Multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer Chris Calzone joins Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley to talk about his new music, the influence of the Minneapolis Sound, and the legendary artists who shaped his funk style.

Blending funk, punk, ska, and synth-driven grooves, Chris has created a modern sound inspired by icons like Prince, André Cymone, Larry Graham, and Sly Stone.

In this interview Chris breaks down how discovering Prince’s deeper catalog influenced his approach to bass, songwriting, and groove. He also discusses the creative process behind his latest music including songs from his new project “Let’s Rock.”

Chris and Joe also explore the philosophies of great musicians, the role of bass in funk music, and how independent artists are building new audiences in today’s digital music landscape.

If you love Prince, funk music, the Minneapolis Sound, or discovering new artists carrying the funk tradition forward, this conversation is for you.

00:00 Introduction to Chris Calzone and South Carolina's Music Scene

03:10 The Local Live Music Scene and Originality Challenges

06:15 Creating Let’s Rock and Musical Influences

09:13 Punk and Ska Influences in Chris's Music

12:02 Bass Influences and Collaborations

15:08 The Minneapolis Sound and Prince's Impact

18:12 Family Musical Legacy and Collaborations

21:03 Social Media Presence and Music Philosophy

24:02 Recording Process and Creative Mechanisms

32:26 Exploring Reggae Rhythms

33:30 Dream Collaborations in Music

34:45 Influences and Inspirations from Prince

36:56 The Future of Live Performances

39:39 The Economics of Music and Streaming

42:17 Prince’s Vault: What Fans Want

46:28 The Importance of Music Packaging

47:43 The Journey of an Artist

Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley is a long-running music interview platform featuring legendary and emerging artists from the worlds of funk, R&B, soul, and Prince’s musical universe.

On air since 1982, the program spans five decades of music history. Prince personally spotlighted the show on his website in 2004, and in 2002 he gifted the program the One Nite Alone box set before any other media outlet.

Previously known as Upper Room with Joe Kelley, the show continues its mission of documenting music history through conversations with the artists themselves.

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Bandcamp: https://bandcamp.com

YouTube: Chris Calzone Music

Instagram: @ChrisCalzoneMusic

Full Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@musiciansreveal

24/7 Funk, Soul & Prince World Radio: https://live365.com/station/Musicians

Official Website: https://musiciansreveal.com

Keith Killgo, drummer and bandleader of The Blackbyrds, joins Joe Kelley to share extraordinary stories from his lifelong career in jazz and funk.

He recalls playing drums during a Miles Davis performance at age 10, studying under jazz icon Donald Byrd, and helping build The Blackbyrds into one of the defining jazz-funk groups of the 1970s.

Killgo also discusses touring, musical influences from Motown to rock, and the continued legacy of The Blackbyrds through remastered releases and live performances.

This episode offers a rare firsthand perspective on jazz, funk, and the evolution of modern music.

Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley features legendary and emerging artists from the worlds of funk, R&B, jazz, and Prince-associated music.

On air since 1982 and now spanning five decades, the program has documented firsthand stories from some of music’s most influential performers. In 2004, the show was personally spotlighted by Prince on his official website. In 2002, he gifted One Nite Alone… The Aftershow: It Ain’t Over! to the show before any other media outlet.

Musicians Reveal is dedicated to preserving music history through long-form, in-depth conversations with the artists themselves.

Full Interviews & Daily Content (YouTube)

https://www.youtube.com/@musiciansreveal

Musicians Reveal Radio – 24/7 Artist Music & Archives (Live365)

https://live365.com/station/Musicians-Reveal-Radio-a2504

Official Website (Episodes, Guest Info & Contact)

https://musiciansreveal.com

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/1rQAZZtdU2cZB6EeleSZ8

Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/musicians-reveal/id1545165178

This 2003 Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley podcast featuring Papa Guyo from Days of Wild alongside Jonathan Fritz and Tanya Michelle presents an engaging exploration of the vibrant musical scene that intertwines the influences of funk, rock, and soul. The discussion delves into the origins of Days of Wild, highlighting how the band emerged from a shared reverence for Prince and the Minneapolis sound that has captivated audiences for decades. Guyo recounts the genesis of the band, where a spontaneous collaboration blossomed into a full-fledged project that has garnered a dedicated following in New York City and beyond. This narrative is punctuated by anecdotes from their performances at iconic venues, including the Bitter End, where the energy of their late-night shows is palpable and infectious. The dialogue further examines the evolving nature of live music in urban settings, with Guyo articulating the significance of preserving live music culture amidst the encroaching challenges posed by urban development and noise regulations. The guests reflect on their experiences performing alongside legendary artists, including Sly Stone, and express their commitment to continue fostering the spirit of funk in their music. Tanya Michelle’s articulation of her journey as a vocalist adds depth to the conversation, providing insights into the creative process and the personal connections forged through music. As the episode unfolds, listeners are treated to a rich tapestry of musical history, personal stories, and the fervent passion that drives these artists. The episode culminates in a celebration of their latest project, the Funky Servo CD, showcasing the collaborative efforts of the band while hinting at future endeavors that promise to elevate their artistry to new heights. The show encapsulates the essence of community in music, urging listeners to engage with and support live performances, thereby ensuring the continued evolution of the funk genre.

