Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley

Jazzhole founders Marlon Saunders and Warren Rosenstein join Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley to discuss their latest album Moonlight Mile, recording at the legendary Muscle Shoals studio, touring with Stevie Wonder, Randy Brecker, New York's vibrant music scene and the band's remarkable 32-year journey together.

Singer, songwriter and producer Sekend joins Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley to discuss his musical journey from Dallas to Berklee College of Music and ultimately to recording with Kanye West, Elton John, Stevie Wonder and Kirk Franklin. He shares stories about Sunday Service, studio sessions, Motown, performing the National Anthem, and building his own career as an artist

From the Upper Room archives, Joe Kelley welcomes Shel Riser of Sonnyboy for an in-studio interview and live performance recorded in 2004.

Shel discusses his move to Minneapolis, performing with Maserati, working with Malia Franklin, the Prince-era music scene, building Sonnyboy, and life as an independent artist. The episode also includes live acoustic performances recorded in studio.

Part 1 of a two-part conversation.

Singer, songwriter and former New Power Generation vocalist Elisa Fiorillo joins Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley.

Elisa discusses her new single "Clear Blue Skies," performing with the Minneapolis Funk All-Stars, memories of Prince, the surprising advice Prince gave her as a songwriter, her upcoming memoir Purple Tapestry, and the next phase of her musical journey.

She also shares stories about recording with Prince, touring, songwriting, family, and the inspiration behind her newest music.

Recorded June 2026.

Hosted by Joe Kelley.

On air since 1982.

Bobby Moon and Paul Pablo Thomas of Spellbound join Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley to discuss more than three decades of friendship, music, creativity, and independent artistry.

The conversation explores the band's origins, musical influences, songwriting process, live performances, the changing music industry, and their latest release, Life 101.

Originally recorded in 2026.

Originally recorded in 2007.

Joe Kelley welcomes Gary Hines, founder and leader of Grammy Award-winning Sounds of Blackness.

Gary discusses the group's album Kings and Queens: Message Music From The Movement, the lasting influence of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., attending King's funeral, growing up in Yonkers, New York, and the rich musical history of Minneapolis.

The conversation also explores Ann Nesby's role in Sounds of Blackness, community activism through music, legendary Minneapolis clubs, and the mission that has guided Sounds of Blackness for decades.

Topics include:

Originally recorded in 2005, Joe Kelley welcomes legendary drummer, guitarist, producer, and founding member of The Time, Jellybean Johnson.

In this rare radio archive, Jellybean reflects on touring with Prince during the Musicology era, the discipline and rehearsal standards that made Prince's bands legendary, the unique artistry of the Minneapolis Sound, and his work with Ronnie Baker Brooks.

He also shares stories about Jesse Johnson, Jerome Benton, The Time's live performances, and what it was like returning to arenas packed with 20,000 Prince fans during the Musicology Tour.

Topics include:

• Prince and the Mu...

Rainiere Martin joins Joe Kelley on Musicians Reveal to discuss her incredible journey from giving up on music for 20 years to becoming one of the nation's premier Donna Summer tribute performers.

Rainiere shares how years of rejection led her away from singing, the unexpected opportunity that changed her life, building the acclaimed Forever Donna tribute show, performing on the Ultimate Disco Cruise, and honoring the legacy of one of music's most beloved voices.

Topics include Donna Summer, Legends in Concert, Philadelphia music influences, live performance, audience engagement, Joe Esposito, Tammi Terrell, and the perseverance required...

In this 2007 radio archive, Joe Kelley speaks with Rose Ann Dimalanta (RAD), keyboardist, vocalist, songwriter, and former member of Prince's New Power Generation.

RAD discusses working with Prince, performing "When Doves Cry" in stadiums around the world, John Blackwell's role in connecting her to Prince's camp, Bay Area funk influences, touring, independent music, and the making of her album East Babe.

She also shares her perspective on Prince's musical genius and explains what made him such a unique bandleader and artist.

Originally recorded in 2007.

On air since 1982 — long before podcasts existed.

In this radio archive from 2003, Joe Kelley talks with percussionist, vocalist, bandleader, and former Prince collaborator Estaire Godinez about her album Live From The Dakota and the vibrant Minneapolis music scene.

Estaire reflects on performing with George Benson, recording live at The Dakota, building a Latin-funk sound, and working alongside acclaimed musicians including Mike Scott, Eric Leeds, and John Blackwell.

She also shares memorable stories about Prince, unexpected guest appearances, and the collaborative spirit that made Minneapolis one of the most influential music communities in the wo...

What does it take to stay in one of the most successful touring bands in music history for more than four decades?

