The Questlove Show

In the words of Questlove our guest for this special episode, is "a part of one of THE most important musical dynasty's in music".

As we celebrate Black Music Month, look back to late 2024, when James "JT" Taylor joined Questlove and Suga Steve to revisit his upbringing and two decades with Kool & The Gang. JT detailed arriving with the legendary Funk-Jazz band to help them reach new plateaus with hit songs including "Celebration," "Ladies Night," "Joanna," and more. This conversation also touched on JT's solo career at MCA Records, his ventures in film, and his recent Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame induction. This one is smooth and soulful—just like JT Taylor's incredible voice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fred Hammond is a great change-maker, a supreme innovator, and the first gospel artist to sit with us!

Nick Polowy is the Los Angeles–based artist behind The Questlove Show logo and many of the animations that have appeared throughout QLS episodes since 2022. While taping in Hollywood, Ahmir and Open Mike Eagle sat down with Nick for a special mini episode to talk about his creative process, the deep research that informs his work, and a career that spans everything from major television networks to haunted houses. Tune in to hear the story behind the visuals and the artist who brought them to life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jimmy Jam talks about making Prince jealous, the studio secrets behind his recordings, how he made all those hits with Janet Jackson and much more.

Black Music Month kicks off in a major way. Mickey Guyton joins Questlove for a deeply personal conversation about carving out space as a Black woman in Country music, from her church roots in Texas to performing on global stages like the Super Bowl and in China. She opens up about her religious upbringing, perfectionism, anxiety, creative burnout, and finding her true audience among marginalized fans who feel seen in her story. Along the way, Mickey and Quest geek out on Brandy, karaoke etiquette, gatekeeping in Country music, and what it really costs to pioneer a lane that didn't exist before.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christopher Cross joins Questlove in Hollywood for a deep musician-to-musician conversation about songwriting, studio craftsmanship, and surviving meteoric success. Cross reveals the true origin of Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do) and the outlaw mythology behind Ride Like The Wind, while recalling experiences like seeing Jimi Hendrix live, opening for Led Zeppelin, and singing background vocals with Carl Wilson. He breaks down the making of his classic debut album, his obsession with Steely Dan–level precision, and why his later records still matter deeply to him and his core fans. Along the way, Cross shares rare stories about Brian Wilson, Joni Mitchell, Michael McDonald, and Jimmy Page — plus an unforgettable Ginger Baker milk-and-ulcers story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a recent conversation with Padma Lakshmi, Questlove brought up the near-sacrilegious act of putting ketchup on a hot dog in Chicago. Chicago native Open Mike Eagle reacts — while admitting he may already be disqualified from the debate for entirely different reasons. The podcast affiliate (and recent guest) also speaks about the hometown food he gravitates towards, name-checking some purveyors.  The mini episode conversation with Mike and show producer Cousin Jake also veers into touring life, road food, and experiences traveling through Europe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recorded back in mid-2023, Cedric the Entertainer—the king of comedy whose career spans film, television, and hosting—added “novelist” to his already expansive résumé. That was a cause for discussion with Questlove and Team Supreme during the virtual interview days. In this funny and thoughtful episode of QLS, Cedric discusses his debut novel Flipping Boxcars, reflects on the journey that shaped his career, and shares the inspiration behind his latest creative pivot. Enjoy!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Back in 2022, the Questlove Supreme's Team Supreme began doing 1-on-1 interviews with some of their favorites. Ahmir captured an amazing two-parter with one of his drumming heroes, Steve Ferrone. In part 2, Steve tells a great story about meeting Prince and recalls amazing years with Average White Band, pivotal time with Duran Duran, Chaka Khan, Rick James, and Tom Petty. Make sure you've heard the first part too.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.