Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley

In this powerful episode of Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley , funk veteran Son of Pearl (Tedi Robinson) shares a soulful conversation about music, spirituality, and legacy. He opens up about honoring his late mother with a tribute album, navigating the balance between nightlife and Sunday morning praise, and how his spiritual roots shaped his authentic funk sound. From the influence of Prince , T...

Legendary R&B and soul singer Junior Giscombe joins Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley for a deep, emotional, and inspiring conversation. Best known for the classic hit "Mama Used to Say," Junior reflects on the song’s origin, his vocal style, and pivotal collaborations — including work with Monte Moir of The Time and musical influences like Prince, Marvin Gaye, and Stevie Wonder . He also opens...

Peter Lord, acclaimed songwriter and founding member of The Family Stand, joins Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley to discuss his powerful new solo project Songs From The 8th Dimension . He unpacks the evolution of his single “Boom,” born from a TV musical and transformed into a bold statement on internal struggle and social commentary. From shaping modern R&B to the power of song structure, Lor...

In this electrifying episode of Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley , Kirk Johnson—drummer for Prince and creative force behind Funky Bald Heads—opens up about his evolution from sideman to frontman. Recorded in 2001, this rare conversation dives into touring with Prince, crafting Emancipation , launching Kitchen Records, and forging a bold new sound. A must-listen for fans of funk, independence, and...

In this unforgettable episode of Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley , funk visionary RonKat Spearman —multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and driving force behind Katdelic —shares his wild, soulful journey through the world of funk and beyond. From his early days to becoming a core member of George Clinton & Parliament-Funkadelic , RonKat reveals how one fateful encounter with the P-Funk mastermind...

Funk guitarist and producer Shaun Bivens of Black Stone Funk Revival joins Joe Kelley to dive into the creation of his raw and soulful new EP Blue Tears . In this intimate conversation, Bivens opens up about his Bay Area funk roots, performing in gritty clubs, the influence of Prince, and why imperfections give music its soul. From solo studio sessions to a lifelong love of vinyl, Shaun shares sto...

Dawn Silva—legendary vocalist of Brides of Funkenstein, Parliament-Funkadelic, and a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame artist—joins Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley for a powerful and wide-ranging conversation on funk, legacy, and the life-changing influence of Sly Stone. Silva reflects on her early days with Sly and the Family Stone, including the moment that launched her career and the deep personal...

Jazz-funk pioneer Jay Beckenstein, saxophonist and co-founder of Spyro Gyra, joins Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley for an insightful and wide-ranging conversation. With over 51 years of boundary-pushing music under his belt, Beckenstein shares the origins of Spyro Gyra’s sound, his early musical roots, and the band’s evolution from local Buffalo gigs to international acclaim. Jay also opens up ab...

In this episode of Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley , platinum-selling R&B artist Gina Thompson shares her journey from her New Jersey roots to working with super-producer Rodney Jerkins and releasing the hit single “The Things You Do.” She reflects on her early influences, recent UK music promotion, and what it's like collaborating with legends like Missy Elliott. Gina also opens up about nav...

Minneapolis music legend André Cymone joins Musicians Reveal to talk about his new album 1969 , his lifelong friendship with Prince, and the legacy of the Minneapolis Sound. He reflects on early collaborations with Prince and Morris Day, the political parallels between 1969 and today, and the emotional impact of Prince’s passing. A powerful conversation on music, activism, and artistic evolution....

Join Scottie Baldwin, the renowned front-of-house engineer for Prince, Madonna, and Lady Gaga, as he sits down with Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley for a masterclass in live sound artistry. Baldwin opens up about his unforgettable experiences working with Prince—highlighting his belief that Prince’s voice was his greatest instrument. He shares powerful reflections on capturing the emotional reson...

In this heartfelt episode of Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley , vocalist Tamar Davis opens up about the sudden and devastating loss of her close friend and mentor, Prince . Through candid reflections and powerful storytelling, Tamar shares how their deep bond extended beyond music — revealing Prince’s role in shaping her artistic vision, personal growth, and fierce independence. She recalls his hu...

Michael Cooper, iconic lead vocalist of the legendary funk and R&B group Con Funk Shun, joins Joe Kelley for a powerful conversation on Musicians Reveal. Cooper opens up about the emotional moment he experienced watching Silk Sonic perform the timeless hit “Love’s Train,” and how it reaffirmed the lasting impact of his music. He shares valuable insights into the importance of stage presence, a...

