Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley

Jellybean Johnson — drummer, guitarist, and founding member of The Time — joins Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley for an in-depth conversation on the legacy of the Minneapolis Sound. Joined by JD “Electric Man” Silva and John “Face Man” Silva, Jellybean shares stories from his early days with Prince, the rise of The Time, and his journey into production and songwriting.

Discover how collaboration, trust, and creativity shaped the Minneapolis scene — from the studio magic to the stage energy that changed funk and R&B forever.

Recorded in 2003.

🎸 Jellybean Johnson: https://jellybeanjohnson.bandcamp.com/album/get-experienced

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🌐 Official Website: https://musiciansreveal.com

🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rQAZZt

🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast

👉 Subscribe for exclusive interviews with funk, R&B, Prince associates, and 80s legends — two new episodes every week.

#MusiciansReveal #JellybeanJohnson #Prince #TheTime

Stevie Martin aka The GRoofa shares his funk journey with Joe Kelley — from growing up in Southern California, inspired by Rick James, Prince, and Stevie Wonder, to his projects with Electric Booty Mob and Rio Soul. A story of passion, independence, and community in funk and soul.

Stevie Martin, also known as The GRoofa, joins Joe Kelley on Musicians Reveal to share his funk-infused musical journey from Southern California. Influenced by legends like Rick James, Prince, and Stevie Wonder, Stevie reflects on early inspirations, attending the iconic Funk Fest at the LA Coliseum, and his path through projects such as the Electric Booty Mob and Rio Soul. He also opens up about the power of independent platforms, community-driven artistry, and the challenges of carving out an authentic career.

🎧 Listen & connect:

Stevie Martin aka The GRoofa – https://groofa.bandcamp.com/

More from Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley:

📺 YouTube – https://youtube.com/@musiciansreveal

📻 24/7 Funk, Soul & Prince Universe Radio – https://live365.com/station/Musicians

🌐 Official Website – https://musiciansreveal.com

Available on:

🎵 Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1rQAZZt

🍏 Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast

Legendary Cameo vocalist Tomi Jenkins joins Joe Kelley on the Musicians Reveal podcast for an inspiring conversation about his career, creativity, and the evolution of funk. Recorded in 2010, Jenkins shares the story behind his single “Get to It,” created with Kamal Malak, and discusses Cameo’s journey, from their early days to Atlanta success. He reflects on challenges artists face with radio airplay, the joy of creating “Funky Christmas,” and the lasting impact of funk on music and culture.

Follow Musicians Reveal for more funk, R&B, and Prince associates interviews

📹 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/t1UPufwabM8

🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rQAZZt

🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast

🌐 Official Website: https://musiciansreveal.com

Renowned singer-songwriter Gayle Chapman, a founding member of Prince’s first band, joins Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley for an in-depth conversation about her musical journey. She reflects on her transition from keyboards to guitar, the inspiration behind her evocative songwriting, and her debut album All My Time. Chapman also shares memories from the Minneapolis music scene, her experiences collaborating with trusted musicians, and her current projects in Boise, Idaho. This episode offers a rare glimpse into the artistry and resilience of an independent musician who helped shape the early sound of Prince while continuing to create meaningful music today.

Originally recorded in 2004

Gayle Chapman: https://www.gaylechapman.net

📹 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/t1UPufwabM8

🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rQAZZt

🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast

🌐 Official Website: https://musiciansreveal.com

Donald Payne, better known as Thump Daddy, joins Joe Kelley on Musicians Reveal for a deep dive into his lifelong funk odyssey. From his beginnings in Columbus, Ohio churches to performing alongside legends like Bootsy Collins, Fred Wesley, and George Clinton, Thump Daddy shares the roots of his groove and the lessons learned from observing masters of the craft.

He opens up about the importance of mentorship, the Ohio funk explosion of the 70s, and the vital interplay between bass and drums that defines the genre. Payne also reflects on maintaining strong ties within the music community, the influence of icons like Larry Graham and Stanley Clarke, and his evolution as a multi-instrumentalist.

Listeners will hear exclusive insights into his upcoming projects, featuring new music that blends his signature style with decades of experience. This episode is a must for funk fans and anyone who values the artistry behind the groove.

📹 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/t1UPufwabM8

🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rQAZZt

🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast

🌐 Official Website: https://musiciansreveal.com

In this episode of Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley from 2008, the illustrious R&B vocalist Miki Howard reflects on her musical journey—from her gospel upbringing and early days with Side Effect to her solo stardom and acclaimed album Private Collection. Howard shares candid insights on collaborations with Gerald Levert, the influence of her parents’ gospel heritage, and the resilience required to stay authentic in the music business. A timeless conversation with one of R&B’s most soulful voices.

🔗 Watch the full interview on YouTube: youtube.com/@musiciansreveal

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Before podcasts were everywhere — this conversation was already happening.

In this in-depth interview, Deniece Pearson of Five Star joins Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley to reflect on her remarkable career, from global chart success to her current work as a solo artist, songwriter, and producer.

She shares:

• The rise of Five Star and their international success
• Growing up in a musical family and finding her voice
• The creative and business decisions behind the group’s career
• Her connection to the Jackson family and working near Michael Jackson
• Transitioning into a solo artist and producing her own music
• The inspiration behind her new material and upcoming album

This is Deniece Pearson open, thoughtful, and reflective — offering a deeper look at the journey behind the music.