Takeaways:

1. In the 2003 episode of Musicians Reveal, Papa Guyo from Days of Wild discusses his musical journey and inspirations, particularly highlighting the influence of iconic figures such as Sly Stone and Prince.
2. The collaborative dynamics within Days of Wild are emphasized, showcasing how the band has evolved to include numerous musicians, enhancing their live performances with a rich and diverse sound.
3. During the interview, Guyo elaborates on the significance of performing at venues like the Bitter End, which serve as cultural hubs for local music and foster community engagement through live performances.
4. Tanya Michelle, who later joins the discussion, shares her experiences and aspirations as a vocalist, indicating her desire to define her musical identity and connect with audiences through live performances.
5. The episode underscores the importance of collaboration in the music industry, as illustrated by the involvement of various artists and the mutual support they provide one another in their careers.
6. Listeners are encouraged to explore the music of Days of Wild and their upcoming projects, including a new CD featuring live recordings and collaborations with other musicians in the funk genre.

Tom McDermott, founding guitarist of Rick James & The Stone City Band, sits down with Joe Kelley on Musicians Reveal to talk funk history from the inside. Tom shares stories from recording Street Songs, performing “Super Freak,” touring at the height of Rick James’ career, and shaping the Stone City Band sound.

This episode explores studio sessions, live shows, Soul Train appearances, and what it was really like working alongside one of funk’s most electrifying icons.

🎙️ Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley features legendary and emerging funk, R&B, and Prince-associated artists. On air since 1982 and now spanning five decades, the show was personally spotlighted by Prince on his website in 2004. He also gifted us the One Nite Alone box set in 2002 — before any other media outlet.

🎧 More from Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley

YouTube (Full Interviews + Daily Content): https://www.youtube.com/@musiciansreveal

🎶 ! Musicians Reveal Radio on Live365 (24/7 Artist Music & Archives): https://live365.com/station/Musicians-Reveal-Radio-a2504

Website (Episodes, Guest Info & Contact): https://musiciansreveal.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rQAZZtdU2cZB6EeleSZ8

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/musicians-reveal/id1545165178

In this 2012 archive interview, Gary Hines—founder and musical director of Sounds of Blackness—joins Joe Kelley to discuss the group’s NAACP Image Award win, their global musical vision, and deep ties to the Minneapolis sound.

Gary shares stories involving Stevie Wonder, Paisley Park, Prince’s creative community, and the evolution of Sounds of Blackness across four decades. A powerful conversation on legacy, leadership, and Black musical excellence.

🎙️ Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley features legendary and emerging funk, R&B, and Prince-associated artists. On air since 1982 and now spanning five decades, the show was personally spotlighted by Prince on his website in 2004. He also gifted us the One Nite Alone box set in 2002 — before any other media outlet.

🎧 More from Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley

YouTube (Full Interviews + Daily Content): https://www.youtube.com/@musiciansreveal

🎶 ! Musicians Reveal Radio on Live365 (24/7 Artist Music & Archives): https://live365.com/station/Musicians-Reveal-Radio-a2504

Website (Episodes, Guest Info & Contact): https://musiciansreveal.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rQAZZtdU2cZB6EeleSZ8

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/musicians-reveal/id1545165178

Author and filmmaker Seth Neblett joins Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley for a deep conversation about Mothership Connected: The Women of Parliament-Funkadelic and his mother, Mallia Franklin of Parlet and The Brides of Funkenstein.

Seth shares rare stories about growing up inside the P-Funk universe, Prince’s admiration for Mallia Franklin, and how the worlds of Prince, Apollonia Kotero, Denise Matthews (Vanity), and Jill Jones intersected in deeply personal ways — including attending Denise’s funeral and meeting Prince after a concert the next day.

This episode explores:

• The women of Parliament-Funkadelic

• Mallia Franklin’s legacy

• Prince’s respect for P-Funk

• Apollonia and Minneapolis connections

• Music history, remembrance, and recognition

An essential episode for fans of Prince, P-Funk, and funk music history.

🎙️ Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley features legendary and emerging funk, R&B, and Prince-associated artists. On air since 1982 and now spanning five decades, the show was personally spotlighted by Prince on his website in 2004. He also gifted us the One Nite Alone box set in 2002 — before any other media outlet.

🎧 More from Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley

YouTube (Full Interviews + Daily Content): https://www.youtube.com/@musiciansreveal

🎶 ! Musicians Reveal Radio on Live365 (24/7 Artist Music & Archives): https://live365.com/station/Musicians-Reveal-Radio-a2504

Website (Episodes, Guest Info & Contact): https://musiciansreveal.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rQAZZtdU2cZB6EeleSZ8

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/musicians-reveal/id1545165178

Keith “Chop Chop” Harrison joins Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley for an unforgettable deep dive into one of funk and R&B’s most fascinating careers.

