Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley

Joe Kelley
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Music Interviews
  • Updated Biweekly

Since 1982, Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley has spotlighted iconic and rising artists in funk, soul, R&B, and Prince’s musical family. From its roots on NPR affiliate WVOF 88.5 FM to its thriving YouTube channel (19.2k subscribers, 10.2 Million views), the show delivers soulful, in-depth interviews with legends and unsung pioneers alike. 🎤 Hosted by Veteran music host and interviewer Joe Kelley, the show has featured: Rock & Roll Hall of Famers & Grammy winners Larry Graham, Mavis Staples, Patrice Rushen, Victor Wooten, Cyndi Lauper Members of Prince’s Revolution, New Power Generation, The Time, and more Icons from Zapp, Cameo, P-Funk, and beyond 🎶 In 2004, Prince featured Musicians Reveal on his NPG Music Club and invited Joe to premiere his One Nite Alone… box set in 2002—before any other media outlet. New interviews weekly. 🎧 Listen and Watch now and explore music history with the artists who shaped it. 🎧 More from Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley: YouTube (Full Interviews + Daily Content): https://www.youtube.com/@musiciansreveal 🎶 NEW! Musicians Reveal Radio on Live365 (24/7 Artist Music & Archives): https://live365.com/station/Musicians-Reveal-Radio-a25049 Website (Episodes, Guest Info, and Contact): https://musiciansreveal.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rQAZZtdU2cZB6EeleSZ8J Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/musicians-reveal/id1545165178

  1. 3d ago

    George Duke: Untold Stories of Jef Lee Johnson, Miles Davis & The Cure | 2013 Radio Archive

    George Duke: Untold Stories of Jef Lee Johnson, Miles Davis & The Cure | 2013 Radio Archive In this rare February 2013 radio interview, legendary keyboardist, composer, and producer George Duke joins Joe Kelley on The Upper Room with Joe Kelley at WVOF 88.5 FM in Fairfield, Connecticut, for a deeply personal conversation celebrating the life and musical genius of guitarist Jef Lee Johnson. Recorded just months before Duke's passing, this intimate conversation captures the warmth, humor, honesty, and extraordinary musical knowledge of one of jazz, funk, and R&B's most influential artists. George shares the heartbreaking moment he learned of Jef Lee Johnson's passing, recalls their 12-year musical partnership, and explains why Johnson was unlike any guitarist he had ever encountered. Inside this remarkable conversation: George Duke remembers his close friendship and musical collaborations with Jef Lee Johnson.The story of how Rachelle Ferrell introduced Duke to Johnson's extraordinary guitar playing.Behind-the-scenes memories of recording Déjà Vu and the forthcoming DreamWeaver album.Duke discusses his tribute to Miles Davis and the influence of Sly and the Family Stone.The remarkable story of Johnson returning to the stage following serious health challenges.George reveals how he came to remix a recording by The Cure—and what he thought of the results.Memories of Don Cornelius, Soul Train, Stanley Clarke, and a lifetime devoted to music.Duke offers timeless advice to young musicians about developing their own musical identity. Throughout the conversation, George's admiration for Jef Lee Johnson shines through, revealing a friendship built on mutual respect, musical adventure, and a shared commitment to artistic individuality. Originally recorded: February 2013 Original broadcast: The Upper Room with Joe Kelley, WVOF 88.5 FM, Fairfield, Connecticut Host: Joe Kelley Guest: George Duke Presented by: Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley This archival edition preserves the original conversation, with music selections from the radio broadcast removed. Explore more exclusive conversations with legendary musicians and previously unheard radio archives at MusiciansReveal.com. © Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley. Original interview recording.

    George Duke: Untold Stories of Jef Lee Johnson, Miles Davis & The Cure | 2013 Radio Archive

