Jellybean Johnson, the pioneering drummer for Prince-affiliated band The Time and a key figure in the Minneapolis Sound, has died at age 69. His passing on November 21, 2025, was confirmed by family, with no cause disclosed. Tributes from collaborators highlight his talent and warmth.
Background
Born Garry George Johnson on November 19, 1956, in Chicago, Johnson moved to Minneapolis at age 13. There, he self-taught drums and guitar, forming early connections with future collaborators like Prince, Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, and Morris Day through neighborhood bands and summer festivals.
In 1981, Prince recruited Johnson as the original drummer for The Time, evolving from the funk group Flyte Tyme. The band defined the Minneapolis Sound—a blend of funk-rock, R&B, new wave, and synth-pop—releasing albums like The Time (1981), What Time Is It? (1982), and Ice Cream Castle (1984). Hits included '777-9311,' 'Jungle Love,' and 'Jerk-Out,' which topped the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart in 1990.
Career Highlights
Johnson appeared in Prince's Purple Rain (1984) as a fictionalized version of himself and in Graffiti Bridge (1990). After The Time's initial breakup in 1985, he joined Prince's short-lived band The Family, then focused on production with Jam and Lewis at Flyte Tyme Productions. Credits include co-writing Alexander O'Neal's 'Criticize' (1987), work on New Edition's Heart Break (1988), and producing Janet Jackson's No. 1 hit 'Black Cat' from Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989).
The original lineup reunited for Pandemonium (1990). Johnson performed with The Time and Rihanna at the 2008 Grammys—recalling the challenge of playing to a click track—and joined Prince tributes in 2017 and 2020. In 2021, he released his debut album Get Experienced under Jellybean Johnson Experience and co-founded the Minneapolis Sound Museum to preserve the genre's legacy. The Time received a Soul Train Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022.
Tributes
Morris Day called Johnson 'a brother' and 'consummate musician' in a statement. Sheila E. shared on Facebook: 'He was a kind human being, extremely talented and funny... I love u Bean. Rest in peace and power.' Susannah Melvoin wrote on Instagram: 'Jellybean was the master of loving you like no brother could!'
