Prince’s Inner Circle Speaks (2016) — Days After His Passing

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.

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. Connect with Musicians Reveal Website: https://www.musiciansreveal.com YouTube: Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley Explore more conversations with legendary funk, soul, R&B, and rock musicians on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. 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.

Philip Lassiter joins Joe Kelley on Musicians Reveal for an in-depth conversation about a remarkable career as a trumpeter, arranger, songwriter, producer and bandleader. Lassiter shares the story of being recommended for Prince’s band, his extended audition process and his unforgettable first meeting with Prince at Paisley Park. He recalls Prince telling him, “Let’s make history,” the massive horn section that helped bring Prince’s musical vision to life, the legendary Montreux performances, recording at Paisley Park and what he learned from working inside Prince’s world. The conversation goes far beyond Prince. Lassiter discusses growing up in a musical and religious household, learning horn and string arranging, the influence of musicians including Bernard Wright and the Wooten brothers, building his own musical identity, and his passion for live performance. Philip also looks ahead to his new music, including the single “Shoes,” his next album and “Magic Maker,” featuring longtime friend and vocalist Shelby J. Hosted by veteran broadcaster Joe Kelley, Musicians Reveal features candid conversations with musicians, producers, songwriters and artists about the experiences behind their music.

Chris Calzone returns to Musicians Reveal with Joe Kelley to celebrate the release of his new album, Midnight Oil. Calzone takes us inside the making of the record, from writing and performing nearly everything himself to creating songs designed to come alive onstage. He discusses the funk, rock and R&B influences running through the album, the challenge of finishing tracks like “Lil Funk” and “Pleasures,” and why Midnight Oil represents a more energetic and dance-driven side of his music. Chris also talks about his collaboration with John Dixon of Dygital Soul, the music community in Columbia, South Carolina, dream collaborators, and the importance of live jams and musical chemistry. Later, the conversation turns to Prince—his favorite music from Timeless, the Prince material he would most like to see officially released, rehearsal footage, and a live Prince performance that continues to inspire him. Hosted by Joe Kelley.