Jellybean Johnson, the influential drummer of the time and Minneapolis sound pioneer, dies at 69

Jellybean Johnson – the Minneapolis drummer, guitarist and producer whose work with Prince and the seminal funk rock group The Time helped define an entire musical era – has died at the age of 69. His family confirmed his death on November 21, although no cause of death has been released. TMZ First reported the news.

Born Garry George Johnson, the self-taught musician was recruited by Prince in 1981 to join The Time, which emerged from the city’s influential Flyte Tyme collective. Johnson and Prince had known each other since their teens, long before their careers became intertwined.

Speak Unpleasant Australian musician in 2018, Johnson reflected on his dual mastery of drums and guitar, saying, “The drums are physical and violent to me, while the guitar is spiritual and emotional.” He added with characteristic humor: “If you live here in the cold, you stay in the winter and learn to play.”

Johnson played a crucial role in creating what became known as the Minneapolis Sound – a sharp blend of funk, rock, synth-pop and new wave. In addition to his work with The Time, he later joined Prince’s band The Family and appeared as both a character and himself in the films “Purple Rain” (1984) and “Graffiti Bridge” (1990). The Time went on to have multiple Top 10 hits on the R&B charts, including “777-9311,” “Jungle Love” and the song “Jerk-Out.”

His creative reach extended far beyond his own bands. Johnson built a successful career as a producer and session player, contributing to Janet Jackson’s 1990 No. 1 hit “Black Cat,” among many other credits.

Tributes poured in on social media following news of his death. Sheila E., a good friend and long-time collaborator, shared expressed her grief in a Facebook post, writing: “My dear friend Jellybean passed away a few hours ago… He was a lovely person, extremely talented and funny.”

Addressing him directly, she added, “I love you, rest in peace and strength.”

The Family’s Susannah Melvoin also reflected on Johnson’s impact, saying, “My beautiful brother Jellybean Johnson has passed away… Jellybean was the master of loving you like no brother could!”

Johnson has continued to perform in recent years, including Grammy tributes to Prince in 2017 and 2020. In 2021, he co-founded the Minneapolis Sound Museum to preserve the musical legacy he helped create. A year later, he and The Time received a Soul Train Lifetime Achievement Award – a fitting honor for one of the architects of a distinctly American sound.