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Richmond music legend James “Plunky” Branch joins The Hook with Johni & Jess for a wide-ranging conversation about more than five decades of music, creativity and cultural impact.

From his early years in Richmond and time at Columbia University to the evolution of Juju and Oneness of Juju, Plunky shares how jazz, African rhythms, funk, soul and R&B shaped his unmistakable sound. He also opens up about his connection to the early development of go-go music, his path as an independent artist and label owner, and the experiences that have taken his music around the world.

Along the way, we talk about creativity, family, race, community, technology and why Plunky continues to seek out new sounds and new ideas after all these years.

It’s a thoughtful, surprising and often funny conversation with an artist whose influence reaches far beyond Richmond—and whose connection to his hometown remains as strong as ever.

Mentions:

• Lonnie Liston Smith
• Melvin Ras Mel Glover
• Mighty Joshua
• WHUR 96.3 / The Daily Drum
• Experience Unlimited (E.U.) / Sugar Bear
• 725 Arts

Connect with Plunky:

🌐 Website: www.plunkyone.com
📘 Facebook: www.facebook.com/PlunkyandOneness
𝕏 X (Twitter): https://x.com/plunkyone
▶️ YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/plunkyb
🍎 Apple Music: music.apple.com/us/artist/plunky-oneness/6315845
🟢 Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/0zeMpqW3Y0hyDOV6iQ6U9p?si=YYw70XuoQD6l8vKsp-MBgg&nd=1&dlsi=f660f15c79fa454b

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The Hook with Johni & Jess — where passion begins with a moment.