Garry “Jellybean” Johnson, best known as the longtime drummer for The Time, has died at the age of 69. His family confirmed that he passed away suddenly on Friday night, November 21, 2025.
Johnson was a key figure in the Minneapolis Sound, a style of music that mixes funk, rock, soul, and new wave. He was the only drummer The Time ever had and was known for his strong rhythms and musical talent.
Born in Chicago, Johnson moved to Minneapolis when he was 13. His mother bought him his first drum kit, and he later learned to play guitar. In Minneapolis, he met other future music stars like Prince, Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, and Morris Day. Together, they helped create a new sound that shaped music in the 1980s.
Johnson joined The Time in 1981 and played on their first albums, including The Time (1981), What Time Is It? (1982), and Ice Cream Castle (1984). He also appeared in Prince’s movies Purple Rain and Graffiti Bridge.
Besides being a drummer, Johnson was a talented producer. He worked with big names like Janet Jackson, producing her hit “Black Cat”, and also worked with New Edition and Mint Condition. Later, he toured as a guitarist, including playing with blues musician Ronnie Baker Brooks from 2003 to 2012.
In 2021, Johnson released his first solo album called Get Experienced under the name Jellybean Johnson Experience. He also co-founded the Minneapolis Sound Museum, which preserves the history of the Minneapolis Sound.
Many friends and collaborators shared their sadness at his death. Musician Sheila E. called him “a kind person, very talented and funny … an awesome guitar player.” Susannah Melvoin, who performed with him in Prince’s band The Family, called him her “big brother” and said music was his “oxygen.”
His family said, “Jellybean was an innovator … he loved his family, friends, and the city of Minneapolis.” The Minneapolis Sound Museum added, “He was more than a musical icon … his warmth and spirit touched everyone he met.”
Though the cause of death has not been shared, Johnson’s music and influence will be remembered for years to come. His work with The Time and the Minneapolis Sound has left a lasting mark on music history.
