Musician Jellybean Johnson, known as the Time Drummer, passes away at age 69

Garry George “Jellybean” Johnson, a talented drummer known for his work with Prince-affiliated bands, the Time and the Family, passed away at the age of 69. Born in Chicago on November 19, 1956, Jellybean Johnson moved to Minneapolis as a child, where he developed his musical skills by learning drums and guitar during his teenage years.

Initially part of the Minneapolis funk/R&B group Flyte Tyme, Johnson joined the Time in 1981 after Prince introduced drummer Morris Day and guitarist Jesse Johnson. Although Prince and Day initially handled drumming duties for the Time’s first two albums, Johnson began to play a more significant role in the band’s recordings starting with their third album, “Ice Cream Castle,” released in 1984.

During his time with the Time and the Family, Johnson played a key role in shaping the Minneapolis sound, a unique blend of funk-rock, new wave, and synth-pop closely associated with Prince. He even made an appearance in the 1984 film “Purple Rain,” portraying a fictionalized version of himself.

After the Time disbanded in 1985, Jellybean Johnson briefly played with the Family before finding success as a producer. He co-produced hit songs like Janet Jackson’s “Black Cat,” Alexander O’Neal’s “Criticize,” and New Edition’s “Crucial.” Johnson later reunited with the Time in 1990, achieving commercial success with the Top 10 hit “Jerk Out.” The band reunited once more in 2008 for a performance at the Grammys alongside Rihanna.

Known for his exceptional drumming skills, Jellybean Johnson was particularly lauded for his ability to recreate intricate drum machine-programmed tracks live, such as the complex beat on the Time’s “777-9311.” He explained his approach to recreating these tracks, noting that while he didn’t strive for a perfect replica, he aimed to deliver the music in his unique style, fooling many into thinking he had nailed it perfectly.

In 2011, the Time released their final album, “Condensate,” under the name The Original 7ven, marking a significant milestone in Johnson’s career. Throughout his musical journey, Johnson’s contributions to the Minneapolis sound and his work with prominent artists solidified his legacy as a respected and talented musician.

Jellybean Johnson’s impact on the music industry and his collaborations with legendary artists like Prince and Janet Jackson will forever be remembered, ensuring that his musical legacy lives on for generations to come.