In this episode of Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley, legendary bassist Stephen Jay shares stories from his remarkable career with Weird Al Yankovic, discusses the creative process behind parody music, reflects on the explosive impact of MTV, and explains why music remains the ultimate medicine.

Stephen also discusses:

In this rare 2004 archive interview, legendary drummer John Blackwell discusses the loss of his daughter Jia, the creation of the Jia Kennie Blackwell Memorial Scholarship, and the support he received from Prince, Larry Graham, family and friends during one of the most difficult periods of his life.

Blackwell also reflects on:

A deeply personal conversation with one of the most beloved drummers of his generation.

Originally broadcast in December 2004.

For more than four decades, Joe Kelley has interviewed the musicians behind some of the most influential music ever created. In this special roundtable edition of Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley, six legendary members of the Minneapolis music community come together to celebrate the legacy, history, and future of the Minneapolis Sound.

Joining Joe are St. Paul Peterson, Jerome Benton, Dr. Fink, Elisa Fiorillo, Kirk Johnson, and Jason Peterson DeLaire.

Together, they share stories from the road, memories of performing with Prince, reflections on the Minneapolis music scene, favorite cities to play, the enduring influence...

Author, roller skating legend, community leader, and creator of the Rollo Shuffle, Kenny "Rollo" Davis joins Joe Kelley to discuss growing up in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the influence of Challenger astronaut Ronald McNair, overcoming addiction, recovery, family, faith, and the inspiring journey detailed in his book Life At The End Of The Tunnel.

Recorded just days after the passing of James Brown in January 2007, legendary tour manager Alan Leeds joined Joe Kelley for an emotional tribute to the Godfather of Soul.

Leeds shares memories from his years working alongside James Brown, discusses Brown’s final days, reflects on his influence on Prince and funk music, and tells remarkable behind-the-scenes stories from music history.

A powerful archive conversation from the historic Upper Room with Joe Kelley radio show.

Son Of Pearl joins Joe Kelley to discuss the influence of Prince, the Minneapolis Sound, funk musicianship, groove, creativity, and carving out an authentic musical identity. From eclectic funk roots to modern artistry, this conversation explores the lasting impact of one of music’s most influential eras.

Hosted by Joe Kelley — on air since 1982, long before podcasts existed.

#Prince #SonOfPearl #MinneapolisSound #FunkMusic #MusiciansReveal

Singer-songwriter and global recording artist Jann Klose joins Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley to discuss his upcoming album Future Trap, songwriting, Broadway, Prince, vinyl culture, and the evolving music industry.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Jann reflects on growing up between Germany, Kenya, South Africa, and the United States before building his career in New York City. He also shares stories about performing in The Who’s Tommy and Jesus Christ Superstar, Questlove’s legendary Prince DJ sets, AI in music, and why originality still matters in modern artistry.

A thoughtful conversation about creativity, musicianship, and surv...

From the Musicians Reveal vault: a rare 2001 conversation with Dr. Fink of Prince & The Revolution.

Long before podcasts existed, Joe Kelley was interviewing the artists, musicians, and creative minds behind some of music’s most legendary recordings and performances.

In this radio archive interview, Dr. Fink reflects on music, performance, creativity, and his experiences during one of the most influential eras in modern music history.

On air since 1982.

#drfink #prince #therevolution #funk #musiciansreveal

Author, DJ, educator, and music historian Amani Roberts joins Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley for an in-depth conversation about the power, passion, and lasting impact of legendary R&B groups.

Amani discusses his new book The Quiet Storm: A Historical & Cultural Analysis of the Power, Passion & Pain of R&B Groups, exploring the stories behind iconic acts including New Edition, The Isley Brothers, Earth, Wind & Fire, Kool & The Gang, Parliament Funkadelic, Atlantic Starr, Tony! Toni! Toné!, The Commodores, Sly & The Family Stone, and many more.

The conversation also dives into:

In this rare 2014 radio archive interview, Elisa Fiorillo of Prince & The NPG joins Joe Kelley alongside guitarist Tyler Reese to discuss their Dease & Reese project Life In 20, working with Prince, touring, songwriting, Berklee College of Music, Pat Metheny, and balancing life on and off the stage.

Elisa shares stories about rehearsing with Prince, performing with Shelby J and Liv Warfield, and the pressures of being part of the NPG, while Tyler discusses his musical journey and guitar influences.

Originally aired on Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley.

On air since 1982. Interviewing artists for decades—long before podcasts existed.

Legendary wardrobe stylist Abby Franklin joins Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley to share unforgettable stories from inside the worlds of Prince, Michael Jackson, Bon Jovi, Drake, Katy Perry, and more.

