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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Meia and acclaimed keyboardist, producer and longtime Prince & The NPG musical director Morris Hayes join Joe Kelley for a special edition of Musicians Reveal celebrating Meia’s Foreigner EP. Meia and Morris take listeners behind the making of the project, sharing the stories, creative decisions and recording process that shaped the EP. Meia discusses the inspiration and personal meaning behind “Wild Ride,” “Foreigner” and “Sweet Devotion,” while Morris offers his perspective on producing the sessions and bringing the songs to life. The conversation also takes some fascinating turns into Morris’ years working with Prince, including lessons learned in the studio, Prince’s legendary rehearsal and recording work ethic, and stories from Morris’ career traveling and making music around the world. Meia and Morris also reflect on their musical partnership, the late producer David Z, the Minneapolis music community and what could be ahead for their collaboration. This podcast edition features the conversation and stories from the original Foreigner EP listening party. Music from the EP has been removed from the podcast version. Hosted by Joe Kelley.

Andre Cymone returns to Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley for an in-depth conversation about his upcoming album Resurrection of Funk, the inspiration behind bringing funk back to center stage, and the stories behind his newest music. Andre reflects on growing up in Minneapolis, the legendary Grand Central days with Prince, Battle of the Bands memories, songwriting, producing, and why he believes funk deserves a new generation of appreciation. He also discusses mentoring younger musicians, producing Jody Watley, working with The Girls, memories of Pepe Willie and Jellybean Johnson, and his plans to take Resurrection of Funk on the road. If you're a fan of Prince, the Minneapolis Sound, classic funk, bass playing, songwriting, and music history, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Long before Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley, Taja Sevelle joined me in the studios of Upper Room with Joe Kelley on WVOF 88.5 FM for this in-depth conversation from 2002. Taja reflects on her years with Prince and Paisley Park, recording her debut album, collaborating with Nile Rodgers, becoming an independent artist, songwriting, creativity, and where her career was headed at the time. More than two decades later, this conversation offers a fascinating snapshot of an artist who forged her own path after one of the most recognizable chapters of her career. If you enjoy conversations about Prince, the Minneapolis Sound, and the artists who helped shape that musical era, you'll enjoy this rare archival interview. Topics include: Prince and the Paisley Park yearsRecording her debut albumWorking with Nile RodgersIndependent music and creativitySongwritingLife after Paisley ParkFuture projects

🎥 Watch the complete video interview on the Musicians Reveal YouTube channel https://youtube.com/@MusiciansReveal One photograph. One Prince song. One unforgettable story. In Part 2 of our conversation, Steve Parke shares the unforgettable story behind the photograph that inspired "Welcome 2 the Dawn," offering a rare glimpse into Prince's creative process and the unique relationship they shared during Steve's years as Prince's art director and personal photographer. Steve also discusses additional behind-the-scenes memories from Paisley Park, Prince's creative instincts, photography, and the collaborative environment that produced some of Prince's most memorable visual work. If you enjoyed Part 1, this episode continues the journey with even more stories that only someone from Prince's inner creative circle could tell. About Steve Parke Steve Parke worked alongside Prince for 13 years as his in-house art director, illustrator, designer, and photographer. During that time he contributed to album artwork, photography, stage design, promotional materials, and countless creative projects while documenting Prince both on and off stage. He is also the author of the acclaimed photography collection featuring hundreds of images from his years working with Prince. Subscribe to Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley Discover exclusive interviews with Prince associates, legendary musicians, producers, songwriters, and industry insiders sharing the stories behind the music.

Steve Parke spent more than 13 years working alongside Prince as his art director, photographer, designer, and creative collaborator. In this exclusive episode of Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley, Steve shares remarkable behind-the-scenes stories from Paisley Park that only someone inside Prince's inner circle could tell. Steve discusses how he first met Prince through Levi Seacer Jr., designing the Graffiti Bridge album cover, creating tour books and stage designs, becoming one of Prince's photographers despite having no digital photography experience, and what it was like collaborating with one of music's greatest creative minds. You'll also hear stories about: Working with Prince for more than 13 yearsThe creation of the Graffiti Bridge artworkRare Paisley Park memoriesPrince's creative process and perfectionismDesigning iconic tour books and stage productionsPhotographing Prince behind the scenesThe truth behind popular Prince fan mythsPersonal memories that continue a decade after Prince's passing If you're a Prince fan or love hearing firsthand stories from the musicians and creatives who helped shape music history, this conversation is for you. Subscribe to Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley for exclusive interviews with legendary musicians, producers, engineers, photographers, and the people behind some of the greatest music ever created.

Originally recorded in 2009, Marva King discusses recording and performing with Prince during the lead-up to Lotusflow3r. She shares stories about Prince's perfectionism, rehearsals, Liv Warfield joining the band, previewing Prince's groundbreaking website, touring with Stevie Wonder, producing her own music, and the release of her album Grown and Sexy. A fascinating snapshot of Prince's world just before one of his most ambitious releases.

Few people witnessed Prince's digital vision as closely as Sam Jennings. Working with Prince from 1998 through 2007, Sam helped design the official websites, the groundbreaking NPG Music Club, album artwork, tour books, and many of the online experiences that connected Prince directly with fans years before streaming became the norm. Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley talks with Sam about: • Working alongside Prince every day • The creation of the NPG Music Club • Designing Musicology, 3121, and other projects • Prince's vision for the internet and artist independence • Creative challenges behind Paisley Park projects • Stories that reveal how Prince approached design, technology, and innovation This interview offers a fascinating look at one of the most innovative periods of Prince's career from someone who helped build it.