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.

Keith Killgo reveals what it was like playing drums during a Miles Davis performance at just 10 years old.

A rare firsthand look at the roots of jazz-funk and the rise of The Blackbyrds.

Drummer and bandleader Keith Killgo joins Joe Kelley to share extraordinary stories from his career at the intersection of jazz and funk.

From studying under Donald Byrd to helping build The Blackbyrds into one of the defining jazz-funk groups of the 1970s, Killgo offers a firsthand account of a pivotal era in music history.

In this episode:

1. Playing with Miles Davis at age 10
2. Learning under Donald Byrd
3. The formation and success of The Blackbyrds
4. Touring and musical influences from Motown to rock
5. Preserving the legacy through remasters and live shows

This is a rare, inside perspective on the evolution of jazz-funk from someone who lived it.

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Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley features in-depth interviews with legendary artists, Prince collaborators, and influential musicians across funk, jazz, and R&B—sharing the real stories behind the music.

Papa Guyo reveals how Days of Wild was born from a deep influence of Prince and the Minneapolis sound.

A rare 2003 interview capturing the energy of the New York City funk scene.

In this archive episode, Papa Guyo of Days of Wild joins Joe Kelley alongside Jonathan Fritz and Tanya Michelle to share the story behind one of NYC’s most electrifying funk bands.

From late-night performances at iconic venues like the Bitter End to building a loyal following, Guyo reflects on how a spontaneous collaboration turned into a powerful live act rooted in Prince’s musical legacy.

In this episode:

1. The origins of Days of Wild
2. Prince’s influence on their sound and direction
3. The NYC live music scene and performing at the Bitter End
4. Sharing stages with artists like Sly Stone
5. The importance of preserving live music culture
6. Tanya Michelle’s journey as a vocalist

This conversation captures a moment in time when live funk music was thriving—and the artists pushing it forward.

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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.

Tom McDermott reveals what it was like recording and performing “Super Freak” with Rick James.

A rare inside look at the Stone City Band during funk’s peak era.

Founding guitarist of Rick James & the Stone City Band, Tom McDermott joins Joe Kelley to share firsthand stories from one of funk’s most electrifying periods.

From recording Street Songs to touring at the height of Rick James’ fame, McDermott breaks down the moments that defined the band’s sound and legacy.

In this episode:

1. The making of “Super Freak”
2. Recording Street Songs
3. Touring with Rick James
4. Soul Train appearances and live performances
5. Shaping the Stone City Band sound

This is an inside perspective on funk history from someone who lived it.

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

Gary Hines—founder and musical director of Sounds of Blackness—joins Joe Kelley in this powerful 2012 archive interview.

He shares stories about Prince, Stevie Wonder, and the Minneapolis music scene, along with the group’s NAACP Image Award win and their global impact across four decades.

This is a deep conversation on legacy, leadership, and the sound that helped define an era.

🎙️ About Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley

Legendary and emerging voices from funk, R&B, and Prince’s musical world. On air since 1982, with rare interviews and untold stories.

▶️ Full interviews: YouTube.com/@musiciansreveal

🎧 24/7 radio: Live365 (Musicians Reveal Radio)

🌐 More: musiciansreveal.com

Seth Neblett—author and filmmaker of Mothership Connected: The Women of Parliament-Funkadelic—joins Joe Kelley for a powerful conversation on legacy, family, and funk history.

He shares rare stories about his mother Mallia Franklin (Parlet, Brides of Funkenstein), Prince’s admiration for her, and the deep connections between Prince, Apollonia, Vanity, and Jill Jones—including a personal story surrounding Denise Matthews.

This episode explores the untold impact of the women behind P-Funk and their lasting influence on the Minneapolis sound.

🎙️ About Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley

Legendary voices from funk, R&B, and Prince’s musical world. On air since 1982 with rare interviews and untold stories.

▶️ Full interviews: YouTube.com/@musiciansreveal

🎧 24/7 radio: Live365 (Musicians Reveal Radio)

🌐 More: musiciansreveal.com

Keith “Chop Chop” Harrison joins Joe Kelley for a deep dive into a legendary funk and R&B career.

From co-creating “Riding High” with Faze-O to touring the world with Heatwave and The Dazz Band, Keith shares the real stories behind the music—including working with Rod Temperton, learning the studio craft behind Off the Wall, and winning a Grammy for “Let It Whip.”

He also opens up about lost publishing, the realities of the music business, and why Dayton, Ohio became a powerhouse for funk.

A must-listen for fans of classic R&B, funk history, and the truth behind the hits.

🎙️ About Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley

Legendary voices from funk, R&B, and Prince’s musical world. On air since 1982 with rare interviews and untold stories.

▶️ Full interviews: YouTube.com/@musiciansreveal

🎧 24/7 radio: Live365 (Musicians Reveal Radio)

🌐 More: musiciansreveal.com

lisa Fiorillo shares what it was really like touring and recording with Prince—from intense rehearsals to the discipline required to perform at his level.

A revealing look inside Prince’s world from someone who lived it.

🎧 Full interview available on YouTube: Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley

Soul artist Rufus Wonder joins Joe Kelley to discuss his album Stitched to Your Hip and the stories behind the music.

He shares insights on songwriting, the inspiration behind “Cut You Loose,” and his journey through the Bay Area music scene.

A soulful conversation on creativity, collaboration, and a lifetime in music.

(Originally recorded in 2008)

🎙️ About Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley

Legendary voices from funk, R&B, and Prince’s musical world. On air since 1982 with rare interviews and untold stories.

▶️ Full interviews: YouTube.com/@musiciansreveal

🎧 24/7 radio: Live365 (Musicians Reveal Radio)

🌐 More: musiciansreveal.com