Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley

350 episodes

John Wesley Payne on Prince, Paisley Park & The Music Behind the Genius
26/04/2026 | 1h 10 mins.
On air since 1982. Interviewing artists for decades—long before podcasts existed.
In this episode of Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley, multi-instrumentalist and producer John Wesley Payne shares his journey through funk, rock, R&B, and the Bay Area music scene—including his experiences around Prince and Paisley Park.
Payne reflects on the moment Prince heard his playing, what it was like stepping into that creative environment, and how quickly ideas moved inside Prince’s world. He also discusses working alongside artists connected to Larry Graham, Tony! Toni! Toné!, and the extended Minneapolis scene.
Beyond the Prince stories, this conversation dives into musicianship, independence, and the realities of building a career across decades in a constantly changing music industry.
This is a firsthand perspective from a working musician—focused on craft, creativity, and the discipline behind the music.
🎙️ In this episode:
Growing up across gospel, funk, rock, and R&B
The Bay Area music scene and key collaborations
The call that led to Paisley Park
Studio insights and creative process
Gear, sound, and musical versatility
Life as an independent artist

Watch the full interview on YouTube:
Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley
More interviews and archives:
MusiciansReveal.com
Prince’s Inner Circle Speaks (2016) — Days After His Passing
21/04/2026 | 13 mins.
In April 2016, just days after Prince passed, we spoke with the artists who knew him best — his inner circle.
These are real conversations — raw, emotional, and happening in real time.
This special features voices from Prince’s world including John Blackwell, Matt “Doctor” Fink, Tommy Barbarella, Taja Sevelle, Elisa Fiorillo, St. Paul Peterson, Jacqui Thompson, and Tamar Davis — sharing memories, grief, insight, and the legacy of one of music’s greatest artists.
This is not a retrospective.
This is how it felt… in the moment.
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Intro — Days After Prince Passed
00:30 Taja Sevelle — Grief
00:50 John Blackwell — Loss
01:20 Elisa Fiorillo — Processing the Loss
02:10 Dr. Matt Fink — Spirituality & Music
03:45 Tamar Davis — Prince’s Spirit
04:25 Elisa Fiorillo — Teacher & Influence
05:05 St. Paul Peterson — Mentor
06:30 Jacqui Thompson — Business Independence
07:20 John Blackwell — The Vault
07:55 John Blackwell — Rainbow Children Era
08:30 Tommy Barbarella — Recording with Prince
10:00 Tommy Barbarella — Legacy
11:30 Elisa Fiorillo — Gratefulness
12:00 Taja Sevelle — Charity & Giving
12:50 Taja Sevelle — Legacy
13:10 Closing Thoughts

From Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley — on air since 1982, featuring in-depth conversations with funk, R&B, and Prince-associated artists. The first radio show ever featured on Prince’s official NPG Music Club in 2004.
Eddie M, John Paris & Tim Larkin | Prince & EWF Stories + 50-Year Reunion
19/04/2026 | 58 mins.
After more than 50 years, three lifelong friends and seasoned musicians reunite.
Eddie M (Prince & The Revolution / Sheila E), John Paris (Earth, Wind & Fire / Patti LaBelle), and Tim Larkin—whose career includes time with James Brown and Natalie Cole—come together to reflect on their journey and create new music.
They discuss their new release Back 2 Basics with Tim Larkin single “You’re The Biggest Part Of Me,” and share stories from decades in the music industry—including time around Prince and Earth, Wind & Fire.
This is a powerful full-circle moment—friendship, legacy, and the bond that brought them back together after 50 years.
Hosted by Joe Kelley, Musicians Reveal has been on the air since 1982, featuring in-depth conversations with legendary artists across funk, R&B, and beyond.
Keywords:
Prince, Sheila E, Earth Wind and Fire, Eddie M interview, John Paris interview, funk music podcast, R&B legends, Musicians Reveal, Tim Larkin
Morris Hayes & Meia Santiago: Prince Lessons, New Music & Spain Sessions
13/04/2026 | 58 mins.
Morris Hayes and Meia Santiago join Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley to discuss their new music project recorded in Spain.
Morris shares powerful lessons he learned working with Prince—including the three essential elements of great vocal recording—while Meia opens up about her upcoming EP Foreigner, inspired by identity, migration, and global connection.
They also break down their songwriting process, remote collaboration, and how technology has changed music production forever.
🎙️ Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley features in-depth conversations with legendary musicians and rising artists across funk, R&B, and beyond.
Dwayne Kerr: Touring with Erykah Badu
08/04/2026 | 26 mins.
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.

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About Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley

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 (17.2k subscribers, 8.1 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

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