Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley

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/@MusiciansRevealOne 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 ParkeSteve 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 KelleyDiscover 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 passingIf 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 innovationThis interview offers a fascinating look at one of the most innovative periods of Prince's career from someone who helped build it.

From the Musicians Reveal Radio Archives comes a rediscovered conversation with legendary guitarist Jesse Johnson, originally recorded in 2009.After years of searching, this interview was finally recovered while digitizing decades of cassette archives.Jesse reflects on his remarkable career, his groundbreaking work with The Time, his solo success, and his experiences surrounding Prince and the Minneapolis music scene.Musicians Reveal Radio Archives features restored interviews originally recorded over four decades, preserving the stories of Prince associates, funk legends, and R&B artists.Originally recorded in 2009.Restored and presented by Joe Kelley.

Jazzhole founders Marlon Saunders and Warren Rosenstein join Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley to discuss their latest album Moonlight Mile, recording at the legendary Muscle Shoals studio, touring with Stevie Wonder, Randy Brecker, New York's vibrant music scene and the band's remarkable 32-year journey together.

Singer, songwriter and producer Sekend joins Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley to discuss his musical journey from Dallas to Berklee College of Music and ultimately to recording with Kanye West, Elton John, Stevie Wonder and Kirk Franklin. He shares stories about Sunday Service, studio sessions, Motown, performing the National Anthem, and building his own career as an artist

From the Upper Room archives, Joe Kelley welcomes Shel Riser of Sonnyboy for an in-studio interview and live performance recorded in 2004.Shel discusses his move to Minneapolis, performing with Maserati, working with Malia Franklin, the Prince-era music scene, building Sonnyboy, and life as an independent artist. The episode also includes live acoustic performances recorded in studio.Part 1 of a two-part conversation.

Singer, songwriter and former New Power Generation vocalist Elisa Fiorillo joins Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley.Elisa discusses her new single "Clear Blue Skies," performing with the Minneapolis Funk All-Stars, memories of Prince, the surprising advice Prince gave her as a songwriter, her upcoming memoir Purple Tapestry, and the next phase of her musical journey.She also shares stories about recording with Prince, touring, songwriting, family, and the inspiration behind her newest music.Recorded June 2026.Hosted by Joe Kelley.On air since 1982.

Bobby Moon and Paul Pablo Thomas of Spellbound join Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley to discuss more than three decades of friendship, music, creativity, and independent artistry.The conversation explores the band's origins, musical influences, songwriting process, live performances, the changing music industry, and their latest release, Life 101.Originally recorded in 2026.

Originally recorded in 2007.Joe Kelley welcomes Gary Hines, founder and leader of Grammy Award-winning Sounds of Blackness.Gary discusses the group's album Kings and Queens: Message Music From The Movement, the lasting influence of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., attending King's funeral, growing up in Yonkers, New York, and the rich musical history of Minneapolis.The conversation also explores Ann Nesby's role in Sounds of Blackness, community activism through music, legendary Minneapolis clubs, and the mission that has guided Sounds of Blackness for decades.Topics include:Sounds of BlacknessKings and QueensDr. Martin Luther King Jr.Minneapolis music historyAnn NesbyMessage musicCommunity activismGospel, soul, funk and R&BKirby PuckettMinnesota music cultureOriginally broadcast on WVOF 88.5 FM.

Originally recorded in 2005, Joe Kelley welcomes legendary drummer, guitarist, producer, and founding member of The Time, Jellybean Johnson.In this rare radio archive, Jellybean reflects on touring with Prince during the Musicology era, the discipline and rehearsal standards that made Prince's bands legendary, the unique artistry of the Minneapolis Sound, and his work with Ronnie Baker Brooks.He also shares stories about Jesse Johnson, Jerome Benton, The Time's live performances, and what it was like returning to arenas packed with 20,000 Prince fans during the Musicology Tour.Topics include:• Prince and the Musicology Tour • The Time's return to the stage • Prince's rehearsal standards • The Minneapolis Sound • Jesse Johnson and The Time • Ronnie Baker Brooks • 777-9311 and live performance • Touring, musicianship, and funk historyMusicians Reveal with Joe Kelley has been documenting music history since 1982 through interviews with legendary musicians, producers, songwriters, and artists from the worlds of funk, R&B, jazz, rock, and pop.

Rainiere Martin joins Joe Kelley on Musicians Reveal to discuss her incredible journey from giving up on music for 20 years to becoming one of the nation's premier Donna Summer tribute performers.Rainiere shares how years of rejection led her away from singing, the unexpected opportunity that changed her life, building the acclaimed Forever Donna tribute show, performing on the Ultimate Disco Cruise, and honoring the legacy of one of music's most beloved voices.Topics include Donna Summer, Legends in Concert, Philadelphia music influences, live performance, audience engagement, Joe Esposito, Tammi Terrell, and the perseverance required to pursue a dream after decades away.Learn more at 4everDonna.com.

