Steve Porcaro In-Studio | Writing “Human Nature” & Unreleased MJ Songs - Part 1

Join me for a deep dive into music history as I step inside the studio with Steve Porcaro, the legendary songwriter, session keyboardist, and founding member of Toto, to hear the full, real story behind how he wrote “Human Nature,” one of Michael Jackson’s most beloved and timeless songs. Steve and I sit down at the synths to re‑create some of the signature “Human Nature” parts, talk through the gear, textures, and techniques, and revisit what it felt like to craft these sounds in the early ’80s. Steve also opens up about how the track began as his personal demo and how Quincy Jones heard something special in it, transforming it into a Michael Jackson classic by bringing in world‑class musicians like Steve Lukather, whose unmistakable R&B guitar flavor helped define the final sound and turn it into a “Michael song.” In addition, you’ll hear first‑hand, never‑before‑told stories about Steve’s unexpected songwriting sessions with Michael himself, including the two unreleased songs they created together. Michael would show up at Steve’s studio unannounced, ready to work. Only weeks after *Thriller* was released, with Michael at his peak, the two of them were already deep into making brand‑new music. Steve shares details about the still‑unreleased tracks they worked on: “Chicago 1945” and “Dream Away.” Along the way, Steve recalls unforgettable studio moments from working with Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, and the incredible Los Angeles session scene.