In April 2016, just days after Prince passed, we spoke with the artists who knew him best — his inner circle.

These are real conversations — raw, emotional, and happening in real time.

This special features voices from Prince’s world including John Blackwell, Matt “Doctor” Fink, Tommy Barbarella, Taja Sevelle, Elisa Fiorillo, St. Paul Peterson, Jacqui Thompson, and Tamar Davis — sharing memories, grief, insight, and the legacy of one of music’s greatest artists.

This is not a retrospective.

This is how it felt… in the moment.

00:00 Intro — Days After Prince Passed

00:30 Taja Sevelle — Grief

00:50 John Blackwell — Loss

01:20 Elisa Fiorillo — Processing the Loss

02:10 Dr. Matt Fink — Spirituality & Music

03:45 Tamar Davis — Prince’s Spirit

04:25 Elisa Fiorillo — Teacher & Influence

05:05 St. Paul Peterson — Mentor

06:30 Jacqui Thompson — Business Independence

07:20 John Blackwell — The Vault

07:55 John Blackwell — Rainbow Children Era

08:30 Tommy Barbarella — Recording with Prince

10:00 Tommy Barbarella — Legacy

11:30 Elisa Fiorillo — Gratefulness

12:00 Taja Sevelle — Charity & Giving

12:50 Taja Sevelle — Legacy

13:10 Closing Thoughts

From Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley — on air since 1982, featuring in-depth conversations with funk, R&B, and Prince-associated artists. The first radio show ever featured on Prince’s official NPG Music Club in 2004.

After more than 50 years, three lifelong friends and seasoned musicians reunite.

Eddie M (Prince & The Revolution / Sheila E), John Paris (Earth, Wind & Fire / Patti LaBelle), and Tim Larkin—whose career includes time with James Brown and Natalie Cole—come together to reflect on their journey and create new music.

They discuss their new release Back 2 Basics with Tim Larkin single “You’re The Biggest Part Of Me,” and share stories from decades in the music industry—including time around Prince and Earth, Wind & Fire.

This is a powerful full-circle moment—friendship, legacy, and the bond that brought them back together after 50 years.

Hosted by Joe Kelley, Musicians Reveal has been on the air since 1982, featuring in-depth conversations with legendary artists across funk, R&B, and beyond.

Keywords:

Prince, Sheila E, Earth Wind and Fire, Eddie M interview, John Paris interview, funk music podcast, R&B legends, Musicians Reveal, Tim Larkin

Morris Hayes and Meia Santiago join Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley to discuss their new music project recorded in Spain.

Morris shares powerful lessons he learned working with Prince—including the three essential elements of great vocal recording—while Meia opens up about her upcoming EP Foreigner, inspired by identity, migration, and global connection.

They also break down their songwriting process, remote collaboration, and how technology has changed music production forever.

🎙️ Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley features in-depth conversations with legendary musicians and rising artists across funk, R&B, and beyond.

Dwayne Kerr, flutist with Erykah Badu, joins Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley to share his journey through music, touring, and artistic growth.

From recording in London to performing at Paisley Park and major international festivals, Dwayne reflects on the experiences that shaped his sound and career. He also discusses writing deeply personal music, including a piece dedicated to a friend battling cancer, and how those moments influence his creative process.

This is an insightful conversation about discipline, independence, and building a musical identity in today’s world.

Music meets purpose in this powerful conversation with Greg Chastain, founder and president of Voices of Hope Boston—a nonprofit using live performance and community to raise funds for cancer research and patient care.

Greg shares the deeply personal story behind the organization, inspired by his mother’s battle with cancer, and how a one-night show turned into a movement that has raised over $1 million for life-saving research.

We also dive into:

• How music and theater bring hope during difficult times
• Performing national anthems for the Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics & more
• The impact of funding real cancer treatments and patient programs
• The power of volunteers, community, and purpose-driven art

This is a conversation about resilience, music, and making a real difference.

🎙️ About Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley

Featuring legendary and emerging funk, R&B, and Prince-associated artists, Musicians Reveal has been on the air since 1982 and now spans five decades. The show was personally recognized by Prince and continues to spotlight the stories behind the music.

Join us on Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley as we sit down with Curt Jones—founding member of Slave, Aurra, and Deja—and one of the most influential architects of funk and R&B’s golden era.

In this deep-dive conversation, Curt shares the real stories behind the music that shaped a generation. From the explosive success of Slave’s iconic hit “Slide”, to the formation of Aurra and their chart-topping sound, Curt takes us inside the creative process, the business decisions, and the personal moments that defined his legendary career.

