Musicians Reveal

About Musicians Reveal

Since 1982, Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley has spotlighted iconic and rising artists in funk, soul, R&B, and Prince’s musical family. From its roots on NPR affiliate WVOF 88.5 FM to its thriving YouTube channel (19.2k subscribers, 10.2 Million views), the show delivers soulful, in-depth interviews with legends and unsung pioneers alike. 🎤 Hosted by Veteran music host and interviewer Joe Kelley, the show has featured: Rock & Roll Hall of Famers & Grammy winners Larry Graham, Mavis Staples, Patrice Rushen, Victor Wooten, Cyndi Lauper Members of Prince’s Revolution, New Power Generation, The Time, and more Icons from Zapp, Cameo, P-Funk, and beyond 🎶 In 2004, Prince featured Musicians Reveal on his NPG Music Club and invited Joe to premiere his One Nite Alone… box set in 2002—before any other media outlet. New interviews weekly. 🎧 Listen and Watch now and explore music history with the artists who shaped it. 🎧 More from Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley: YouTube (Full Interviews + Daily Content): https://www.youtube.com/@musiciansreveal 🎶 NEW! Musicians Reveal Radio on Live365 (24/7 Artist Music & Archives): https://live365.com/station/Musicians-Reveal-Radio-a25049 Website (Episodes, Guest Info, and Contact): https://musiciansreveal.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rQAZZtdU2cZB6EeleSZ8J Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/musicians-reveal/id1545165178

Publisher

Joe Kelley

Category

music · music · music

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

15 Dec 2020

Latest episode

19 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

401 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   19 Oct 2026

   George Duke: Untold Stories of Jef Lee Johnson, Miles Davis & The Cure | 2013 Radio Archive

   George Duke: Untold Stories of Jef Lee Johnson, Miles Davis & The Cure | 2013 Radio Archive In this rare February 2013 radio interview, legendary keyboardist, composer, and producer George Duke joins Joe Kelley on The Upper Room with Joe Kelley at WVOF 88.5 FM in Fairfield, Connecticut, for a deeply personal conversation celebrating the life and musical genius of guitarist Jef Lee Johnson. Recorded just months before Duke's passing, this intimate conversation captures the warmth, humor, honesty, and extraordinary musical knowledge of one of jazz, funk, and R&B's most influential artists. George shares the heartbreaking moment he learned of Jef Lee Johnson's passing, recalls their 12-year musical partnership, and explains why Johnson was unlike any guitarist he had ever encountered. Inside this remarkable conversation: George Duke remembers his close friendship and musical collaborations with Jef Lee Johnson. The story of how Rachelle Ferrell introduced Duke to Johnson's extraordinary guitar playing. Behind-the-scenes memories of recording Déjà Vu and the forthcoming DreamWeaver album. Duke discusses his tribute to Miles Davis and the influence of Sly and the Family Stone. The remarkable story of Johnson returning to the stage following serious health challenges. George reveals how he came to remix a recording by The Cure—and what he thought of the results. Memories of Don Cornelius, Soul Train, Stanley Clarke, and a lifetime devoted to music. Duke offers timeless advice to young musicians about developing their own musical identity. Throughout the conversation, George's admiration for Jef Lee Johnson shines through, revealing a friendship built on mutual respect, musical adventure, and a shared commitment to artistic individuality. Originally recorded: February 2013 Original broadcast: The Upper Room with Joe Kelley, WVOF 88.5 FM, Fairfield, Connecticut Host: Joe Kelley Guest: George Duke Presented by: Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley This archival edition preserves the original conversation, with music selections from the radio broadcast removed. Explore more exclusive conversations with legendary musicians and previously unheard radio archives at MusiciansReveal.com. © Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley. Original interview recording.

2. 

   12 Oct 2026

   Thomas Lockett of Slave: Funk Legacy, the Dayton Reunion & What's Next

   Slave's legendary funk legacy continues. Thomas Lockett of the iconic funk and R&B band Slave returns to Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley for an emotional and revealing conversation about the band's musical history, its unforgettable Dayton, Ohio homecoming, and the future of Slave. Thomas reflects on the powerful experience of bringing Slave's music back to its hometown, rebuilding the band, honoring the musicians who helped create its signature sound, and keeping that legacy alive for new generations. The conversation also explores Slave's place in funk history, the influence of the late Mark Adams, the music and musicians behind the group's classic recordings, and the lasting appeal of songs such as "Slide," "Watching You," and "Just a Touch of Love." Looking ahead, Thomas discusses the band's continuing journey, future plans, and what it means to carry the Slave name forward while respecting its remarkable history. From the golden era of funk to an emotional homecoming and a new chapter, this interview celebrates the musicians, the memories, and the enduring power of Slave's music. Hosted by Joe Kelley, whose music interviews and radio archives span more than four decades. Connect with Musicians Reveal Website: https://www.musiciansreveal.com (https://www.musiciansreveal.com/) YouTube: Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley (https://www.youtube.com/@musiciansreveal) Explore more conversations with legendary funk, soul, R&B, and rock musicians on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Artists and topics: Thomas Lockett, Slave, Mark Adams, Dayton funk, classic funk, R&B history, Slave reunion, funk music legacy. Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley — where the musicians tell the stories behind the music.

3. 

   4 Oct 2026

   Melvin Riley of Ready For The World: No AI, Prince & the Stories Behind the Hits

   Melvin Riley, co-founder and lead voice of Ready For The World, joins Joe Kelley on Musicians Reveal for a wide-ranging conversation about the music, stories and musicianship behind his remarkable career. Melvin takes us back to Ready For The World's beginnings, including how Electrifying Mojo helped break the group in Detroit, the rise of “Oh Sheila” and “Love You Down,” and the story behind his famous “Oh Sheila” look. He also reflects on meeting Prince, touring with Luther Vandross, remembering Jellybean Johnson, and writing some of Ready For The World's signature bass lines. Melvin also discusses his new 19-track double album, No AI, and why authentic musicianship, real instruments and human creativity remain so important to him. No AI was released June 9, 2026. Hosted by Joe Kelley.

Who has been a guest on Musicians Reveal

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Dawn Silva
• Jay Beckenstein
• Gina Thompson
• Scottie Baldwin
• Michael Cooper

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

5,858,006

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 75 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

100

Social presence

0

YouTube

93

Engagement

30

Contact Musicians Reveal

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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