Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley

Linda Shider, vocalist with Parliament-Funkadelic and wife of Garry “Starchild” Shider , joins Joe Kelley to share stories about life inside the legendary P-Funk collective. She discusses performing with Parliament-Funkadelic, her musical journey, and the lasting influence of Garry Shider on funk music. Linda also reflects on growing up in Columbus, Ohio, meeting Garry, raising two sons who follow...

Mike “Funktastic” Zabrin—songwriter, producer, multi-instrumentalist, and host of Funktastic Chats —joins Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley for a real conversation on building a lasting career in today’s music industry. From his roots in Chicago to working across funk, blues, and independent music, Mike shares why groove and feel matter more than perfection. He also breaks down the importance of ne...

Victor Wooten breaks down music as a language, creativity, and staying authentic as an artist. From Yin Yang to working with Bootsy Collins, this is a masterclass in groove and mindset. In this episode of Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley , Grammy-winning bassist Victor Wooten discusses the vision behind his album Yin Yang , blending instrumental and vocal worlds while recording on the road. He sha...

Angel Baby shares how music can heal, uplift, and bring people together. From live performances to opening for Tuck & Patti, this is a story of purpose and connection. In this episode of Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley , Angel Baby talks about performing at The Green Room in Bridgeport, their creative journey, and the inspiration behind their music centered on love, joy, and authenticity. The...

Funk legend Larry Graham joins Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley to share the story behind inventing slap bass and his groundbreaking work with Sly & The Family Stone and Graham Central Station. Larry talks about his friendship with Prince, recording at Paisley Park, touring the world, and preparing for major performances like Late Night with David Letterman and BB King’s NYC. This episode is p...

In this special episode of Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley , we honor the life and legacy of Jellybean Johnson—legendary drummer of The Time and a key figure in the Minneapolis Sound. Joined by friends, collaborators, and members of the Prince music community, this Celebration of Life Special captures heartfelt memories, personal stories, and reflections on Jellybean’s impact as both a musician a...

Mystic Bowie shares one of the wildest origin stories you’ll ever hear—being given his first guitar by a stranger who later turned out to be Jerry Garcia. In this episode of Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley , Bowie takes us through his journey from a young performer in Jamaica to becoming the frontman for Tom Tom Club alongside Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth. He also breaks down the creation of Ta...

Soul singer-songwriter Bobby Harden , best known as the lead vocalist of the original Blues Brothers Band , joins Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley for a powerful and heartfelt conversation. From his Youngstown gospel beginnings to the New York soul scene, Harden shares the roots that shaped his sound and career. We explore his transformative trip to the Philippines, the importance of taking breaks...

Legendary drummer Jonathan “Sugarfoot” Moffett joins Musicians Reveal Radio Vault for an inspiring conversation with Joe Kelley. Sugarfoot reflects on his iconic work with Michael Jackson , the Jacksons , Madonna , and other global superstars, sharing personal stories about love, unity, innovative drumming, tour rehearsals, and the art of designing visually stunning drum sets. He also dives into h...

Singer-songwriter Tamar Davis joins Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley to share her journey working with Prince on 3121 and “Beautiful, Loved & Blessed,” along with powerful stories from Paisley Park. Tamar reflects on her early connection to Destiny’s Child, her time learning directly from Prince, and the personal and musical lessons that shaped her career. She also opens up about the seven-yea...

Join Joe Kelley and Parliament-Funkadelic bassist Starr Cullars in this special Musicians Reveal Radio Vault episode as they honor the legacy of Mark Adams , the pioneering bassist of Slave who passed in 2011. They explore Adams’ groundbreaking grooves, his influence on funk musicians across generations, and the unmistakable energy he brought to the genre. A heartfelt tribute to one of funk’s most...

Rob “Cubby” Colby, legendary front-of-house engineer for Prince, Genesis, and Phil Collins , joins Joe Kelley for an in-depth conversation about the art of live sound. Colby opens up about his first encounters with Prince, his transition from monitor engineer to front-of-house, and the lessons learned from decades of touring with music’s greatest. A must-hear for fans of live production and Prince...

