favorite music show, now in podcast form! Each episode explores a theme through a playlist of songs, taking listeners on a deep dive into a specific artist, genre, or era of music through the perspectives of musicians, historians, journalists and fans. Also available in video on YouTu

More from The Track Star Podcast

  1. 9 Sep 2026 · 6 min

    Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh Go Head-to-Head | Track Star Versus

    Today on Track Star Versus*, Apple TV's MAYDAY stars Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh go head-to-head in a battle of music knowledge. The pair test their expertise across ’80s rock, new wave, and pop classics from artists including Queen, David Bowie, Cyndi Lauper and more! Between competitive guesses, needle drops, and plenty of singing along, Ryan and Kenneth bring their quick wit and undeniable chemistry to an especially lively round of Track Star Versus*. This Episodes Track List: Under Pressure - Queen & David Bowie Every Breath You Take - The Police Time After Time - Cyndia Lauper…

  2. 7 Sep 2026 · 5 min

    Testing Juanes' Music Knowledge

    Today on Track Star*, Jack chats with legendary Colombian musician and singer-songwriter Juanes. Juanes shows us how his music taste grew alongside him, from Latin folk in his younger years to hard rock and metal, both in English and Spanish. His deep love for all kinds of music shines as he speaks about the iconic artists and songs that shaped him, especially the sounds of his hometown of Medellin, Colombia. His infectious enthusiasm transports us to his childhood and reveals the wide-range of influences behind his artistsry. This Episode's Track List: Black Dog - Led Zeppelin Seek &…

  3. 2 Sep 2026 · 7 min

    Testing Andrew Garfield's Music Knowledge

    Today on Track Star*, we are quizzing Oscar-nominated actor Andrew Garfield on funk, soul as well as some vocal jazz. In this episode, Andrew shares how different styles of music affect his interpretations of the characters he plays, as well as sharing stories about the obscure French Hip-Hop group he was a member of and his life-changing concert experiences. Watch as he breaks down the soul and vocal ‘purity’ of the timeless classics , and displays the truly special way in which he listens to all kinds of music. This Episode's Track List: Tieduprightnow - Parcels Father Figure - George…

  4. 28 Aug 2026 · 9 min

    Testing Dakota Fanning's Music Knowledge

    Today on Track Star*, we’re putting Emmy-nominated actress Dakota Fanning’s music knowledge to the test with a mix of Southern classics, childhood favorites, and songs that shaped her along the way. Ahead of her new film The Sun Never Sets, Dakota reflects on growing up between Hollywood film sets and a traditional Southern upbringing, sharing stories from her childhood, career, and the music tied to it all. Watch the full episode as Dakota Fanning puts her music knowledge to the test and shares stories from a life spent on and off screen. This Episode's Track List: Little Deuce Coupe - The…

  5. 24 Aug 2026 · 13 min

    Testing Whitmer Thomas’ Music Knowledge

    Today on Track Star*, we are quizzing Alabama’s very own Whitmer Thomas on home-state classic hits and punk-driven 2000s tracks. Showcasing his own musical influence and childhood upbringing, Whitmer Thomas takes us on a tour through his journey as a singer and stand-up comedian and how they intertwined, with anecdotes that shaped his career along the way. From stories of van tours as a teenager, being raised by his musical mother, and his love-hate relationship with Alabama, Whitmer Thomas has us hooked on this episode of Track Star. This Episode's Track List: Sweet Home Alabama - Lynyrd…

  6. 21 Aug 2026 · 8 min

    Testing Troye Sivan's Music Knowledge

    Today on Track Star*, we are quizzing the iconic Australian pop star Troye Sivan on Y2K euphoria and melancholy R&B classics. Revealing the extent of his own musical influence and knowledge, Troye Sivan gives us the opportunity to learn about his journey as a singer and performing artist and his recent experience touring with legendary genre-bending musician Charli XCX. With personal stories, a rapid guessing speed, and sunglasses that Jack himself wants to purchase now, Troye Sivan brings a laidback chatty vibe to this episode of Track Star. This Episode's Track List: Happy & Sad - Kacey…

  7. 9 Oct 2026 · 20 minNew

    Testing Daniel Kaluuya's Music Knowledge

    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…

  8. 7 Oct 2026 · 1 hr

    Why Paul Simon’s “Graceland” Made Music History

    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…

  9. 2 Oct 2026 · 1 hr 5 min

    Testing Elvis Costello's Music Knowledge

    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…

  10. 30 Sep 2026 · 51 min

    Sheryl Crow Teaches Us About Her Top Music Influences

    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…

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