Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley

In this episode, host Joe Kelley sits down with drummer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist Les aka LRCFunk. Les shares stories from his musical journey—from growing up as a preacher's kid in Columbia, South Carolina, to studying at Berklee College of Music and touring with music icons like Larry Graham, Prince, Patty Labelle, Anita Baker, and Roberta Flack. He reflects on his deep bond with his late mentor and best friend, John Blackwell Jr., breaks down the creation of his hybrid-genre project Emerald City, and gives an inside look into working on the upcoming Purple Rain Broadway adaptation.
Key Takeaways
The Power of Mentorship: How drum legend John Blackwell Jr. shaped Les’s career from high school through his time at Berklee and onto major stages.
Life on Stage with Royalty: What it was really like auditioning for Prince (starting with five non-negotiable questions) and touring with Larry Graham & Graham Central Station.
Mastering the Hybrid Genre: How Les channels funk, rock, classical, and soul into his solo project Emerald City without being boxed into a single genre.
Professional Resilience: Turning unexpected stage mishaps and high-pressure soundchecks into flawless performances.

Legendary guitarist Paul Jackson Jr. joins Joe Kelley for a revealing conversation about the musicians, sessions and unforgettable moments behind his extraordinary career.
Paul shares the hilarious story of Michael Jackson calling his family home—only to have his mother hang up on him—and takes us inside his work on classics including “This Place Hotel,” “P.Y.T.,” “The Lady in My Life,” “Dirty Diana” and “Beat It.” He explains the different guitar contributions made by Steve Lukather, Eddie Van Halen and himself, and recalls what it was like creating music with Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson during one of the most historic periods in recording history.
The conversation also explores Paul’s early mentorship from Patrice Rushen, Lee Ritenour and Ray Parker Jr.; his recordings with Luther Vandross; touring with Whitney Houston; working with George Benson, George Duke, Daft Punk and The Weeknd; and his continuing work alongside Jeff Lorber and Everette Harp in Jazz Funk Soul.
Paul also reflects on musicianship, faith, friendship, adapting to changes in the recording industry and the discipline behind becoming one of the most respected guitarists of his generation.
Learn more about Paul Jackson Jr., his music and instructional programs at:
https://pauljacksonjr.net
Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley has been presenting in-depth conversations with influential musicians since 1982.
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Meia and acclaimed keyboardist, producer and longtime Prince & The NPG musical director Morris Hayes join Joe Kelley for a special edition of Musicians Reveal celebrating Meia’s Foreigner EP.
Meia and Morris take listeners behind the making of the project, sharing the stories, creative decisions and recording process that shaped the EP. Meia discusses the inspiration and personal meaning behind “Wild Ride,” “Foreigner” and “Sweet Devotion,” while Morris offers his perspective on producing the sessions and bringing the songs to life.
The conversation also takes some fascinating turns into Morris’ years working with Prince, including lessons learned in the studio, Prince’s legendary rehearsal and recording work ethic, and stories from Morris’ career traveling and making music around the world.
Meia and Morris also reflect on their musical partnership, the late producer David Z, the Minneapolis music community and what could be ahead for their collaboration.
This podcast edition features the conversation and stories from the original Foreigner EP listening party. Music from the EP has been removed from the podcast version.
Hosted by Joe Kelley.

Andre Cymone returns to Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley for an in-depth conversation about his upcoming album Resurrection of Funk, the inspiration behind bringing funk back to center stage, and the stories behind his newest music.
Andre reflects on growing up in Minneapolis, the legendary Grand Central days with Prince, Battle of the Bands memories, songwriting, producing, and why he believes funk deserves a new generation of appreciation. He also discusses mentoring younger musicians, producing Jody Watley, working with The Girls, memories of Pepe Willie and Jellybean Johnson, and his plans to take Resurrection of Funk on the road.
If you're a fan of Prince, the Minneapolis Sound, classic funk, bass playing, songwriting, and music history, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Long before Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley, Taja Sevelle joined me in the studios of Upper Room with Joe Kelley on WVOF 88.5 FM for this in-depth conversation from 2002.
Taja reflects on her years with Prince and Paisley Park, recording her debut album, collaborating with Nile Rodgers, becoming an independent artist, songwriting, creativity, and where her career was headed at the time.
More than two decades later, this conversation offers a fascinating snapshot of an artist who forged her own path after one of the most recognizable chapters of her career.
If you enjoy conversations about Prince, the Minneapolis Sound, and the artists who helped shape that musical era, you'll enjoy this rare archival interview.
Topics include:
Prince and the Paisley Park years
Recording her debut album
Working with Nile Rodgers
Independent music and creativity
Songwriting
Life after Paisley Park
Future projects