David Porter, one of the key figures behind Stax Records, joins us today on the Track Star Podcast to discuss his role as one of the primary songwriters, hitmakers, and creative forces behind the Memphis soul movement. ​

Starting with his youth in Memphis, Porter brings us along for a trip through his life, exploring the complex influences that came together in Memphis in the early 60s to define the Stax sound. Porter explains the importance of Stax Records’ position as a collective movement coming out of a segregated Memphis at the time. ​

In today’s episode, David Porter tells a story of the race, music, unity, and respect that defined Stax Records, setting it apart from the music of its time and creating an iconic and timeless sound. 

This Episode’s Tracklist: 

00:00 - Intro

00:14 - Soul Man - Sam & Dave

04:43 - Sincerely - The Moonglows

07:22 - Blue Monday - Fats Domino

14:27 - Cause I Love You - Carla and Rufus

19:37 - Green Onions - Booker T. & The M.G.’s

20:01 - Last Night - The Mar-Keys

23:56 - Heat Wave - Martha and the Vandelles

24:21 - Hold On, I’m Comin - Sam & Dave

28:03 - B-A-B-Y - Carla Thomas

35:25 - These Arms of Mine - Otis Redding

42:08 - (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay - Otis Redding

New episodes of The Track Star Podcast drop every week. Let us know what artist, theme, or unexpected guest you want us to explore next.