You may not know their names, but you know their sounds – Side Player Stories, a podcast produced by WUCF FM 89.9 Jazz & More, returns with season two on July 7, 2022. The first episode featuring Sheila E., Prince’s long-time drummer and collaborator, will be available at wucf.org/sideplayerstories, with additional episodes released each Thursday through September 29.
In this weekly series, musician and WUCF FM producer Jesse Morgado gets an in-depth look inside the lives of professional musicians. Side Player Stories offers fast-paced and fun conversations with musical guests who are “side players”–artists including the Queen of Percussion Sheila E (Prince, Ringo Starr, Beyonce, Michael Jackson, Stevie Nicks), bassist and tubist Freebo (Bonnie Raitt, Crosby Stills and Nash, Spinal Tap), trumpeter Dontae Winslow (Justin Timberlake, Dr. Dre, Eminem) and drummer Cindy Blackman Santana (Lenny Kravitz, Santana, Ron Carter, Joss Stone) whose unique talents and musical abilities create opportunities to make their living playing for many different bands. A new segment this season puts each musician’s musical ear to the test. With deep dives into their history, we uncover the nitty-gritty leaving even the guests themselves wondering how we did it.
“After the success of the first season of Side Player Stories, we can’t wait to allow our listeners another peek inside the lives of professional musicians,” said Jennifer Cook, WUCF Executive Director. “As Central Florida’s Storytellers, we like to go deeper, and this podcast is not just entertaining, but a fascinating listen on the ins and outs of the music industry – a world where many of us would never get to experience.”
In the first episode, The Queen of Percussion, Sheila E., recounts meeting Prince and the music that followed, the special energy that always surrounds her family’s sessions, touring with Marvin Gaye, and Ringo Starr challenging her in new ways. From the Bay area with pots and pans to worldwide gigs with the biggest stars – she's never stopped loving what she does.
Listeners can check out episodes from the first season now at wucf.org/sideplayerstories or listen on all major podcasting platforms.