Jellybean Johnson, the original drummer for the influential 1980s band The Time, has died at the age of 69. According to reports from TMZ, family members confirmed that Johnson, whose birth name was Garry George Johnson, passed away suddenly on the evening of March 15, 2024. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
In a heartfelt tribute, renowned percussionist Sheila E shared her sorrow on Facebook. “With a heavy heart … my dear friend Jellybean passed away a couple of hours ago,” she wrote. “We are devastated by this news. He was a kind human being, extremely talented and funny. He had a great sense of humor and was an awesome guitar player.”
Musical Legacy and Collaborations
Born and raised in Minneapolis, Johnson developed his musical skills early on, taking drum lessons and learning guitar. His talent led him to work with the legendary Prince, with whom he would forge a lasting professional relationship. Johnson was a key member of The Time during the release of the iconic film “Purple Rain” in 1984. The band famously portrayed Prince’s rivals in the movie, producing hits such as “Jungle Love” and “The Bird.”
Following the disbandment of The Time, Johnson continued collaborating with Prince as part of The Family, which released a self-titled album featuring the original version of “Nothing Compares 2 U.” This song would later gain immense popularity when covered by Sinead O’Connor in 1990.
As a producer, Johnson notably worked with Janet Jackson on her chart-topping single “Black Cat,” further showcasing his diverse musical talents.
In response to Johnson’s passing, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey praised him as a trailblazer in the music scene. “Minneapolis lost a legend,” he wrote on social media. “Jellybean Johnson wasn’t just a pioneer of the Minneapolis Sound — he was the sound. Every time we met, he carried that rare mix of talent, kindness, and unmistakable swagger. We’ll honor his music, impact, and reminder to always ‘put some jelly on it.’”
Jellybean Johnson’s contributions to music and his lasting legacy will be remembered by fans and fellow musicians alike, marking the end of an era for the Minneapolis music scene.