Born and raised in Dayton, Ohio — the Land of Funk, Keith shares how he turned down a football scholarship to chase music, was discovered by Clarence “Satch” Satchell of the Ohio Players, and helped create Faze-O’s timeless hit “Riding High.” He opens up about early success, lost publishing, and the harsh realities of the music business that artists rarely talk about.

Keith also takes us inside his years with Heatwave, working alongside legendary songwriter Rod Temperton, learning studio techniques behind classics like Off the Wall and Rock With You, and recording across England and California. From there, the journey continues into his 40+ year run with The Dazz Band, including their Grammy win for “Let It Whip” and life on the road today.

This episode is packed with:

1. The true story behind “Riding High”
2. How publishing and royalties were taken — and the lessons learned
3. Inside Heatwave during the Rod Temperton era
4. Joining The Dazz Band at their peak
5. Grammy night chaos, cruise tours, and legacy
6. Why Dayton produced so much funk history
7. Keith’s upcoming memoir Riding High

Honest, emotional, and full of funk history — this is a must-listen for music lovers, artists, and anyone who wants the real story behind the hits.

🎙️ Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley features legendary and emerging funk, R&B, and Prince-associated artists. On air since 1982 and now spanning five decades, the show was personally spotlighted by Prince on his website in 2004. He also gifted us the One Nite Alone box set in 2002 — before any other media outlet.

🎧 More from Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley

YouTube (Full Interviews + Daily Content): https://www.youtube.com/@musiciansreveal

🎶 ! Musicians Reveal Radio on Live365 (24/7 Artist Music & Archives): https://live365.com/station/Musicians-Reveal-Radio-a2504

Website (Episodes, Guest Info & Contact): https://musiciansreveal.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rQAZZtdU2cZB6EeleSZ8

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/musicians-reveal/id1545165178

Elisa Fiorillo shares what it was really like touring and recording with Prince — the rehearsals, the expectations, and the discipline required to stay at that level.

This excerpt comes from a longer conversation on Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley, available on YouTube.

🎙️ Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley features legendary and emerging funk, R&B, and Prince-associated artists. On air since 1982 and now spanning five decades, the show was personally spotlighted by Prince on his website in 2004. He also gifted us the One Nite Alone box set in 2002 — before any other media outlet.

🎧 More from Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley

YouTube (Full Interviews + Daily Content): https://www.youtube.com/@musiciansreveal

🎶 ! Musicians Reveal Radio on Live365 (24/7 Artist Music & Archives): https://live365.com/station/Musicians-Reveal-Radio-a2504

Website (Episodes, Guest Info & Contact): https://musiciansreveal.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rQAZZtdU2cZB6EeleSZ8

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/musicians-reveal/id1545165178

Rufus Wonder, a distinguished soul music legend renowned for his captivating vocals and songwriting prowess, graces us with his presence in this enlightening episode of Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley. The salient theme of our discourse revolves around the intricacies of Rufus's latest album, "Stitched to Your Hip," which showcases a remarkable blend of original compositions and cover songs that resonate with the listener's soul. We delve into the artistic motivations behind the title of the album, as well as the creative processes that inspired the standout track "Cut You Loose." Rufus shares his experiences and reflections on his illustrious career, which spans multiple decades and genres, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the Bay Area music scene. Join us as we explore the depths of Rufus Wonder's artistry and the enduring impact of his contributions to the world of music.

*** Originally recorded in 2008 ****

🎙️ Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley features legendary and emerging funk, R&B, and Prince-associated artists. On air since 1982 and now spanning five decades, the show was personally spotlighted by Prince on his website in 2004. He also gifted us the One Nite Alone box set in 2002 — before any other media outlet.

🎧 More from Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley

YouTube (Full Interviews + Daily Content): https://www.youtube.com/@musiciansreveal

🎶 ! Musicians Reveal Radio on Live365 (24/7 Artist Music & Archives): https://live365.com/station/Musicians-Reveal-Radio-a2504

Website (Episodes, Guest Info & Contact): https://musiciansreveal.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rQAZZtdU2cZB6EeleSZ8

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/musicians-reveal/id1545165178

In this rare radio vault interview from 1999, Bernie Worrell is joined in studio by Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth of Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club for an unplanned, unforgettable moment in music history.

Recorded during the height of their post-Talking Heads years, the conversation reflects on creative life after iconic bands, musical community, and the connections that shaped modern funk, rock, and new wave.

This archival interview is presented by Musicians Reveal.

Musical segments are edited where required.

🎙️ Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley features legendary and emerging funk, R&B, and Prince-associated artists. On air since 1982 and now spanning five decades, the show was personally spotlighted by Prince on his website in 2004. He also gifted us the One Nite Alone box set in 2002 — before any other media outlet.

🎧 More from Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley

YouTube (Full Interviews + Daily Content): https://www.youtube.com/@musiciansreveal

🎶 ! Musicians Reveal Radio on Live365 (24/7 Artist Music & Archives): https://live365.com/station/Musicians-Reveal-Radio-a2504

Website (Episodes, Guest Info & Contact): https://musiciansreveal.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rQAZZtdU2cZB6EeleSZ8

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/musicians-reveal/id1545165178