Heart’s Don’t Lie - The La Toya Jackson Podcast

In this episode, we’re taking a thoughtful detour — but don’t worry, La Toya remains the heart of this podcast. This time, we’re stepping into the world of her big sister, Rebbie Jackson, to explore a career that often sits quietly within the wider Jackson legacy. From her start in the industry to the way she chose to navigate fame, we look at how she carved out her own lane — not in comparison, but in curiosity — and what kind of artist she set out to be.We’ll walk through all four of Rebbie’s studio albums, tracing her sound, the evolution between releases, and the hidden gems that deserve a second listen. I discovered her music through the power of La Toya, but this episode is about digging deeper — uncovering the intention behind the music, the gaps between eras, and the quiet strength of an artist who moved at her own pace.

After years of silence, control, and survival, La Toya Jackson finally steps into the light with Starting Over — an era defined by independence, creative freedom, and emotional honesty. In this episode of Hearts Don’t Lie, we explore La Toya’s long-awaited return to music, from the fearless dancefloor joy of Just Wanna Dance to the deeply personal songwriting that runs through every track on the EP.We unpack the symbolism of this era: La Toya writing on every song, reclaiming her voice in her late 40s, embracing a new public image, and reconnecting with audiences through music, television, and storytelling on her own terms. Starting Over isn’t just a comeback — it’s a journey from trauma to release, reflection, and ultimately joy. And it might just be one of the most meaningful chapters of her career.

This week on Hearts Don’t Lie, we dive into Stop In the Name of Love (1995) — La Toya Jackson’s final full-length studio album and one of the most overlooked entries in her discography.Following the country inspired From Nashville to You, this album marked a return to dance-pop and mid-’90s club sounds, reworking Motown classics through upbeat production, house-influenced grooves, and La Toya’s unmistakable vocal style. We explore the album’s fascinating context, its curious creation stories and why these reinterpretations feel more like reinvention than tribute.From high-energy dance remixes to surprisingly heartfelt moments — including La Toya’s take on I’ll Be There — this episode reexamines a record that didn’t chase commercial success, but quietly expanded La Toya’s musical world.A forgotten gem? A misunderstood experiment? Or one of La Toya’s most fun releases?Let’s talk about it.

This week on Hearts Don’t Lie, we take a deep dive into one of La Toya Jackson’s most overlooked albums: From Nashville to You (1994).Coming off the high-energy dance-pop of No Relations, this album marked a clear shift toward a more adult contemporary, country-leaning, storytelling-focused sound, with less emphasis on image and more focus on the music itself. Despite a shift in genre, this album remains unmistakably La Toya — from her distinctive vocals and ad-libs to the warmth, personality, and quiet sass she brings to every track.Joining me is Eric (@vibeology.89620), a devoted La Toya super-fan whose knowledge of this era and country music, plus passion for her catalog, add real depth and insight to the conversation.Together, we revisit an album that didn’t chase hits, but quietly expanded the musical world of La Toya Jackson — and deserves a closer listen.

In this episode, we dive into No Relations, the album that captures La Toya Jackson in one of the most chaotic periods of her career.Behind the scenes, things were messy, controlled, and far from glamorous… but on the record? It’s pure high-camp escapism: thumping Euro beats, eyebrow-raising lyrics, seductive whispers, and enough attitude to power an entire 1991 nightclub.We’re breaking down the bops, the shocks, and the cult-classic charm that makes No Relations one of the most unforgettable chapters in La Toya’s discography.

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.

Step into La Toya Jackson’s most daring era yet! ✨ In this episode of Hearts Don’t Lie, we explore 1986’s Imagination — her first release after the success of Heart Don’t Lie. With glossy 80s synths, sensual R&B, and a bold shift in style, La Toya was ready to show a more confident, experimental side. But behind the sparkle was a twist — the label behind Imagination went bankrupt, raising big questions about what could have been for this bold new chapter

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.