Jellybean Johnson

Garry "Jellybean" Johnson, the drummer, guitarist, and producer whose work helped define the "Minneapolis sound," died November 21, 2025, at the age of 69.

Johnson was born November 19, 1956, in Chicago. As a youth he relocated to Minneapolis, where he attended Marshall-University High School and later enrolled at the University of Minnesota.

In the late 1970s and into the 1980s, Johnson became a founding member and the long-serving drummer for the Time, the funk-pop outfit formed under the aegis of Prince (1958–2016) that helped define a distinct Minneapolis sound. His credits included the Time's early albums such as "What Time Is It?" (1982) and "Ice Cream Castle" (1984).

Beyond his band duties, Johnson built a respected career as a session musician, songwriter and producer. He worked closely with producers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and contributed to artists such as Alexander O'Neal, New Edition, and Nona Hendryx. He co-produced Janet Jackson's 1990 No. 1 hit, "Black Cat."

In 2021 he released his solo album "Get Experienced," and in 2022 he co-founded the non-profit Minneapolis Sound Museum to honor the musical heritage of the region.

Johnson leaves a legacy that spans multiple decades of funk, pop, R&B and rock-inflected music. His drumming anchored the grooves of the Time's live shows and recordings, while his guitar work and production helped bring the Minneapolis scene to a broader audience. He stood among the region's music pioneers, bridging local roots with global impact.

By Legacy News Staff

(Image: Araya Diaz/WireImage)