Abby reflects on working alongside Prince for over a decade—from Musicology and One Nite Alone to the legendary 21 Nights in London residency and Welcome 2 America.

She shares rare behind-the-scenes stories about:

Before streaming became the standard, Prince was already rethinking how artists connect directly with fans.

In this rare archive interview, the designers behind his Lotusflow3r website — Scott Addison Clay and Anthony Malzone — share what it was like working directly with Prince to create one of the most ambitious digital music experiences of its time.

Originally recorded in 2009, this conversation explores how the Lotusflow3r platform blended music, storytelling, and interactivity into something far beyond a traditional artist website.

They discuss:

• How they were personally recruited by Prince

• The creative...

In this early 2000s radio archive interview, legendary drummer Frankie “Kash” Waddy of Parliament-Funkadelic shares insights into life on the road, the discipline behind the groove, and what it takes to sustain a career at the highest level.

A Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member with P-Funk, Waddy discusses touring up to 250 days a year, developing his own sound, and stepping into the spotlight with his solo project Kash Up Front.

From funk to rock to hip-hop influences, this conversation offers a rare, firsthand look inside the mindset of one of the most respected drum...

On air since 1982. Interviewing artists for decades—long before podcasts existed.

In this episode of Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley, multi-instrumentalist and producer John Wesley Payne shares his journey through funk, rock, R&B, and the Bay Area music scene—including his experiences around Prince and Paisley Park.

Payne reflects on the moment Prince heard his playing, what it was like stepping into that creative environment, and how quickly ideas moved inside Prince’s world. He also discusses working alongside artists connected to Larry Graham, Tony! Toni! Toné!, and the extended Minneapolis scene.

Beyond...

In April 2016, just days after Prince passed, we spoke with the artists who knew him best — his inner circle.

These are real conversations — raw, emotional, and happening in real time.

This special features voices from Prince’s world including John Blackwell, Matt “Doctor” Fink, Tommy Barbarella, Taja Sevelle, Elisa Fiorillo, St. Paul Peterson, Jacqui Thompson, and Tamar Davis — sharing memories, grief, insight, and the legacy of one of music’s greatest artists.

This is not a retrospective.

This is how it felt… in the moment.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Intro — Days After Prince Pass...

After more than 50 years, three lifelong friends and seasoned musicians reunite.

Eddie M (Prince & The Revolution / Sheila E), John Paris (Earth, Wind & Fire / Patti LaBelle), and Tim Larkin—whose career includes time with James Brown and Natalie Cole—come together to reflect on their journey and create new music.

They discuss their new release Back 2 Basics with Tim Larkin single “You’re The Biggest Part Of Me,” and share stories from decades in the music industry—including time around Prince and Earth, Wind & Fire.

This is a powerful full-circle moment—friendship, legacy, and the bond that...

Morris Hayes and Meia Santiago join Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley to discuss their new music project recorded in Spain.

Morris shares powerful lessons he learned working with Prince—including the three essential elements of great vocal recording—while Meia opens up about her upcoming EP Foreigner, inspired by identity, migration, and global connection.

They also break down their songwriting process, remote collaboration, and how technology has changed music production forever.

🎙️ Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley features in-depth conversations with legendary musicians and rising artists across funk, R&B, and beyond.

Dwayne Kerr, flutist with Erykah Badu, joins Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley to share his journey through music, touring, and artistic growth.

From recording in London to performing at Paisley Park and major international festivals, Dwayne reflects on the experiences that shaped his sound and career. He also discusses writing deeply personal music, including a piece dedicated to a friend battling cancer, and how those moments influence his creative process.

This is an insightful conversation about discipline, independence, and building a musical identity in today’s world.

Music meets purpose in this powerful conversation with Greg Chastain, founder and president of Voices of Hope Boston—a nonprofit using live performance and community to raise funds for cancer research and patient care.

Greg shares the deeply personal story behind the organization, inspired by his mother’s battle with cancer, and how a one-night show turned into a movement that has raised over $1 million for life-saving research.

We also dive into:

Join us on Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley as we sit down with Curt Jones—founding member of Slave, Aurra, and Deja—and one of the most influential architects of funk and R&B’s golden era.

In this deep-dive conversation, Curt shares the real stories behind the music that shaped a generation. From the explosive success of Slave’s iconic hit “Slide”, to the formation of Aurra and their chart-topping sound, Curt takes us inside the creative process, the business decisions, and the personal moments that defined his legendary career.

We also explore:

Longtime Prince and The New Power Generation performer Damon Dickson joins Joe Kelley for a powerful and deeply personal conversation about life inside Prince’s world, dance culture, perseverance, family, and finding purpose beyond fame.

