Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley

"Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley" sits down with the iconic Andre Cymone, a luminary in the Minneapolis music scene and the original bassist of Prince's groundbreaking first band. As the closest confidant and best friend of the legendary Prince, Cymone shares intimate insights into their formative years, where they forged a revolutionary sound that would reshape the landscape of popular music in the '80s. Beyond his role as a pioneering musician, Cymone has left an indelible mark as a prolific producer, sculpting hits for luminaries such as Jody Watley, Evelyn "Champagne" King, Adam Ant, and Tom Jones. Our conversation delves into the multifaceted career of this musical virtuoso, exploring the intersections of funk, rock, and soul that define his solo work. With a keen eye on social and political issues, Cymone's solo career emerges as a powerful force, using music as a medium to confront and challenge prevailing racial and political narratives.

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Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Prince featured the "Upper Room with Joe Kelley and Gi Dussault" on his official website www.npgmusicclub.com. This is the first radio show to have ever received that honor. "Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley" has been on the radio airwaves since 1982. Joe Kelley and Gi Dussault co-host the show and are well-respected in the music business as creative air personalities and supporters of independent musicians . Our web site is located at www.musiciansreveal.com

The show features creative music in funk, R&B, jazz, blues, rock, hip-hop, latin, and gospel. In addition, Joe Kelley has interviewed renowned musicians such as Victor Wooten, Sheila E. , Foley, Robin Duhe, Jef Lee Johnson, Jellybean Johnson, Monte Moir, Rhonda Smith, Bernie Worrell, Cyndi Lauper, Michael Bland, Larry Graham, Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth, Steve Smith, St. Paul Peterson, JD Blair, Tori Ruffin, Kat Dyson, Eric Person, actor Jeff Daniels, Junior Giscombe, John Scofield, EC Scott, John Blackwell, Mystic Bowie, and many others.

In this 2018 radio archive Musicians Reveal interview, Shelby J shares powerful reflections on her time working alongside Prince—both on stage and behind the scenes.

Having performed with Prince for over a decade, Shelby opens up about their deep personal bond, calling him not just a musical collaborator, but family.

She discusses recording with Prince, his work ethic, his influence on her own music, and the emotional return to Minneapolis to honor his legacy.

This is a rare, firsthand account from someone who lived inside the music—and carries that legacy forward.

NYC singer-songwriter Jann Klose stopped by "Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley" to discuss his new album "In Tandem".

www.jannklose.com

www.musiciansreveal.com

Guitarist Tori Ruffin joins Joe Kelley for a wide-ranging conversation about Prince, Morris Day & The Time, Freak Juice, the Minneapolis Sound, and a lifetime devoted to making music.

In one of the conversation's standout moments, Tori recalls performing with Morris Day & The Time at Paisley Park shortly before Prince's passing. He shares the remarkable story of Prince talking about managing The Time and wanting to take the band to Europe.

Tori also reflects on the special relationship between Prince and Morris Day, describing the two longtime friends as being like brothers, and discusses why Morris and The Time have such a unique connection to Prince's musical legacy.

The conversation goes deep into Tori's own musical journey as well.

He discusses his band Freak Juice and the new music he was creating at the time, including how the Minneapolis Sound continued to influence his rhythm guitar playing. Tori explains why, after decades as a professional musician, he decided to study jazz improvisation and challenge himself to understand concepts he had previously learned by ear.

Tori also takes us inside the Juicemaker Lounge in Tulsa and his vision of creating a true haven for live music. He talks about the Tulsa music community, life on the road, memorable moments performing with Morris Day & The Time, and how cell phones have changed the experience of live concerts.

It's an insightful, funny and revealing conversation with a musician who never stopped learning, experimenting and pushing himself creatively.

Originally broadcast on WVOF 88.5 FM on July 29th 2019

Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley features in-depth conversations with legendary musicians, Prince associates, funk, R&B and soul artists, producers and the people behind the music.

#ToriRuffin #Prince #MorrisDayAndTheTime #FreakJuice #MinneapolisSound

Jellybean Johnson is one of the pioneers of the Minneapolis Music Sound. He is a phenomenal guitarist/drummer/producer and is an original member of The Time. He has recorded and toured with Prince, Morris Day and The Time, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Alexander O'Neal, Janet Jackson, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Mint Condition, Nona Hendryx and many more.

Originally recorded July 22nd 2019

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Isley Brother Chris Jasper visits the "Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley" studios to discuss his 15th solo CD "Dance With You".

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Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Prince featured the "Upper Room with Joe Kelley and Gi Dussault" on his official website www.npgmusicclub.com. This is the first radio show to have ever received that honor. "Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley" has been on the radio airwaves since 1982.

Ms. Jaz and Kerry "Smurf" Jordan are amazing musicians from Cincinnati, Ohio. Ms. Jaz is a talented vocalist in jazz, R&B, soul and pop. Her music is co-produced by Kerry "Smurf" Jordan, bassist extraordinaire with the band Jamset. The husband/wife duo visited "Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley" to discuss Ms. Jaz' LIVE "Me Too" record.

Originally aired Sept. 11th 2006

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Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Prince featured the "Upper Room with Joe Kelley and Gi Dussault" on his official website www.npgmusicclub.com. This is the first radio show to have ever received that honor. "Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley" has been on the radio airwaves since 1982.

Chance Howard—keyboardist and vocalist with Morris Day & The Time and collaborator within Prince’s musical world—joins Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley to share his journey into the Minneapolis sound.

In this interview, Chance tells the incredible story of how a single trip to Minneapolis—and one unforgettable night—led to meeting Jellybean Johnson, connecting with key members of Prince’s circle, and ultimately changing the course of his life .

He also discusses:

• Working with The Time and the New Power Generation
• His production work with Alexander O’Neal
• Life inside the Minneapolis music scene
• Touring, recording, and building his own sound

From early influences to major stages, this episode captures the journey of a musician who found his place in one of the most influential music movements of all time.

About Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley:

A long-running interview platform (est. 1982) featuring legendary and emerging artists from funk, R&B, and soul. Spotlighted by Prince in 2004.

Legendary Prince drummer John Blackwell joins Joe Kelley for a heartfelt conversation reflecting on his years performing and recording with one of music's greatest visionaries.

John shares how Prince recruited him after seeing him perform with Patti LaBelle, the creative freedom he experienced while recording The Rainbow Children, and why Prince believed the album would one day receive the recognition it deserved. He also recalls Prince's hands-on approach to designing his famous purple drum kits, recording at Paisley Park, stories about the legendary Vault, and the final projects they completed together, including Hit n Run Phase Two.

Filled with humor, emotion, and rare behind-the-scenes stories, this radio archive offers an intimate look at Prince's creative process through the eyes of one of his most celebrated collaborators.

Originally recorded for The Upper Room with Joe Kelley in 2016.

Cheryl Cooley of Klymaxx shares the story behind “Meeting in the Ladies Room” and the return of live funk.

From 80s chart success to rebuilding the band, this is the real journey of a funk pioneer.

In this episode of Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley, Cheryl talks about bringing Klymaxx back on the road, recording Live at Pacifica, and the overwhelming fan response to classic hits like “I Miss You.” She also reflects on the evolution of the music business, going independent, and the hustle behind sustaining a career as a working musician.

We also dive into musicianship, the return of live instruments, and how Klymaxx continues to inspire a new generation of players—especially young women picking up guitars and stepping on stage.

Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley is a long-running interview series featuring legendary and emerging artists from funk, R&B, jazz, and beyond. With over 40 years in broadcasting, Joe Kelley brings authentic conversations with the musicians who shaped the sound of generations.