Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley

353 episodes

Abby Franklin on Prince, Michael Jackson, Musicology & Life Behind the Scenes
10/05/2026 | 1h 5 mins.
On air since 1982. Interviewing artists for decades—long before podcasts existed.
Legendary wardrobe stylist Abby Franklin joins Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley to share unforgettable stories from inside the worlds of Prince, Michael Jackson, Bon Jovi, Drake, Katy Perry, and more.
Abby reflects on working alongside Prince for over a decade—from Musicology and One Nite Alone to the legendary 21 Nights in London residency and Welcome 2 America.
She shares rare behind-the-scenes stories about:
Meeting Prince for the first time
Creating last-minute wardrobe looks under pressure
Prince’s creative genius and perfectionism
Musicology tour memories
Dressing room culture backstage
Michael Jackson rehearsals for This Is It
The reality of touring life
Paisley Park memories and the vault

One of the most revealing and entertaining conversations yet on Musicians Reveal.
🎙️ Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley
On air since 1982.
Prince’s Lotusflow3r Website Designers Reveal the Vision Behind It
03/05/2026 | 24 mins.
Before streaming became the standard, Prince was already rethinking how artists connect directly with fans.
In this rare archive interview, the designers behind his Lotusflow3r website — Scott Addison Clay and Anthony Malzone — share what it was like working directly with Prince to create one of the most ambitious digital music experiences of its time.
Originally recorded in 2009, this conversation explores how the Lotusflow3r platform blended music, storytelling, and interactivity into something far beyond a traditional artist website.
They discuss:
• How they were personally recruited by Prince
• The creative vision behind the “interactive world” concept
• Launch night and overwhelming global traffic
• The balance between art, technology, and user experience
• Prince’s forward-thinking approach to digital music
• Early ideas around exclusive content and direct fan access
This is a fascinating look at an artist who consistently pushed boundaries — not just musically, but technologically.

About Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley:
On air since 1982 — long before podcasts — Musicians Reveal brings you real conversations with the artists, musicians, and industry voices behind the music.
Frankie “Kash” Waddy – P-Funk Drummer on Touring, Groove & Music Life
28/04/2026 | 23 mins.
In this early 2000s radio archive interview, legendary drummer Frankie “Kash” Waddy of Parliament-Funkadelic shares insights into life on the road, the discipline behind the groove, and what it takes to sustain a career at the highest level.
A Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member with P-Funk, Waddy discusses touring up to 250 days a year, developing his own sound, and stepping into the spotlight with his solo project Kash Up Front.
From funk to rock to hip-hop influences, this conversation offers a rare, firsthand look inside the mindset of one of the most respected drummers in the game.
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.

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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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