In this 2007 radio archive, Joe Kelley speaks with Rose Ann Dimalanta (RAD), keyboardist, vocalist, songwriter, and former member of Prince's New Power Generation.RAD discusses working with Prince, performing "When Doves Cry" in stadiums around the world, John Blackwell's role in connecting her to Prince's camp, Bay Area funk influences, touring, independent music, and the making of her album East Babe.She also shares her perspective on Prince's musical genius and explains what made him such a unique bandleader and artist.Originally recorded in 2007.

On air since 1982 — long before podcasts existed.In this radio archive from 2003, Joe Kelley talks with percussionist, vocalist, bandleader, and former Prince collaborator Estaire Godinez about her album Live From The Dakota and the vibrant Minneapolis music scene.Estaire reflects on performing with George Benson, recording live at The Dakota, building a Latin-funk sound, and working alongside acclaimed musicians including Mike Scott, Eric Leeds, and John Blackwell.She also shares memorable stories about Prince, unexpected guest appearances, and the collaborative spirit that made Minneapolis one of the most influential music communities in the world.This conversation captures a unique moment in time and offers a fascinating look inside the musicians, friendships, and performances that helped shape the Minneapolis Sound.Originally recorded in 2003.Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley has been bringing listeners real conversations with artists since 1982.

What does it take to stay in one of the most successful touring bands in music history for more than four decades?In this episode of Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley, legendary bassist Stephen Jay shares stories from his remarkable career with Weird Al Yankovic, discusses the creative process behind parody music, reflects on the explosive impact of MTV, and explains why music remains the ultimate medicine.Stephen also discusses:Joining Weird Al in the early 1980sThe overnight success of "Eat It"Life on the Bigger & Weirder TourRecreating famous bass lines and musical stylesThe challenge of performing parodies authenticallyWorking with PBS as a composerHis solo albums and creative projectsThe fascinating connection between rhythm and harmonyWhy great bass playing is often about the spaces between the notesStephen has been a cornerstone of the Weird Al band since its earliest days and continues to tour internationally while also releasing acclaimed solo music.Visit Stephen's music at StephenJayMusic.comSubscribe to Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley for conversations with legendary musicians, producers, engineers, and artists from across the music world.

In this rare 2004 archive interview, legendary drummer John Blackwell discusses the loss of his daughter Jia, the creation of the Jia Kennie Blackwell Memorial Scholarship, and the support he received from Prince, Larry Graham, family and friends during one of the most difficult periods of his life.Blackwell also reflects on:Prince and the Musicology TourThe New Power GenerationThe Rainbow ChildrenBerklee College of MusicLive music vs technologyPerforming with purposeCreating "A Song For Jia"A deeply personal conversation with one of the most beloved drummers of his generation.Originally broadcast in December 2004.Hosted by Joe Kelley.

For more than four decades, Joe Kelley has interviewed the musicians behind some of the most influential music ever created. In this special roundtable edition of Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley, six legendary members of the Minneapolis music community come together to celebrate the legacy, history, and future of the Minneapolis Sound.Joining Joe are St. Paul Peterson, Jerome Benton, Dr. Fink, Elisa Fiorillo, Kirk Johnson, and Jason Peterson DeLaire.Together, they share stories from the road, memories of performing with Prince, reflections on the Minneapolis music scene, favorite cities to play, the enduring influence of the Twin Cities sound, and the mission of the Minneapolis Funk All-Stars to keep that legacy alive for future generations. The group represents artists who helped shape the Minneapolis Sound through their work with Prince, The Time, The Family, the New Power Generation, and countless legendary recordings and tours. In This Episode• The origins and mission of the Minneapolis Funk All-Stars • Life on the road with Prince and related projects • Favorite cities and audiences around the world • Memories of Jellybean Johnson and the Minneapolis music family • Stories from Paisley Park and Purple Rain-era musicians • The lasting impact of the Minneapolis Sound • Keeping funk, soul, and live musicianship aliveWhether you're a Prince fan, a student of music history, or simply love hearing great stories from legendary musicians, this conversation offers a rare gathering of artists who lived and helped create one of music's most influential scenes.Featured Guests• St. Paul Peterson – The Time, The Family, Minneapolis Funk All-Stars • Dr. Fink – Prince & The Revolution, Minneapolis Funk All-Stars • Kirk Johnson – Prince & The New Power Generation, Minneapolis Funk All-Stars • Elisa Fiorillo – Prince & The New Power Generation, Minneapolis Funk All-Stars • Jerome Benton – The Time, The Family, Minneapolis Funk All-Stars • Jason Peterson DeLaire – Minneapolis Funk All-Stars

Author, roller skating legend, community leader, and creator of the Rollo Shuffle, Kenny "Rollo" Davis joins Joe Kelley to discuss growing up in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the influence of Challenger astronaut Ronald McNair, overcoming addiction, recovery, family, faith, and the inspiring journey detailed in his book Life At The End Of The Tunnel.

Recorded just days after the passing of James Brown in January 2007, legendary tour manager Alan Leeds joined Joe Kelley for an emotional tribute to the Godfather of Soul.Leeds shares memories from his years working alongside James Brown, discusses Brown’s final days, reflects on his influence on Prince and funk music, and tells remarkable behind-the-scenes stories from music history.A powerful archive conversation from the historic Upper Room with Joe Kelley radio show.