Renowned keyboardist Gary Hudgins joins Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley for a powerful and revealing interview. Best known for his work with the Brides of Funkenstein and the larger P-Funk collective, Hudgins opens up about his life behind the music. From his early days in Baltimore to sharing the stage with funk royalty, Hudgins reflects on the serendipitous turns that shaped his career. 🎙️ Musi...

Prince’s genius lives on through those who knew him best. In this heartfelt conversation, New Power Generation keyboardist Tommy Barbarella shares intimate stories and rare behind-the-scenes memories of life, music, and creativity alongside Prince. 🎙️ Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley is a podcast featuring legendary and emerging funk, R&B, and Prince-associated artists. Prince himself spotligh...

Prince’s iconic funk legacy lives on through the voice of Tony M, the trailblazing rapper and frontman of The New Power Generation. In this exclusive Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley interview, Tony M dives deep into the funk, freedom, and fearless creativity that defined his journey alongside Prince. From his early days in Minneapolis and battle-of-the-bands competitions. Takeaways: Mosley reflec...

From Prince’s Paisley Park to empowering youth through hip-hop and education—David “TC” Ellis shares his incredible journey in this rare 2004 Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley radio interview. Discover how a Minneapolis rap pioneer turned his passion into purpose. 🎙️ Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley is a podcast featuring legendary and emerging funk, R&B, and Prince-associated artists. On air s...

Legendary trombonist and Prince collaborator Michael B. Nelson joins Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley to share inside stories from the NPG Horns and the making of The Hornheads’ all-horn album Fat Lip . From working with The Purple One to recording the standout track “Chiquita Comb Banana,” Nelson dives into the artistry, discipline, and groove behind the Minneapolis sound. Recorded in 2005. Prese...

Robert Mercurio, the distinguished bassist and producer of the renowned New Orleans funk ensemble Galactic, graces the Musicians Reveal podcast with Joe Kelley to discuss the intricacies of their latest album, a collaborative effort with the legendary Irma Thomas. Our dialogue delves into the profound impact of the New Orleans music scene on their careers and the invigorating experience of perform...

Rodney "Skeet" Curtis, a revered bassist in contemporary music, joins us for an illuminating discussion on his extensive career and experiences during a respite from touring with the legendary Maceo Parker. We delve into the intricate dynamics of transitioning from the rigors of constant performance to moments of personal creativity and leisure, particularly in relation to his affinity for footbal...

This "Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley" podcast episode features an engaging conversation with the esteemed members of Pieces of a Dream: James Lloyd, Curtis Harmon, and Tony Watson Jr. These distinguished musicians share insights into their nearly five-decade-long musical journey, highlighting their origins in Philadelphia and the evolution of their sound, which melds jazz and smooth jazz influen...

In this rare and classic 2011 interview, Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley features members of fDeluxe, formerly known as The Family — St. Paul Peterson, Jellybean Johnson, Susannah Melvoin, and Eric Leeds. The band shares an inside look at their powerful reunion and the making of their acclaimed album "Gaslight." From the emotional core of their hit single Gaslight, to stories of recording across...

Leroy Harper Jr., an esteemed saxophonist who enjoyed a notable tenure with the legendary James Brown, graces the Musicians Reveal podcast for an enlightening dialogue with host Joe Kelley. The discussion delves into Leroy's extensive musical journey, including his leadership of the band Funky Leroy Harper Jr's All Starz and the vibrant atmosphere of performances at the Star Tavern in Little River...

Meia Santiago, an illustrious singer-songwriter originally hailing from Barcelona, Spain, graces the Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley podcast in this compelling episode. Having forged impactful collaborations with renowned musicians Morris Hayes, Shelby J and Kip Blackshire from the legendary Prince and The New Power Generation, Meia shares insights into her latest musical endeavors, particularly...

Lynn Grissett, a distinguished musician renowned for his work with Prince and The NPG Hornz, graces us with his presence on "Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley." In this enlightening dialogue, we delve into Grissett's illustrious career, highlighting his contributions as a world-class trumpeter and saxophonist. He shares insights into his pedagogical endeavors, emphasizing the importance of nurturin...