Damon reflects on:

Damon also shares stories about Prince watching his dance moves, the intensity of rehearsals, Glam Slam, and the creativity surrounding the New Power Ge...

Michael Bland reveals what it was really like playing with Prince at the height of the New Power Generation era.

In this rare 2001 interview, he shares untold stories from inside Prince’s band.

Best known as the powerhouse drummer behind Prince & The New Power Generation, Michael Bland joins Joe Kelley for a deep dive into one of the most iconic eras in funk and R&B.

Bland reflects on:

This is a ra...

Chris Calzone reveals how discovering Prince’s deeper catalog transformed his approach to bass, groove, and songwriting.

A look at how the Minneapolis sound is influencing a new generation of funk artists.

Multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer Chris Calzone joins Joe Kelley to break down the musical DNA behind his sound—blending funk, punk, ska, and synth-driven influences.

Inspired by artists like Prince, André Cymone, Larry Graham, and Sly Stone, Calzone shares how digging beyond the hits reshaped his playing and creative direction.

In this episode:

Starr Cullars reveals how she went from connecting with Prince’s camp to working in the world of George Clinton and P-Funk.

A deep dive into the journey of a modern funk bassist building her own sound.

Bass player, bandleader, and songwriter Starr Cullars joins Joe Kelley to share her path through the funk universe—from early influences to carving out her own identity as an artist.

From her introduction to Prince’s circle to experiences within the extended P-Funk collective, Cullars reflects on the moments that shaped her musical direction.

In thi...

Keith Killgo reveals what it was like playing drums during a Miles Davis performance at just 10 years old.

A rare firsthand look at the roots of jazz-funk and the rise of The Blackbyrds.

Drummer and bandleader Keith Killgo joins Joe Kelley to share extraordinary stories from his career at the intersection of jazz and funk.

From studying under Donald Byrd to helping build The Blackbyrds into one of the defining jazz-funk groups of the 1970s, Killgo offers a firsthand account of a pivotal era in music history.

In this episode:

Papa Guyo reveals how Days of Wild was born from a deep influence of Prince and the Minneapolis sound.

A rare 2003 interview capturing the energy of the New York City funk scene.

In this archive episode, Papa Guyo of Days of Wild joins Joe Kelley alongside Jonathan Fritz and Tanya Michelle to share the story behind one of NYC’s most electrifying funk bands.

From late-night performances at iconic venues like the Bitter End to building a loyal following, Guyo reflects on how a spontaneous collaboration turned into a powerful live act rooted in...

Tom McDermott reveals what it was like recording and performing “Super Freak” with Rick James.

A rare inside look at the Stone City Band during funk’s peak era.

Founding guitarist of Rick James & the Stone City Band, Tom McDermott joins Joe Kelley to share firsthand stories from one of funk’s most electrifying periods.

From recording Street Songs to touring at the height of Rick James’ fame, McDermott breaks down the moments that defined the band’s sound and legacy.

In this episode:

Gary Hines—founder and musical director of Sounds of Blackness—joins Joe Kelley in this powerful 2012 archive interview.

He shares stories about Prince, Stevie Wonder, and the Minneapolis music scene, along with the group’s NAACP Image Award win and their global impact across four decades.

This is a deep conversation on legacy, leadership, and the sound that helped define an era.

🎙️ About Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley

Legendary and emerging voices from funk, R&B, and Prince’s musical world. On air since 1982, with rare interviews and untold stories.

▶️ Full int...

Seth Neblett—author and filmmaker of Mothership Connected: The Women of Parliament-Funkadelic—joins Joe Kelley for a powerful conversation on legacy, family, and funk history.

He shares rare stories about his mother Mallia Franklin (Parlet, Brides of Funkenstein), Prince’s admiration for her, and the deep connections between Prince, Apollonia, Vanity, and Jill Jones—including a personal story surrounding Denise Matthews.

This episode explores the untold impact of the women behind P-Funk and their lasting influence on the Minneapolis sound.

🎙️ About Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley

Legendary voices from funk, R&B, and Prince...

Keith “Chop Chop” Harrison joins Joe Kelley for a deep dive into a legendary funk and R&B career.

From co-creating “Riding High” with Faze-O to touring the world with Heatwave and The Dazz Band, Keith shares the real stories behind the music—including working with Rod Temperton, learning the studio craft behind Off the Wall, and winning a Grammy for “Let It Whip.”

He also opens up about lost publishing, the realities of the music business, and why Dayton, Ohio became a powerhouse for funk.

A must-listen for fans of classic R&B, funk histor...