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.

Longtime Prince and The New Power Generation performer Damon Dickson joins Joe Kelley for a powerful and deeply personal conversation about life inside Prince’s world, dance culture, perseverance, family, and finding purpose beyond fame.

Damon reflects on:

• working with Prince & The NPG
• Paisley Park memories
• rehearsals and touring
• Soul Train dance influences
• the Diamonds & Pearls era
• life lessons from his mother
• overcoming difficult personal experiences
• dance, choreography, and performance
• writing The Damon Dickson Story
• reconnecting with Prince years later

Damon also shares stories about Prince watching his dance moves, the intensity of rehearsals, Glam Slam, and the creativity surrounding the New Power Generation era.

On air since 1982—long before podcasts existed—Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley continues its deep archive of conversations with legendary musicians, performers, and music creators.

#Prince #DamonDickson #NPG #PaisleyPark #MusiciansReveal

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.

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.