🎶 New single: Like a Child

🌐 Official site: DeniecePearsonOfficial.com

This 2017 podcast episode featuring Taja Sevelle on Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley presents a profound exploration of her journey as an artist and entrepreneur. Sevelle, a protg of Prince, articulates her experiences within the vibrant Minneapolis music scene and the transformative impact of her collaboration with Prince. She offers insights into her evolution as a musician, particularly how her artistic endeavors transitioned into her passionate commitment to urban farming. In this detailed conversation, Sevelle elaborates on the genesis of her organization, Urban Farming, which seeks to address food scarcity by promoting community gardening across the globe. With over 64,000 gardens established in 61 countries, her vision is to foster a culture of sustenance and self-sufficiency in underprivileged areas.

Sevelle's narrative is interwoven with reflections on Prince's legacy and his enduring influence on her life and work. She recounts their creative partnership, emphasizing the autonomy Prince afforded her as an artist, which was a rarity in his collaborations. This autonomy not only allowed her to express her individuality but also laid the groundwork for her subsequent initiatives in philanthropy and community service. The episode delves into her preparations for the Prince Alumni Foundation celebration, where she shares personal anecdotes about her time with Prince and the importance of preserving his philanthropic spirit through her current work.

Listeners are treated to a nuanced perspective on the intersections of music, artistry, and social responsibility. Sevelle’s candidness about her challenges and triumphs provides a compelling narrative that resonates with those interested in the transformative power of art and community engagement. The episode culminates in a discussion of upcoming events aimed at furthering these causes, encapsulating Sevelle's commitment to honoring Prince's legacy through impactful social initiatives.

Engaging and thought-provoking, this episode serves as a testament to the potential of music as a catalyst for positive change, showcasing how Sevelle has harnessed her artistic platform to inspire global action toward food security and community empowerment.

Takeaways:

• Taja Sevelle discusses the significant growth of Urban Farming, which she founded in 2005, now boasting over 64,000 gardens worldwide.
• The discussion reveals Taja's unique experience working with Prince, emphasizing his respect for her artistry and her creative independence.
• Taja elaborates on how Urban Farming aims to combat hunger by transforming blighted land into productive community gardens and edible walls.
• The conversation highlights the philanthropic initiatives of Prince, particularly his support for Urban Farming and other charitable causes.
• Taja shares her upcoming events, including a fundraising lunch that seeks to benefit both the PRN Alumni Foundation and Urban Farming.
• The episode provides insight into Taja's transition from music to activism, illustrating a profound personal journey that intertwines her artistic and humanitarian efforts.

Links referenced in this episode:

• prnalumni.org
• frenchmeadow.com
• urbanfarming.org

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Urban Farming
• PRN Prince Rogers Nelson Alumni Foundation
• Warner Chapel
• Sony
• Belber
• French Meadow Bakery and Cafe

An evening dedicated to the celebration of Prince's 52nd birthday unfolds through the Musicians Reveal podcast, where devoted fans engage in heartfelt conversations about their personal journeys with the iconic artist's music. The hosts, Joe Kelley and Gi Dussault, facilitate a series of engaging calls, with Jean-Yves Tremblay, a concert promoter, adding further depth to the discussion. Among the callers is Kent from Florida, whose reminiscences of discovering Prince's music in the early 1980s provide a rich backdrop to the episode. Kent's narrative vividly illustrates the transformative experience of encountering Prince's work for the first time, specifically recalling the moment he was introduced to the album '1999'. His infectious enthusiasm for the music and its impact on his life resonates throughout the conversation.

The dialogue further explores the significance of live performances, with Kent recounting his experiences attending several Prince concerts. Each show is described as an extraordinary event, filled with vibrant energy and emotional connection. The hosts prompt Kent to elaborate on the deeper meanings behind specific songs, particularly highlighting tracks that showcase Prince's spiritual side, such as “The Latter” and its uplifting messages. Through this exchange, listeners gain insight into the multifaceted nature of Prince's artistry—how his music encompasses not only sensuality but also profound themes of love, faith, and unity.

As the episode progresses, the hosts express their excitement for upcoming specials that will continue to honor Prince's legacy. The conversation culminates in a shared hope for the future of live music and the enduring impact of Prince's creations on both individual lives and the collective cultural landscape. This special birthday episode encapsulates the essence of community, showcasing how music can forge connections that transcend time and space, leaving a lasting imprint on the hearts of listeners. In doing so, it reaffirms the vital role of artists like Prince in shaping the emotional and spiritual lives of their audiences.

Takeaways:

• The podcast episode celebrates Prince's 52nd birthday with various fans sharing their cherished memories of his music.
• Listeners shared their experiences attending Prince concerts, highlighting the profound impact of his live performances on their lives.
• Kent from Florida recounted his first encounter with Prince's music in 1982, emphasizing the unique production of each track.
• Gi Dussault and Jean-Yves Tremblay discussed the significance of Prince's artistry and its enduring legacy within the music industry.
• The episode features candid conversations among fans and hosts about the emotional connections formed through Prince's music.
• G Dussault expressed gratitude towards the audience for their continued support, reinforcing the communal love for Prince's artistry.

Links referenced in this episode:

• upperroomwithjoekelly.com

Legendary Sounds Of Blackness founder and musical director Gary Hines joins Joe Kelley for a powerful conversation about Minneapolis music history, Prince, Paisley Park, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Marvin Gaye, Roger Troutman, and the enduring message behind the Grammy-winning group Sounds Of Blackness.

Gary reflects on:

• Prince opening Paisley Park for Sounds Of Blackness video shoots
• the origins of Sounds Of Blackness in Minneapolis
• working alongside Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis
• the impact of “Optimistic”
• Marvin Gaye’s influence
• Roger Troutman’s musicianship
• the Minneapolis music scene
• perseverance in the music industry
• faith, positivity, and legacy through music

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

#SoundsOfBlackness #GaryHines #Prince #MinneapolisSound #MusiciansReveal