The Word Up Story — featuring former members of Cameo, Tomi Jenkins, Nathan Leftenant, Arnett Leftenant, and Gregory Johnson — join Joe Kelley on Musicians Reveal for an in-depth conversation about their enduring funk legacy. They discuss their creative chemistry, the timeless hits that defined their careers, and their upcoming performance at City Winery in Atlanta on November 1st. The group also...

In this 2016 episode of Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley , Taja Sevelle shares heartfelt memories of Prince following his passing. She opens up about their close friendship, the early Minneapolis music scene , and her time recording for Paisley Park . Taja also highlights Prince’s generosity and his quiet support for her Urban Farming project, revealing the compassionate side of the musical legend...

Danny Bedrosian, keyboardist and musical director for Parliament-Funkadelic, joins Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley for an in-depth conversation on the pivotal year that transformed P-Funk history. Danny discusses how 1975 marked a turning point for the group, with the releases of Mothership Connection , Chocolate City , and Let’s Take It to the Stage —albums that helped elevate P-Funk from underg...

Renowned bassist Rhonda Smith—best known for her groundbreaking work with Prince and The New Power Generation—joins Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley to discuss her acclaimed solo album Intellipop . In this rare 2000 interview, she opens up about stepping into the spotlight, using the bass as a melodic instrument, and the spiritual and social themes behind her song “Mother Earth.” A timeless conver...

Smooth jazz saxophonist Grady Nichols joins Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley for an uplifting conversation about artistry, collaboration, and gratitude in music. From his early influences to working with legends, Grady shares the heart behind his sound. In this episode: • The story behind his new single “Night Music,” produced by St. Paul & Ricky Peterson • How David Sanborn inspired his tone...

Jellybean Johnson — drummer, guitarist, and founding member of The Time — joins Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley for an in-depth conversation on the legacy of the Minneapolis Sound. Joined by JD “Electric Man” Silva and John “Face Man” Silva, Jellybean shares stories from his early days with Prince, the rise of The Time, and his journey into production and songwriting. Discover how collaboration,...

Stevie Martin aka The GRoofa shares his funk journey with Joe Kelley — from growing up in Southern California, inspired by Rick James, Prince, and Stevie Wonder, to his projects with Electric Booty Mob and Rio Soul. A story of passion, independence, and community in funk and soul. Stevie Martin, also known as The GRoofa , joins Joe Kelley on Musicians Reveal to share his funk-infused musical journ...

Legendary Cameo vocalist Tomi Jenkins joins Joe Kelley on the Musicians Reveal podcast for an inspiring conversation about his career, creativity, and the evolution of funk. Recorded in 2010, Jenkins shares the story behind his single “Get to It,” created with Kamal Malak, and discusses Cameo’s journey, from their early days to Atlanta success. He reflects on challenges artists face with radio air...

Renowned singer-songwriter Gayle Chapman , a founding member of Prince’s first band , joins Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley for an in-depth conversation about her musical journey. She reflects on her transition from keyboards to guitar, the inspiration behind her evocative songwriting, and her debut album All My Time . Chapman also shares memories from the Minneapolis music scene, her experiences...

Donald Payne, better known as Thump Daddy , joins Joe Kelley on Musicians Reveal for a deep dive into his lifelong funk odyssey. From his beginnings in Columbus, Ohio churches to performing alongside legends like Bootsy Collins, Fred Wesley, and George Clinton, Thump Daddy shares the roots of his groove and the lessons learned from observing masters of the craft. He opens up about the importance o...

In this episode of Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley from 2008 , the illustrious R&B vocalist Miki Howard reflects on her musical journey—from her gospel upbringing and early days with Side Effect to her solo stardom and acclaimed album Private Collection . Howard shares candid insights on collaborations with Gerald Levert, the influence of her parents’ gospel heritage, and the resilience requi...

Before podcasts were everywhere — this conversation was already happening. In this in-depth interview, Deniece Pearson of Five Star joins Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley to reflect on her remarkable career, from global chart success to her current work as a solo artist, songwriter, and producer. She shares: The rise of Five Star and their international success Growing up in a musical family and f...

This 2017 podcast episode featuring Taja Sevelle on Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley presents a profound exploration of her journey as an artist and entrepreneur. Sevelle, a protg of Prince, articulates her experiences within the vibrant Minneapolis music scene and the transformative impact of her collaboration with Prince. She offers insights into her evolution as a musician, particularly how her...