We also explore:

1. The origin and impact of “Slide” and Slave’s early success
2. The transition from Slave to Aurra and building a new identity
3. The evolution into Deja and navigating the changing music industry
4. Behind-the-scenes stories from the funk and R&B circuit
5. Curt’s reflections on legacy, creativity, and longevity in music

If you love classic funk, behind-the-scenes music stories, and hearing directly from the artists who lived it—this episode is essential listening.

Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley features legendary and emerging artists from the worlds of funk, R&B, and beyond—many with direct ties to Prince and the Minneapolis sound.

On air since 1982 and now spanning five decades, the show was personally spotlighted by Prince on his official website in 2004. In 2002, Prince also gifted the show the One Nite Alone box set—before any other media outlet.

Each episode delivers in-depth, first-hand stories from the musicians who created the soundtrack of our lives.

Damon Dickson opens up about his life inside Prince’s inner circle—and the personal journey that nearly broke him.

From the stage with New Power Generation to deeply personal life lessons, this is one of his most revealing interviews ever.

Best known as a dancer, choreographer, and percussionist with Prince & The New Power Generation, Damon Dickson joins Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley for a powerful conversation about music, life, and legacy.

Dickson shares:

1. What it was really like working closely with Prince
2. Behind-the-scenes stories from the NPG era and live performances
3. The emotional journey behind The Damon Dickson Story memoir
4. Growing up, family struggles, and life lessons from his mother
5. His path from basketball dreams to the world stage
6. Why he stayed silent on certain truths—until now

He also reflects on fame, fan interactions, and the discipline it takes to survive both the music industry and life itself.

This is more than a Prince interview—it's a story of resilience, growth, and finding purpose beyond the spotlight.

Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley features in-depth conversations with legendary artists, Prince collaborators, and top musicians—sharing the real stories behind the music.

From inside Prince’s world to the broader legacy of funk, R&B, and performance, each episode uncovers the moments, mindset, and untold experiences that shaped the sound.

Michael Bland reveals what it was really like playing with Prince at the height of the New Power Generation era.

In this rare 2001 interview, he shares untold stories from inside Prince’s band.

Best known as the powerhouse drummer behind Prince & The New Power Generation, Michael Bland joins Joe Kelley for a deep dive into one of the most iconic eras in funk and R&B.

Bland reflects on:

1. Life inside Prince’s band
2. The Minneapolis music scene
3. His work with Sons of Almighty
4. The mindset and discipline behind elite musicianship

This is a rare, unfiltered conversation with one of the defining drummers of Prince’s NPG era.

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Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley features in-depth interviews with legendary artists, Prince collaborators, and top session musicians—sharing the real stories behind the music.

From inside Prince’s world to the broader legacy of funk, R&B, and rock, each episode dives into the musicianship, moments, and untold stories that shaped the sound.

Chris Calzone reveals how discovering Prince’s deeper catalog transformed his approach to bass, groove, and songwriting.

A look at how the Minneapolis sound is influencing a new generation of funk artists.

Multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer Chris Calzone joins Joe Kelley to break down the musical DNA behind his sound—blending funk, punk, ska, and synth-driven influences.

Inspired by artists like Prince, André Cymone, Larry Graham, and Sly Stone, Calzone shares how digging beyond the hits reshaped his playing and creative direction.

In this episode:

1. Discovering Prince’s deeper catalog and its impact
2. The legacy of the Minneapolis sound today
3. The making of Let’s Rock
4. Blending punk, ska, and funk influences
5. Groove, bass, and songwriting philosophy
6. Building an audience as an independent artist

This conversation explores how Prince’s influence continues to evolve through modern musicians.

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Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley features in-depth interviews with legendary artists, Prince collaborators, and emerging musicians—sharing the real stories behind the music.

Starr Cullars reveals how she went from connecting with Prince’s camp to working in the world of George Clinton and P-Funk.

A deep dive into the journey of a modern funk bassist building her own sound.

Bass player, bandleader, and songwriter Starr Cullars joins Joe Kelley to share her path through the funk universe—from early influences to carving out her own identity as an artist.

From her introduction to Prince’s circle to experiences within the extended P-Funk collective, Cullars reflects on the moments that shaped her musical direction.

In this episode:

1. Her early journey and commitment to the bass
2. Breaking into Prince’s camp as a young musician
3. Working within the orbit of George Clinton and P-Funk
4. Building Starr Cullars & Enterprise
5. Creating Welcome to the Universe of Starr Cullars
6. The mindset behind sustaining a career in music

This conversation highlights how the next generation is carrying forward the legacy of funk.

Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley features in-depth interviews with legendary artists, Prince collaborators, and emerging musicians—sharing the real stories behind the music.