Farewell to Funk: The Time Drummer and Minneapolis Sound Architect Jellybean Johnson Dead at 69
Minneapolis Sound Icon Jellybean Johnson Passes Away at 69, Leaving Behind an Unmatched Funk Legacy
The music world is mourning the loss of a true funk original and an undeniable pillar of the Minneapolis Sound. Garry George “Jellybean” Johnson, best known as the iconic drummer for the legendary band The Time, has died at the age of 69. Johnson, whose indelible grooves provided the heartbeat for an entire generation of R&B and funk, passed away on Friday, November 21, 2025, just two days after celebrating his 69th birthday.
His passing, confirmed by his family, sent immediate shockwaves through the Twin Cities music community and the global fanbase of the Prince-affiliated funk ensemble. Johnson, who was a multi-instrumentalist, celebrated producer, and constant presence on the local music scene, collapsed on Friday at his Brooklyn Park home and was later pronounced dead at North Memorial Health Hospital.
The Breaking News: A Sudden and Heartbreaking Loss
News of Jellybean Johnson’s unexpected death was shared widely on Saturday, November 22, 2025, with tributes immediately pouring in from former bandmates, collaborators, and the countless musicians he mentored. The musician, who had performed in venues both massive and intimate for decades, leaves behind a towering legacy that stretches from the Purple Rain movie set to the recording studios of the biggest pop stars in the world.
While the exact cause of death has not been publicly shared, the sudden nature of his passing—coming so quickly after his birthday—has amplified the sorrow among those who knew him. Johnson’s daughter, Bianca Rhodes, shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, simply saying, “I Love You Daddy. Daddy’s Big Baby. Rest Well”.
“He was an absolute icon,” said his friend and collaborator Paul Peterson, who noted Johnson’s dedication to mentoring the next generation. Producer Jimmy Jam, a former bandmate in The Time, referred to Johnson as “the ambassador of Minneapolis music because he was immersed in it in every way”.
The Architect of the Minneapolis Sound’s Funky Beat
Jellybean Johnson’s musical foundation was laid in Minneapolis after moving from Chicago at age 13. He began drum lessons, quickly mastering the instrument, and then taught himself guitar two years later, a versatility that would become a hallmark of his career. By the time Prince assembled the core group for The Time, Johnson had already established himself as a force in the local scene.
As the drummer for The Time, Johnson, whose real name was Garry George Johnson, provided the sharp, unshakeable funk-rock rhythm that defined classics like “Jungle Love,” “777-9311,” “Cool,” and “The Bird”. The band achieved mainstream success, not only with Billboard Hot 100 hits but also through their memorable, often hilarious, appearances in Prince’s 1984 film, Purple Rain, where Johnson played a fictionalized version of himself.
Following the band’s initial breakup, Johnson’s association with the Prince camp continued. He was an integral part of the Prince-formed spin-off group The Family (later known as fDeluxe), a group that released the original version of the now-famous track “Nothing Compares 2 U”. Susannah Melvoin, a vocalist in The Family, paid tribute, describing him as a “big brother” and noting that for him, “Oxygen… was the inhale and exhale of playing his guitar”.
From Minneapolis to Global Pop: The Producer and Guitarist
While globally recognized for his drumming with The Time, Johnson’s influence extended far beyond the drum kit. He was a prolific songwriter, producer, and session musician who became a long-time associate of the legendary Flyte Tyme Productions, the hit factory co-founded by his former bandmates, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.
His work as a producer and guitarist cemented his status as a hitmaker across multiple genres:
- Janet Jackson: Johnson played the electrifying, defining guitar solo on her 1990 No. 1 global hit, “Black Cat,” a collaboration that brought his funk-rock sensibilities to the pop charts.
- Mint Condition: Along with James “Popeye” Greer, Johnson was instrumental in securing Mint Condition’s first record deal with Flyte Tyme/Perspective Records, helping to lay the foundation for their career and contributing to their signature song, “Breakin’ My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes)”.
- New Edition, Alexander O’Neal, and Nona Hendryx: He contributed his formidable talents as a session guitarist and producer to numerous tracks for these artists, including Alexander O’Neal’s “Innocent”.
Morris Day, lead singer of The Time, praised Johnson as a “consummate musician,” noting, “All he ever wanted to do was play and talk music. Even after our concerts, he would find a local pub, get on stage, and Jam with the house band. 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. Bean will forever be missed”.
The Final Passion Project: Preserving the Legacy
In his later years, Johnson remained intensely committed to the Minneapolis music community, focusing on two key projects: his solo career and cultural preservation. In 2021, he released his first solo album under the name The Jellybean Johnson Experience, entitled Get Experienced, a record that showcased his skills as a versatile guitarist across blues, funk, rock, and hip-hop.
Perhaps his most profound final endeavor was co-founding the fledgling Minneapolis Sound Museum with his partner, Marty Bragg. Johnson passionately believed in the need to honor the creators of the sound—the musicians, producers, and writers beyond Prince—who shaped the city’s unique musical identity. On his 69th birthday, just two days before his death, he shared a powerful message about the project, emphasizing the importance of preserving the story for the next generation:
“I want our story protected. I want our community honored. I want the next generation to have what we had: access, opportunity, and a place to belong.”
His role as a mentor was just as vital as his performance history. Johnson was a regular guest instructor at the Purple Playground’s Academy of Prince teen program, using his knowledge and war stories to inspire young artists, whom he connected with “like a big brother,” according to Heidi Vader, the Academy’s founder.
The outpouring of grief underscores the depth of his impact, both as an international star and as a dedicated local musician. From the electric stages of Prince tours to the smoky clubs of the Twin Cities, Jellybean Johnson’s love for music, whether in front of “three people or 30,000,” was his “lifeblood” and a gift he shared until his final days. His legacy as a musician, mentor, and visionary will forever be intertwined with the history of American funk and R&B.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When did Jellybean Johnson die?
Jellybean Johnson died on Friday, November 21, 2025, just two days after his 69th birthday on November 19.
What was Jellybean Johnson’s role in The Time?
Jellybean Johnson was the drummer for The Time, the funk and R&B band formed by Prince. He appeared with the group in the 1984 film Purple Rain and was the beat behind hit songs like “Jungle Love,” “777-9311,” and “The Bird”.
What other famous artists did Jellybean Johnson work with?
Outside of The Time and Prince-related projects like The Family (fDeluxe), Johnson was a highly sought-after session musician and producer. His credits include playing the iconic guitar solo on Janet Jackson’s No. 1 hit “Black Cat,” and producing and writing for artists such as New Edition, Mint Condition, and Alexander O’Neal.
What was the Minneapolis Sound Museum?
The Minneapolis Sound Museum was Jellybean Johnson’s final major project, which he was co-founding with his partner, Marty Bragg. The museum’s mission is to preserve and honor the history and legacy of the Minneapolis Sound, focusing on the many musicians beyond Prince who were instrumental in creating the unique genre.
Did Jellybean Johnson release any solo music?
Yes. In 2021, Johnson released his first solo album, Get Experienced, under the name The Jellybean Johnson Experience. The album showcased his versatility as a guitarist and featured collaborations with other notable musicians from the Midwest.
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