John Ellison, III

Funk In The First Degree

Music EN ↓ 100 episodes

Funk Music Talk and Interviews

Author

John Ellison, III

Category

Music

Podcast website

funkinthefirstdegree.com

Latest episode

Dec 4, 2025

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Episodes

Episode 80: Happy Funkin’ Holidays (Encore) 28.12.2015

John plays you some of his funky holiday favorites!

Episode 79: Sly&The Family Stone @ Fillmore East 1968 18.11.2015

John reviews this classic recording of Sly and the Family Stone performances at Bill Grahm’s legendary venue in New York City back in 1968. Name Your Link

Episode 78: News and Notes 08.11.2015

John has News and Commentary emanating from the Funkisphere!

Episode 77: Bob Davis V 28.10.2015

Soul Patrol’s Bob Davis returns to the Funkisphere to lend his insight, and analysis to all things Funky.  

Episode 76: Stozo The Clown 23.10.2015

John talks to Cartoonist, Illustrator, Musician, Songwriter, Stozo The Clown. Stozo and John talk about his work with George Clinton, The Horny Horns, Fuzzy Haskins, and other Funk related projects.  

Episode 75: The Last Funky Five 09.10.2015

John runs down his last Five Funk recordings he’s been listening to.

Episode 74: Mini Roundtable II 12.06.2015

John welcomes back Keith, and new roundtabler, Wilmon “Bo” Fridie as they discuss the latest happenings in the Funkisphere.

Episode 73: Mt. Rushmore Of Funk/Ray Charles 26.05.2015

On this episode John talks about the latest entry to the Mt. Rushmore of Funk, The Genius, Ray Charles and his accomplishments. John also shares obits about Ben E King, B.B. King and a note about the unexpected passing of Bassist, Louis Johnson of the Brothers Johnson fame

Episode 72: Mt. Rushmore Of Funk/JB 22.04.2015

On this episode, John reveals the first inductee on the Mt Rushmore of Funk. He also has some Sly and The Family Stone news and comments on the ruling over the recent hit song, “Blurred Lines.”

Episode 71: Manuel “Manny” Kellough 28.03.2015

John talks to Drummer “extraordinaire” Manuel The “Deacon” Kellough. He shares with us his amazing journey from playing with Billy Preston, Ray Charles, Graham Central Station to his current musical projects. MannyKellough.com

Episode 70: Neftaili Santiago Pt.2 24.03.2015

John wraps up his conversation with Neftaili Santiago, former Drummer for the group Mandrill. Neftaili has more stories about the band, and discusses his current projects. Be sure to check out Neftaili Santiago on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/neftali.santiago3

Episode 69: Neftali Santiago 03.03.2015

On part one of this episode, John talks to Drummer Neftali Santiago, formally of the group, Mandrill. We learn about Neftali’s roots in music, and how he joined the band.

Episode 68: Your Mt. Rushmore Of Funk Is?? 24.02.2015

On this episode, John invites you to post your “Mt Rushmore of Funk” along with his thoughts on a recent tribute to Stevie Wonder, and Funk news on George Clinton.

Episode 67: The Funkiest Year on Radio Was?? 16.02.2015

On this episode, John takes a look back at the word “Funk” and how the medium of Radio finally accepted it and how it eventually joined the lexicon of society and culture.

Episode 66: John’s Latest Funky Five 08.02.2015

John runs down has latest Funky 5 for 2015!

Episode 65: Roundtable III Pt. 2 Wrap Up/Sly Stone News 04.02.2015

John and the Funky Fellas, Dr. G, Keith Allen, and DJ Mike Hall, wrap up all that was funky in the year 2014. John also reports on Sly Stone winning his multi-million dollar law suit from his former Manager and his former Music Attorney.

Episode 64: The Roundtable III Pt.1 25.01.2015

John and the fellas, Dr. G, Keith Allen, and DJ Mike Hall look back at some of the Funky events of 2014. They also review the group Cameo’s recent concert performance here in the DMV and much more.

Episode 63: Bruno Mars–The Next Funk Star? 18.01.2015

The song “Uptown Funk” featuring Bruno Mars has found it’s way to the Funkisphere. John shares his thoughts and poses a question to you for your feedback in this intriguing episode.

Episode 62: Music Review – Prince “Art Offical Age” 11.01.2015

The Artist, Prince, is back on Warner Brothers and has released his latest effort, “Art Official Age.”  John shares his thoughts on Prince’s latest offering in this illuminating episode.

Episode 61: Bob Davis Year End Wrap Up, 2014 Edition 01.01.2015

Bob Davis of www.soul-patrol.com joins John in the FIFD Universe for a year end review of newsworthy events of this past year, 2014.

Episode 60: Funky Flicks – Get On Up 27.12.2014

John shares his thoughts on “Get On Up” the James Brown bio-pic that came out earlier this year. He’s (John) always fascinated by the recurring interest in JB but, is more intrigued by the treatment of his music by his former record label, Polydor. James Brown – Bodyheat “Get On Up” The James Brown Story Motion Picture SOundtrack

Episode 59: GC Funks Up DC 08.12.2014

Funk dudes John and Dr. G see Funk Icon George Clinton at a private invitation only event in DC as GC promotes is Memoir, “Brothas Be, Yo Like George, Ain’t That Funkin’ Kinda Hard on You?” Clinton is interviewed on stage, finds out more about his family linage, signs copies of his book, takes pics with his fans, and fields questions from the audience.

Episode 58: Patryce “Choclet” Banks, Part 2 21.08.2014

John wraps up a fascinating conversation with Funk Diva/Icon Patryce “Choclet” Banks to conclude this memorable episode! Everybody is a Star with Patryce Choclet Banks Official Website

Episode 57: Patryce “Choclet” Banks, Part 1 25.07.2014

In the first part of a great conversation, John talks to the Icon/Diva, Patryce Choclet Banks. They talk about her beginnings, and her early life’s journey, and entertaining stories as she entered the “Funkisphere” ! Patyrce “Choclet” Banks Official Website

Episode 56: Sly and The Family Stone Multitrack Flashback 21.07.2014

John uncovers a fascinating video of Sly and the Family Stone in the studio listening to the classic track, “Family Affair.” John shares his thoughts, and why you should see and enjoy this video.

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