  2. Oct 12

    Thomas Lockett of Slave: Funk Legacy, the Dayton Reunion & What's Next

    Slave's legendary funk legacy continues. Thomas Lockett of the iconic funk and R&B band Slave returns to Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley for an emotional and revealing conversation about the band's musical history, its unforgettable Dayton, Ohio homecoming, and the future of Slave. Thomas reflects on the powerful experience of bringing Slave's music back to its hometown, rebuilding the band, honoring the musicians who helped create its signature sound, and keeping that legacy alive for new generations. The conversation also explores Slave's place in funk history, the influence of the late Mark Adams, the music and musicians behind the group's classic recordings, and the lasting appeal of songs such as "Slide," "Watching You," and "Just a Touch of Love." Looking ahead, Thomas discusses the band's continuing journey, future plans, and what it means to carry the Slave name forward while respecting its remarkable history. From the golden era of funk to an emotional homecoming and a new chapter, this interview celebrates the musicians, the memories, and the enduring power of Slave's music. Hosted by Joe Kelley, whose music interviews and radio archives span more than four decades. Connect with Musicians Reveal Website: https://www.musiciansreveal.com YouTube: Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley Explore more conversations with legendary funk, soul, R&B, and rock musicians on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Artists and topics: Thomas Lockett, Slave, Mark Adams, Dayton funk, classic funk, R&B history, Slave reunion, funk music legacy. Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley — where the musicians tell the stories behind the music.

    Thomas Lockett of Slave: Funk Legacy, the Dayton Reunion & What's Next

  3. Oct 4

    Melvin Riley of Ready For The World: No AI, Prince & the Stories Behind the Hits

    Melvin Riley, co-founder and lead voice of Ready For The World, joins Joe Kelley on Musicians Reveal for a wide-ranging conversation about the music, stories and musicianship behind his remarkable career. Melvin takes us back to Ready For The World's beginnings, including how Electrifying Mojo helped break the group in Detroit, the rise of “Oh Sheila” and “Love You Down,” and the story behind his famous “Oh Sheila” look. He also reflects on meeting Prince, touring with Luther Vandross, remembering Jellybean Johnson, and writing some of Ready For The World's signature bass lines. Melvin also discusses his new 19-track double album, No AI, and why authentic musicianship, real instruments and human creativity remain so important to him. No AI was released June 9, 2026. Hosted by Joe Kelley.

    Melvin Riley of Ready For The World: No AI, Prince & the Stories Behind the Hits

  4. Sep 20

    Philip Lassiter: Prince, Paisley Park, Funk & Finding His Own Sound

    Philip Lassiter joins Joe Kelley on Musicians Reveal for an in-depth conversation about a remarkable career as a trumpeter, arranger, songwriter, producer and bandleader. Lassiter shares the story of being recommended for Prince’s band, his extended audition process and his unforgettable first meeting with Prince at Paisley Park. He recalls Prince telling him, “Let’s make history,” the massive horn section that helped bring Prince’s musical vision to life, the legendary Montreux performances, recording at Paisley Park and what he learned from working inside Prince’s world. The conversation goes far beyond Prince. Lassiter discusses growing up in a musical and religious household, learning horn and string arranging, the influence of musicians including Bernard Wright and the Wooten brothers, building his own musical identity, and his passion for live performance. Philip also looks ahead to his new music, including the single “Shoes,” his next album and “Magic Maker,” featuring longtime friend and vocalist Shelby J. Hosted by veteran broadcaster Joe Kelley, Musicians Reveal features candid conversations with musicians, producers, songwriters and artists about the experiences behind their music.

    Philip Lassiter: Prince, Paisley Park, Funk & Finding His Own Sound

  5. Sep 18

    Chris Calzone: Burning the Midnight Oil

    Chris Calzone returns to Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley to celebrate the release of his new album, Midnight Oil. Calzone takes us inside the making of the record, from writing and performing nearly everything himself to creating songs designed to come alive onstage. He discusses the funk, rock and R&B influences running through the album, the challenge of finishing tracks like “Lil Funk” and “Pleasures,” and why Midnight Oil represents a more energetic and dance-driven side of his music. Chris also talks about his collaboration with John Dixon of Dygital Soul, the music community in Columbia, South Carolina, dream collaborators, and the importance of live jams and musical chemistry. Later, the conversation turns to Prince—his favorite music from Timeless, the Prince material he would most like to see officially released, rehearsal footage, and a live Prince performance that continues to inspire him. Hosted by Joe Kelley.

    Chris Calzone: Burning the Midnight Oil

  6. Sep 14

    Ascendant: Keeping Real Funk and Soul Alive

    Ascendant’s Kael Mboya and Michael Lockett join Joe Kelley for a wide-ranging conversation about the band’s distinctive blend of funk, soul and R&B. They discuss Ascendant’s musical origins, creative chemistry and commitment to preserving the spirit of live musicianship while developing their own sound. Kael also recalls the lasting influence of seeing Stevie Wonder bring the funk to Sesame Street—an early moment that helped shape his relationship with music. The conversation explores the artists who inspired Ascendant, the realities of building an independent band, songwriting, collaboration and the importance of introducing authentic funk and soul to new generations. Hosted by Joe Kelley. Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley features in-depth conversations with legendary artists, respected musicians and emerging voices from funk, R&B, soul, rock, jazz and beyond.

