Jellybean Johnson, the original drummer for the influential 1980s band The Time, has died at the age of 69. According to family members, Johnson, whose real name was Garry George Johnson, passed away unexpectedly on the evening of March 1, 2024. The specific cause of his death has not been disclosed.
In a heartfelt tribute, percussionist Sheila E expressed her sorrow on social media, saying, “With a heavy heart … my dear friend Jellybean passed away a couple of hours ago. 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.”
Johnson was born and raised in Minneapolis, where he developed his musical talents from a young age. He took drum lessons and learned to play the guitar, which led to collaborations with music legend Prince. Johnson became a prominent figure in the Minneapolis sound and was a founding member of The Time, a band that gained fame when the movie “Purple Rain” was released in 1984. In the film, the band portrayed Prince’s rivals and produced hit songs such as “Jungle Love” and “The Bird.”
Following the disbandment of The Time, Johnson continued to work with Prince as part of The Family, a group known for its unique sound. The Family released one album that featured the original version of “Nothing Compares 2 U,” a song that would later become a massive hit for Sinead O’Connor in 1990.
In his capacity as a producer, Johnson made significant contributions to the music industry, including working with Janet Jackson on her chart-topping single “Black Cat.”
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey paid tribute to Johnson’s legacy on social media, stating, “Minneapolis lost a legend. 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.’”
Johnson’s passing marks a significant loss for the music community, as he leaves behind a legacy of creativity and influence that shaped the sound of an entire generation. His contributions to the industry and collaborations with fellow artists have left an indelible mark that will resonate for years to come.
