Smooth Groove with Richmond Music Legend Plunky Branch

Send Johni & Jess a textRichmond music legend James “Plunky” Branch joins The Hook with Johni & Jess for a wide-ranging conversation about more than five decades of music, creativity and cultural impact.From his early years in Richmond and time at Columbia University to the evolution of Juju and Oneness of Juju, Plunky shares how jazz, African rhythms, funk, soul and R&B shaped his unmistakable sound. He also opens up about his connection to the early development of go-go music, his path as an independent artist and label owner, and the experiences that have taken his music around the world.Along the way, we talk about creativity, family, race, community, technology and why Plunky continues to seek out new sounds and new ideas after all these years.It’s a thoughtful, surprising and often funny conversation with an artist whose influence reaches far beyond Richmond—and whose connection to his hometown remains as strong as ever.Mentions:Lonnie Liston Smith Melvin Ras Mel GloverMighty Joshua WHUR 96.3 / The Daily Drum Experience Unlimited (E.U.) / Sugar Bear 725 Arts Connect with Plunky:🌐 Website: www.plunkyone.com📘 Facebook: www.facebook.com/PlunkyandOneness𝕏 X (Twitter): https://x.com/plunkyone▶️ YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/plunkyb🍎 Apple Music: music.apple.com/us/artist/plunky-oneness/6315845 🟢 Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/0zeMpqW3Y0hyDOV6iQ6U9p?si=YYw70XuoQD6l8vKsp-MBgg&nd=1&dlsi=f660f15c79fa454bMusic has the power to bring people together — and this September, Lightmakers is doing exactly that.Join the Richmond International Film Festival Thursday, September 24th for the Lightmakers Signature Series, a special night of live music featuring The Joey Davis Band, Rodney Stith and Richmond’s own Kyle Davis.It’s all part of RIFF’s 15th annual celebration of film, music and creativity happening September 22nd through the 27th.Support the showThank you for listening to The Hook with Johni & Jess. This is where we talk to musicians, artists, creators, and visionaries about the moment they got hooked—and the journey that followed.Learn more about our guests, watch episode highlights, and explore more stories at: https://www.johniandjess.comFollow The Hook on Facebook for new episodes, behind-the-scenes moments, and upcoming guest announcements: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588050877252If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with someone who inspires you, and leave a review. Your support helps us continue telling the stories behind the hook.The Hook with Johni & Jess — where passion begins with a moment.