    Ascendant: Keeping Real Funk and Soul Alive

  7. Sep 12

    Sandra St. Victor: Prince’s First Call, Chaka Khan & Eleven

    When artists began calling Sandra St. Victor for her songs, the first was Prince. She recalls learning that he loved her unreleased album Sanctuary—and played it every morning. Sandra joins Joe Kelley for a conversation spanning the Family Stand, her years with Chaka Khan, her songwriting connection with Prince, and the making of her new album, Eleven. She shares how meeting Chaka at a Roy Ayers gig led to assembling Chaka’s backing vocal lineup with Lisa Fischer and Brenda White King. She also remembers the unexpected beginnings of “Ghetto Heaven,” reflects on “Soul Sanctuary” and “Stone,” and explains why maintaining her own musical identity has always mattered. Along the way, Sandra remembers Curtis Mayfield, Leon Ware, Johnny Kemp, Ronnie Drayton, and Bernie Worrell; revisits the creation of Daughters of Soul; and discusses life in the Netherlands. On Eleven, she explores new musical territory with collaborators including Lalah Hathaway, Kaidi Tatham, V. Jeffrey Smith, and Patrick Gibin of Mother Tongue Records. An honest, funny, and heartfelt conversation about the relationships behind the music—and an artist still creating on her own terms. Explore Sandra’s album Eleven: https://www.mothertonguerecords.com/product/sandra-st-victor-xi/ Watch Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@musiciansreveal Follow Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley on Spotify or Apple Podcasts for more conversations with the musicians behind the music. Enjoyed this episode? Leave a rating or review and share it with another music lover.

    Sandra St. Victor: Prince’s First Call, Chaka Khan & Eleven

  8. Aug 31

    From Prince’s 5 Questions to Berklee & Larry Graham: Les aka LRCFunk

    In this episode, host Joe Kelley sits down with drummer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist Les aka LRCFunk. Les shares stories from his musical journey—from growing up as a preacher's kid in Columbia, South Carolina, to studying at Berklee College of Music and touring with music icons like Larry Graham, Prince, Patty Labelle, Anita Baker, and Roberta Flack. He reflects on his deep bond with his late mentor and best friend, John Blackwell Jr., breaks down the creation of his hybrid-genre project Emerald City, and gives an inside look into working on the upcoming Purple Rain Broadway adaptation. Key TakeawaysThe Power of Mentorship: How drum legend John Blackwell Jr. shaped Les’s career from high school through his time at Berklee and onto major stages.Life on Stage with Royalty: What it was really like auditioning for Prince (starting with five non-negotiable questions) and touring with Larry Graham & Graham Central Station.Mastering the Hybrid Genre: How Les channels funk, rock, classical, and soul into his solo project Emerald City without being boxed into a single genre.Professional Resilience: Turning unexpected stage mishaps and high-pressure soundchecks into flawless performances.

    From Prince’s 5 Questions to Berklee & Larry Graham: Les aka LRCFunk
See All (300)

About

Since 1982, Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley has spotlighted iconic and rising artists in funk, soul, R&B, and Prince’s musical family. From its roots on NPR affiliate WVOF 88.5 FM to its thriving YouTube channel (19.2k subscribers, 10.2 Million views), the show delivers soulful, in-depth interviews with legends and unsung pioneers alike. 🎤 Hosted by Veteran music host and interviewer Joe Kelley, the show has featured: Rock & Roll Hall of Famers & Grammy winners Larry Graham, Mavis Staples, Patrice Rushen, Victor Wooten, Cyndi Lauper Members of Prince’s Revolution, New Power Generation, The Time, and more Icons from Zapp, Cameo, P-Funk, and beyond 🎶 In 2004, Prince featured Musicians Reveal on his NPG Music Club and invited Joe to premiere his One Nite Alone… box set in 2002—before any other media outlet. New interviews weekly. 🎧 Listen and Watch now and explore music history with the artists who shaped it. 🎧 More from Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley: YouTube (Full Interviews + Daily Content): https://www.youtube.com/@musiciansreveal 🎶 NEW! Musicians Reveal Radio on Live365 (24/7 Artist Music & Archives): https://live365.com/station/Musicians-Reveal-Radio-a25049 Website (Episodes, Guest Info, and Contact): https://musiciansreveal.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rQAZZtdU2cZB6EeleSZ8J Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/musicians-reveal/id1545165178

Information

You Might Also Like