In this episode, we dive into La Toya Jackson’s late ’80s reinvention, covering both La Toya (1988) and Bad Girl (1990). With a bold new sound and attitude, La Toya stepped out from under her father’s management and embraced taking risks and redefining her musical identity. We explore the daring production, standout tracks, and fearless persona that marked this pivotal chapter in her career.
Three years after My Special Love, La Toya Jackson returned with the album that would become her most successful era: Heart Don’t Lie. In this episode, we dive into the story behind the record — from the bold new image and playful sound, to her very first music video and chart success.
We’ll explore the upbeat energy of the album, the surprising collaborators (including family, friends, and even a Prince connection), and how La Toya found her voice in a more fun and cheeky direction. This was a turning point: the Heart Don’t Lie era wasn’t just music, it was La Toya stepping into her most iconic spotlight.
Join us as we celebrate the tracks, the visuals, and the legacy of the album that gave our podcast its very name.
La Toya Jackson’s second album My Special Love often gets overlooked, but it’s full of charm, surprises, and hidden gems. In this episode, we dig into the romance-tinged record that saw La Toya team up with her brother Randy, cover a Billy Ocean track, and even share studio time with Janet on the fan-favorite Camp Kuchi Kaiai.
We’ll talk album highlights, whether the album was rushed or just underappreciated, and why those pop-disco tracks like Giving You Up and Fill You Up still shine. Plus, you’ll hear how this era showed La Toya experimenting with R&B, soul, and disco as she searched for her signature sound.
Tune in for insights on that unmistakable La Toya sparkle!
In our very first episode, we examine La Toya Jackson’s journey from her early days on The Jacksons variety show to stepping out as a solo artist with her 1980 self-titled debut album. With star-studded contributions from Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Billy Ocean, Ray Parker Jr., and more, La Toya’s debut proved she was ready to carve her own path. We’ll explore the stories behind the album’s creation, its chart performance, and its elegant image — plus share personal reflections on why this overlooked gem deserves fresh recognition.