Jellybean Johnson, founding drummer of Prince’s band The Time and Minneapolis sound designer, has died suddenly at the age of 69.
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The family of Jellybean Johnson has confirmed the devastating news that the legendary musician died unexpectedly Friday night, marking the end of an era in Minneapolis music history.
The 69-year-old drummer, born Garry George Johnson, laid the rhythmic foundation for one of Prince’s most famous musical projects, Time. He died just days after celebrating his birthday on November 19, which added a particularly heartbreaking element to his loss.
Johnson’s musical journey began in the late 1970s when he teamed up with future superstars Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis to form the band Flyte Tyme.
This early collaboration proved instrumental in developing the world-famous Minneapolis sound, a revolutionary fusion of funk, rock and soul that dominated the music landscape throughout the 1980s.
When Prince formed The Time in 1981, Johnson became the band’s sole drummer, a position he retained throughout the band’s various periods, including Morris Day, The Time and Original 7ven.
His unique drum style helped define the band’s signature sound on classics like “Jungle Love” and “The Bird.”
In addition to his work behind the kit, Johnson has also demonstrated remarkable versatility as a guitarist and producer. His credits include Janet Jackson’s 1990 chart-topping single “Black Cat,” which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The musician’s influence extended to Hollywood when he appeared as a fictional version of himself in the iconic 1984 film Purple Rain, helping Time magazine bring Prince’s electrifying stage performance to the big screen.
Johnson’s commitment to preserving musical history led him to establish the Minneapolis Sound Museum with his wife and daughter.
The institution is a lasting tribute to the cultural movement that put Minneapolis on the global music map, and fans can learn more and contribute through the museum’s website.
The drummer’s legacy includes not only his technical prowess, but also his role as an architect of sound, influencing countless artists across multiple genres.
His work with Prince and Time helped establish Minneapolis as a legitimate music capital, rivaling traditional centers like Nashville, Los Angeles and New York.
