Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley

Marva King returns to Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley for an extraordinary conversation about Prince, Stevie Wonder, unreleased music, and a remarkable career in soul, funk, and R&B.
The acclaimed singer, songwriter, producer, and former member of Prince's New Power Generation shares firsthand stories from decades of working alongside some of music's greatest artists.
Marva reveals how an unexpected encounter at Stevie Wonder's birthday party led to Prince inviting her to Paisley Park, what it was like recording an unreleased solo album with Prince, and why some of their collaborations may still be sitting in his legendary vault.
She also remembers her first performance with Prince and D'Angelo at New York's Tramps, the demanding rehearsals and unforgettable performances with the NPG, Prince's playful sense of humor, and the emotional experience of performing with Stevie Wonder at the 2016 Prince tribute concert.
The conversation also explores Marva's extraordinary history with Stevie Wonder, including how she first auditioned for him and how he contributed harmonica to her new single, "Another Heartbreak," which reached No. 1 on a UK soul chart.
In this episode:
How Marva King first met Stevie Wonder and joined his band
The surprising story of her first encounter with Prince
Her unreleased recordings and unfinished projects at Paisley Park
Performing with Prince and D'Angelo at Tramps in New York
Prince's demanding rehearsals, spontaneous humor, and 21 Nights in London
Her role in introducing Liv Warfield to Prince
Memories of Ron Isley, Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, and other music legends
Stevie Wonder's contribution to "Another Heartbreak"
Her upcoming album, Souled Out, and future performances

From the recording studio to the concert stage, Marva offers a personal look at the musicians, friendships, and experiences that shaped her extraordinary journey.
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Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley — firsthand conversations with the artists who made the music.

Singer-songwriter Andy Allo joins Joe Kelley for a revealing 2013 radio conversation about working with Prince, recording at Paisley Park, and finding her own musical voice.
Andy recalls her early experiences performing with Prince and the New Power Generation, including stepping onto the stage after just two weeks of rehearsals. She shares how Prince became a musical mentor, introducing her to his earlier recordings and spending time jamming together on guitar.
One of the highlights is the story behind "Long Gone," a song Andy collaborated on with Prince after the two listened to James Taylor's "Fire and Rain" at Paisley Park.
Andy also discusses recording her acclaimed album Superconductor, performing with the NPG Hornz, touring Europe, and the challenges and rewards of building a career as an independent artist.
Originally recorded in 2013 for Joe Kelley's radio program on WVOF 88.5 FM in Fairfield, Connecticut.
Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley brings you firsthand conversations with legendary musicians, revealing the stories behind the music.
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#AndyAllo #Prince #PaisleyPark #Superconductor #MusiciansReveal

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.

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.
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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.

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.