Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley

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 wit...

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 step...

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,...

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...

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 pr...

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...

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 m...

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 cha...

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: working with Prince & The NPG Paisley Park memories rehearsals and touring Soul Train dance influences the Diamonds & Pearls era life l...

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: Lif...

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 a...

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 introd...

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...

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 v...

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, M...

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 Musician...

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 sur...

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...

lisa Fiorillo shares what it was really like touring and recording with Prince—from intense rehearsals to the discipline required to perform at his level. A revealing look inside Prince’s world from someone who lived it. 🎧 Full interview available on YouTube: Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley

Soul artist Rufus Wonder joins Joe Kelley to discuss his album Stitched to Your Hip and the stories behind the music. He shares insights on songwriting, the inspiration behind “Cut You Loose,” and his journey through the Bay Area music scene. A soulful conversation on creativity, collaboration, and a lifetime in music. (Originally recorded in 2008) 🎙️ About Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley Legenda...

Bernie Worrell is joined in studio by Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth of Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club in this rare 1999 radio vault interview. An unplanned moment featuring three iconic musicians reflecting on life after legendary bands, creative evolution, and the musical connections that shaped funk, rock, and new wave. A unique snapshot of music history. (Radio vault archive — musical segments...

Guitarist and songwriter Stew Cutler returns to Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley to discuss his album Undercover Mostly . He shares insights on reimagining songs, blending blues, jazz, funk, and gospel, and staying creative as a working musician over decades in the New York music scene. A thoughtful conversation on artistry, risk-taking, and longevity in music. 🎙️ About Musicians Reveal with Joe K...

Caravan of Thieves join Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley to discuss their album Bouquet , the evolution of the band, and their deep dive into gypsy swing and acoustic music. Recorded live in-studio, the conversation explores songwriting, instrumentation, and the chemistry behind their sound—featuring Fuzz and Carrie SanGiovanni, violinist Ben Dean, and bassist Brian Anderson. They also share stori...

Max Fink (I.AM.MAX), producer and son of Matt “Dr. Fink” from Prince & The Revolution , joins Joe Kelley to talk about growing up around Prince’s musical world and building his own sound across hip-hop, EDM, hyperpop, and indie music. Max shares stories about Prince’s influence, modern production culture, analog vs digital gear, and forging his own creative identity. The conversation explores...

The Bossa Nova Beatniks — Tim Stapleton, Tom Gould, and Annie O’Hara — join Joe Kelley for a studio conversation about the roots of Bossa Nova music, their songwriting process, and the influences that shaped their sound. The trio discusses melody, rhythm, and the emotional storytelling that defines their approach to Bossa Nova–inspired music. Recorded during a 2004 studio visit, the group reflects...