Son Of Pearl joins Joe Kelley to discuss the influence of Prince, the Minneapolis Sound, funk musicianship, groove, creativity, and carving out an authentic musical identity. From eclectic funk roots to modern artistry, this conversation explores the lasting impact of one of music’s most influential eras.Hosted by Joe Kelley — on air since 1982, long before podcasts existed.#Prince #SonOfPearl #MinneapolisSound #FunkMusic #MusiciansReveal

Singer-songwriter and global recording artist Jann Klose joins Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley to discuss his upcoming album Future Trap, songwriting, Broadway, Prince, vinyl culture, and the evolving music industry.In this wide-ranging conversation, Jann reflects on growing up between Germany, Kenya, South Africa, and the United States before building his career in New York City. He also shares stories about performing in The Who’s Tommy and Jesus Christ Superstar, Questlove’s legendary Prince DJ sets, AI in music, and why originality still matters in modern artistry.A thoughtful conversation about creativity, musicianship, and surviving today’s music landscape.

From the Musicians Reveal vault: a rare 2001 conversation with Dr. Fink of Prince & The Revolution.Long before podcasts existed, Joe Kelley was interviewing the artists, musicians, and creative minds behind some of music’s most legendary recordings and performances.In this radio archive interview, Dr. Fink reflects on music, performance, creativity, and his experiences during one of the most influential eras in modern music history.On air since 1982.#drfink #prince #therevolution #funk #musiciansreveal

Author, DJ, educator, and music historian Amani Roberts joins Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley for an in-depth conversation about the power, passion, and lasting impact of legendary R&B groups.Amani discusses his new book The Quiet Storm: A Historical & Cultural Analysis of the Power, Passion & Pain of R&B Groups, exploring the stories behind iconic acts including New Edition, The Isley Brothers, Earth, Wind & Fire, Kool & The Gang, Parliament Funkadelic, Atlantic Starr, Tony! Toni! Toné!, The Commodores, Sly & The Family Stone, and many more.The conversation also dives into:The rise and decline of R&B groupsThe Telecommunications Act of 1996Quiet Storm radio historyMusic industry politicsRecord deals and artist educationDJ culture and classic soul musicLegendary concerts and live performancesThe evolution of modern R&BAmani also reflects on growing up in the DMV music scene, discovering New Edition, the influence of Bell Biv DeVoe, and why classic R&B groups still shape music today.🎙️ Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley has been on air since 1982 — long before podcasts existed — featuring legendary funk, R&B, soul, and Prince-associated artists.

In this rare 2014 radio archive interview, Elisa Fiorillo of Prince & The NPG joins Joe Kelley alongside guitarist Tyler Reese to discuss their Dease & Reese project Life In 20, working with Prince, touring, songwriting, Berklee College of Music, Pat Metheny, and balancing life on and off the stage.Elisa shares stories about rehearsing with Prince, performing with Shelby J and Liv Warfield, and the pressures of being part of the NPG, while Tyler discusses his musical journey and guitar influences.Originally aired on Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley.

On air since 1982. Interviewing artists for decades—long before podcasts existed.Legendary wardrobe stylist Abby Franklin joins Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley to share unforgettable stories from inside the worlds of Prince, Michael Jackson, Bon Jovi, Drake, Katy Perry, and more.Abby reflects on working alongside Prince for over a decade—from Musicology and One Nite Alone to the legendary 21 Nights in London residency and Welcome 2 America.She shares rare behind-the-scenes stories about:Meeting Prince for the first timeCreating last-minute wardrobe looks under pressurePrince’s creative genius and perfectionismMusicology tour memoriesDressing room culture backstageMichael Jackson rehearsals for This Is ItThe reality of touring lifePaisley Park memories and the vaultOne of the most revealing and entertaining conversations yet on Musicians Reveal.🎙️ Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley On air since 1982.

Before streaming became the standard, Prince was already rethinking how artists connect directly with fans.In this rare archive interview, the designers behind his Lotusflow3r website — Scott Addison Clay and Anthony Malzone — share what it was like working directly with Prince to create one of the most ambitious digital music experiences of its time.Originally recorded in 2009, this conversation explores how the Lotusflow3r platform blended music, storytelling, and interactivity into something far beyond a traditional artist website.They discuss:• How they were personally recruited by Prince • The creative vision behind the “interactive world” concept • Launch night and overwhelming global traffic • The balance between art, technology, and user experience • Prince’s forward-thinking approach to digital music • Early ideas around exclusive content and direct fan accessThis is a fascinating look at an artist who consistently pushed boundaries — not just musically, but technologically.About Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley:On air since 1982 — long before podcasts — Musicians Reveal brings you real conversations with the artists, musicians, and industry voices behind the music.

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 with his solo project Kash Up Front.From funk to rock to hip-hop influences, this conversation offers a rare, firsthand look inside the mindset of one of the most respected drummers in the game.