Steve Porcaro has spent his life creating some of the most recognisable music ever recorded.
As a founding member of Grammy-winning rock legends Toto, Steve helped shape classics including Africa, Rosanna, Hold The Line and Human Nature—the Michael Jackson masterpiece that became one of the defining songs on the biggest-selling album of all time, Thriller.
In this fascinating conversation, Steve joins Sandy Kaye to tell the extraordinary story behind one of rock’s most talented musical families. He recalls growing up alongside his legendary brothers Jeff and Mike Porcaro, learning from his father Joe Porcaro, and finding his own path by becoming one of the world’s foremost synthesizer programmers during the birth of electronic music.
Steve explains how Toto emerged from the elite Los Angeles session scene after working with Boz Scaggs on Silk Degrees, why the band almost never kept the name "Toto," and reveals the surprising truth behind the creation of Africa and Rosanna. He also discusses why he initially thought Africa didn’t even belong on the album that would eventually become Toto IV.
One of the highlights of this interview is Steve’s remarkable account of how Human Nature almost never happened. He explains how Quincy Jones accidentally discovered an unfinished demo that Steve had never intended anyone to hear, how lyricist John Bettis completed the song, and why Michael Jackson’s vocal transformed it into one of pop music’s greatest recordings.
Steve also reflects on the enormous success of Toto, the changing music industry, working with Quincy Jones, David Foster, Gary Wright, Earth, Wind & Fire, Hall & Oates, Chicago and many more, before discussing his work composing for film and television and the personal journey that led him to leave Toto before later returning.
The conversation is also deeply personal as Steve remembers brothers Jeff and Mike Porcaro, their extraordinary musical gifts, and the Family bond that helped shape one of rock’s greatest bands.
Since this interview was recorded, Steve has released his acclaimed second solo album, The Very Day, featuring newly completed songs written across several decades, including collaborations with Michael McDonald and Jason Scheff. The album showcases the thoughtful songwriting and melodic sensibility that have defined his remarkable career.
If you Love Toto, Michael Jackson, the golden era of studio musicians, or simply want to hear the inside stories behind some of the greatest records ever made, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
