Jellybean Johnson, Drummer for The Time and Music Producer, Dies at 69
The music world has recently lost another giant. Jellybean Johnson, the legendary drummer for The Time and a hugely pivotal figure in crafting the infectious “Minneapolis Sound” alongside Prince, sadly passed away on Friday night, November 21, 2025. He was 69 years old.
Jellybean Johnson: A Multi-instrumentalist
While his family has not yet disclosed a specific cause of death, the sudden loss has sent shockwaves through the funk, rock, and R&B communities. Johnson wasn’t just a drummer; he was a multi-instrumentalist powerhouse, a producer who helped shape the careers of icons like Janet Jackson, and a musician’s musician who remained dedicated to his craft until the very end.
The Heartbeat of The Time
Born Garry George Johnson in Chicago before moving to Minneapolis as a teen, Jellybean Johnson found his musical tribe early. He connected with future superstars like Prince, Morris Day, Terry Lewis, and Jimmy Jam in high school, forging bonds that would eventually change the landscape of pop music.
When Prince formed The Time in 1981, he quickly recruited Johnson to sit behind the kit. It was a perfect match. Johnson provided the physical, hard-hitting backbeat that grounded the band’s slick, suit-wearing swagger. He was an essential component of the band’s classic lineup, appearing in the Oscar-winning film “Purple Rain” and later in “Graffiti Bridge.”
Jellybean Johnson: More Than Just a Drummer
For fans of The Time, Johnson was the cool, steady anchor amidst the chaos and choreography. He helped drive hits like “Jungle Love,” “The Bird,” and “777 – 9311” up the charts, cementing the band’s reputation as one of the tightest live acts in the business.
While the world knew him best for his drumming, those inside the industry knew Johnson was a true musical chameleon. In a move that surprised many casual fans, he switched gears to play guitar for The Family, another Prince-affiliated project.
Johnson often described his relationship with his instruments with a distinct poetry, once noting that while drums were “physical and violent,” the guitar was “spiritual and emotional.” This versatility served him well in the studio.
He transformed into a capable producer, co-producing the heavy-hitting #1 smash “Black Cat” for Janet Jackson; a track that proved he could do rock just as hard as he could do funk. His credits also include work with New Edition, Alexander O’Neal, and Cherrelle, proving his fingerprints are all over the soundtrack of the ’80s and ’90s.
Tributes from a Brokenhearted Musical Family
The outpouring of love from his peers highlights just how deeply loved Jellybean Johnson was. His longtime collaborator and friend Sheila E. broke the news with a devastating post, noting that she had missed calling him for his birthday just the day before.
“He was a kind human being, extremely talented and funny,” Sheila E. shared. “I love u Bean. Rest in peace and power.”
Morris Day, the frontman who shared the stage with Johnson for decades, described him as a brother. “All he ever wanted to do was play and talk music,” Day told Rolling Stone. “I’m certain he’s up in heaven now with Prince assembling an All-Star lineup of some of the baddest musicians to ever do it.”
Susannah Melvoin of The Family also shared a gut-wrenching tribute, calling him a “musical savant” and a protective big brother figure. This isn’t just the loss of a colleague, but the loss of a family member who bound the Minneapolis music scene together.
A Legacy That Will “Get Experienced”
In his later years, Jellybean Johnson refused to rest on his laurels. He performed with Rihanna at the 2008 Grammys, easily adapting to modern production techniques like a pro. In 2021, he finally stepped into the spotlight as a frontman, releasing his solo debut “Get Experienced.” It was a project he described as leaving something behind that was purely him.
He also worked to preserve history, co-founding the Minneapolis Sound Museum to ensure future generations understood the cultural explosion that happened in the Twin Cities.
Jellybean Johnson leaves behind a legacy of rhythm, innovation, and kindness. He was the rhythmic engine of The Time and a true long-time guardian of funk. Rest in power, Jellybean.
