The music community is in mourning after the sudden death of Garry “Jellybean” Johnson, the influential drummer, guitarist, and producer best known for his role in The Time. He passed away on Friday, just two days after celebrating his 69th birthday, his family confirmed.
Johnson’s family told TMZ that he died unexpectedly, and at this time the cause of death has not been disclosed.
A Cornerstone of the Minneapolis Sound
Born on November 19, 1956, in Chicago, Johnson moved with his family to North Minneapolis as a teenager. He first picked up drums and was largely self-taught on guitar, two instruments on which he would leave a lasting mark in the world of funk, rock, and R&B.
He co-founded The Time in 1981, a band formed under the mentorship of Prince. The group became a key part of the Minneapolis Sound—a distinctive fusion of funk, pop, and rock that defined much of the city’s musical identity in the 1980s.
Through The Time, Johnson played on several landmark albums including The Time (1981), What Time Is It? (1982), and Ice Cream Castle (1984). He later left the band in 1985, but rejoined for the Graffiti Bridge movie and the album Pandemonium in 1990.
More Than a Drummer: A Musical Architect
While Johnson was widely respected as a powerful, precise drummer, he was equally at home behind a guitar. Close friends and collaborators noted that guitar was his first love.
Beyond performance, he made his mark as a record producer. Through his work with Flyte Tyme Productions (with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis), Johnson helped craft hits for artists like Alexander O’Neal, New Edition, and Cherrelle. Perhaps most notably, he produced Janet Jackson’s 1990 number-one rock hit, “Black Cat.”
Legacy and Advocacy
In later years, Johnson devoted himself to preserving the very sound he helped birth. He co-founded the Minneapolis Sound Museum with his wife and her daughter, aiming to celebrate and educate future generations about the genre’s roots and influence.
He also led “The Jellybean Johnson Experience,” a project to uplift grassroots musicians in his hometown.
Tributes Pour In
Tributes have been flooding in from across the music world. Sheila E., a longtime friend and fellow Prince associate, expressed her grief on social media:
“We are devastated by this news … He was a kind human being, extremely talented … an awesome guitar player … Rest in peace and power.”
Susannah Melvoin, who sang with Johnson in Prince’s band The Family, remembered him as a “beautiful brother” and shared how deeply his music and kindness touched those around him.
Remembering the Man
Just days before his death, Johnson penned a heartfelt reflection on his birthday:
“I’ve been blessed to live a life shaped by music, community, and the love of people who believed in me long before the world knew my name … I don’t first think about the big stages or awards … I think about … that little community center on the North Side of Minneapolis where a bunch of young kids picked up instruments …”
His passing leaves a profound void in the Minneapolis music scene and in the wider world of funk and soul. As tributes continue to pour in, his contributions—as a performer, producer, and mentor—are being honored for their lasting impact.
He is survived by his family, including his wife, children, and his musical legacy.
