Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley

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/

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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.

• The 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.

Legendary guitarist Paul Jackson Jr. joins Joe Kelley for a revealing conversation about the musicians, sessions and unforgettable moments behind his extraordinary career.

Paul shares the hilarious story of Michael Jackson calling his family home—only to have his mother hang up on him—and takes us inside his work on classics including “This Place Hotel,” “P.Y.T.,” “The Lady in My Life,” “Dirty Diana” and “Beat It.” He explains the different guitar contributions made by Steve Lukather, Eddie Van Halen and himself, and recalls what it was like creating music with Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson during one of the most historic periods in recording history.

The conversation also explores Paul’s early mentorship from Patrice Rushen, Lee Ritenour and Ray Parker Jr.; his recordings with Luther Vandross; touring with Whitney Houston; working with George Benson, George Duke, Daft Punk and The Weeknd; and his continuing work alongside Jeff Lorber and Everette Harp in Jazz Funk Soul.

Paul also reflects on musicianship, faith, friendship, adapting to changes in the recording industry and the discipline behind becoming one of the most respected guitarists of his generation.

Learn more about Paul Jackson Jr., his music and instructional programs at:

https://pauljacksonjr.net

Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley has been presenting in-depth conversations with influential musicians since 1982.

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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 years
• Recording her debut album
• Working with Nile Rodgers
• Independent music and creativity
• Songwriting
• Life after Paisley Park
• Future projects