Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley

For more than four decades, Joe Kelley has interviewed the musicians behind some of the most influential music ever created. In this special roundtable edition of Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley, six legendary members of the Minneapolis music community come together to celebrate the legacy, history, and future of the Minneapolis Sound.
Joining Joe are St. Paul Peterson, Jerome Benton, Dr. Fink, Elisa Fiorillo, Kirk Johnson, and Jason Peterson DeLaire.
Together, they share stories from the road, memories of performing with Prince, reflections on the Minneapolis music scene, favorite cities to play, the enduring influence of the Twin Cities sound, and the mission of the Minneapolis Funk All-Stars to keep that legacy alive for future generations. The group represents artists who helped shape the Minneapolis Sound through their work with Prince, The Time, The Family, the New Power Generation, and countless legendary recordings and tours.
In This Episode
• The origins and mission of the Minneapolis Funk All-Stars
• Life on the road with Prince and related projects
• Favorite cities and audiences around the world
• Memories of Jellybean Johnson and the Minneapolis music family
• Stories from Paisley Park and Purple Rain-era musicians
• The lasting impact of the Minneapolis Sound
• Keeping funk, soul, and live musicianship alive
Whether you're a Prince fan, a student of music history, or simply love hearing great stories from legendary musicians, this conversation offers a rare gathering of artists who lived and helped create one of music's most influential scenes.
Featured Guests
• St. Paul Peterson – The Time, The Family, Minneapolis Funk All-Stars
• Dr. Fink – Prince & The Revolution, Minneapolis Funk All-Stars
• Kirk Johnson – Prince & The New Power Generation, Minneapolis Funk All-Stars
• Elisa Fiorillo – Prince & The New Power Generation, Minneapolis Funk All-Stars
• Jerome Benton – The Time, The Family, Minneapolis Funk All-Stars
• Jason Peterson DeLaire – Minneapolis Funk All-Stars

Author, roller skating legend, community leader, and creator of the Rollo Shuffle, Kenny "Rollo" Davis joins Joe Kelley to discuss growing up in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the influence of Challenger astronaut Ronald McNair, overcoming addiction, recovery, family, faith, and the inspiring journey detailed in his book Life At The End Of The Tunnel.

Recorded just days after the passing of James Brown in January 2007, legendary tour manager Alan Leeds joined Joe Kelley for an emotional tribute to the Godfather of Soul.
Leeds shares memories from his years working alongside James Brown, discusses Brown’s final days, reflects on his influence on Prince and funk music, and tells remarkable behind-the-scenes stories from music history.
A powerful archive conversation from the historic Upper Room with Joe Kelley radio show.

Son Of Pearl joins Joe Kelley to discuss the influence of Prince, the Minneapolis Sound, funk musicianship, groove, creativity, and carving out an authentic musical identity. From eclectic funk roots to modern artistry, this conversation explores the lasting impact of one of music’s most influential eras.
Hosted by Joe Kelley — on air since 1982, long before podcasts existed.
#Prince #SonOfPearl #MinneapolisSound #FunkMusic #MusiciansReveal

Singer-songwriter and global recording artist Jann Klose joins Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley to discuss his upcoming album Future Trap, songwriting, Broadway, Prince, vinyl culture, and the evolving music industry.
In this wide-ranging conversation, Jann reflects on growing up between Germany, Kenya, South Africa, and the United States before building his career in New York City. He also shares stories about performing in The Who’s Tommy and Jesus Christ Superstar, Questlove’s legendary Prince DJ sets, AI in music, and why originality still matters in modern artistry.
A thoughtful conversation about creativity, musicianship, and surviving today’s music landscape.