UB In Memoriam: Originator Jellybean Johnson
Jellybean Is One of The Architects of The Minneapolis Sound.
Jellybean Johnson, legendary drummer and guitarist best known for his work with The Time and his remarkable contributions to our Minneapolis music scene has passed away.
Jellybean died suddenly yesterday November 21st at the age of 69, leaving behind a legacy of talent, humor, and kindness that will be remembered for generations.
Jellybean is one of the architects of a unique blend of music that was created in Minnesota and called the Minneapolis Sound.
Born in Chicago, then at the age of 13 Jellybean moved to Minneapolis.
Jellybean became a central figure in the vibrant funk and R&B movement.
From 1981-1995 he worked as drummer and percussionist for Prince/Paisley Park/PRN Productions with live and studio performances with Prince, The Time and The Family.
Known for their live performances, The Time introduced the world to Morris Day on vocals and as an energetic front-man.
The Time also included; Jimmy Jam (keyboard and vocals) and Terry Lewis (Bass), and Jellybean Johnson (Drums and Percussion), Jesse Johnson (guitar and vocals), and Monte Moir (keyboards and vocals).
“In our band Flyte Tyme we had a horn section, we were completely into it. We adored Tower Of Power, JB´s and all the classic bands with strong horn sections. I know it had an impact on Prince,” Jellybean stated. “His band was only a 4 and sometimes 5-man band, and during his teens with no room for horns. Prince, who was early with the use of synths, and not least a pioneer in the then brand new Linn drum machines, programmed his own uniq horns on his Oberheim synthesizer. It was something completely new and the bridge over to the soundscape that came to shape large parts of the 80’s had begun.”
Minneapolis in the ’80s ushered in a new era for funk and urban disco, and The Time was in the center of it all.
Songs like “Cool,” “Get it Up,” and “Girl” charted in the Billboard Top 10 of the R&B charts, and their influence on R&B and pop music sound continues to be heard in the music of generations of artists and musicians that came after them.
Morris Day, Jesse Johnson, Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Jellybean Johnson, Jerome Benton and Monte Moir were legendary for enhancing their exciting funk/rock/pop Minneapolis Sound out of the studio and to the stage.
The group pulled frenetic energy and warmth from synthesizer-laden technology for their live concerts.
Their brash, fresh and inventive talent drove every single member of the band after to innovative careers and success.
Jellybean‘s first session job was as a musician for Alexander O’Neal‘s #11 Billboard R&B hit “Innocent” (produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis).
On the track, he delivered the scorching guitar solos for the second half of the ten-minute long song.
Jellybean Johnson contributed his songwriting/producing and Guitar skills on many other hits.
Most notably with Janet Jackson to create the #1 rock-driven anthem “Black Cat.”
Johnson also scored top charting hits with artists including New Edition (“Crucial”), Alexander O’Neal (“Criticize”), Nona Hendrix (“Why Should I Cry”) and Mint Condition’s #1 smash “Breakin My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes).”
Jellybean was also instrumental in Mint Condition getting signed and worked on their entire debut album.
“We met Jimmy and Terry formally in ’89 at the First Avenue club. They had heard about us from our manager (James “Popeye” Greer) and Jellybean Johnson, who would always go out and watch bands, so they came to see us,” stated Stokley Williams. “When we struck up the first tune, Terry said, ‘Y’all got a deal.’ Next thing we know we’re in a meeting with Terry asking us what we wanted to do.”
In 1980 Prince united members of Flyte Tyme, of which Jellybean was a member, and Grand Central to form the band, The Time.
Jellybean was the drummer of Flyte Tyme and all the member of the group were recruited for The Nerve except him.
Prince chose to replace Alexander O’Neal with Morris Day as the singer of the band and placed Jellybean Johnson as the drummer (replacing Morris).
The Time was born and the recordings began.
“I was terrified when we went from playing at clubs to arenas in a short time. Once Prince created The Time, we quickly got hits. Our first gig was in Detroit in front of 26,000 people. It was unreal,” stated Jellybean to an industry trade.
The Time toured with Prince and went on to be the rival band in the film “Purple Rain.”
Jellybean’s custom-made suit jacket that he wore in the film was donated to the Minnesota History Museum, securing his place in the history of Minneapolis music for all time.
Prince also formed a band called The Family using Jellybean as its drummer yet again.
Jellybean wrote, produced, and played on many songs by nationally known artists during his time at Flyte Tyme Studios in Minneapolis.
Jellybean is the recipient of 20 Gold and Platinum albums, Music Awards, and ASCAP Awards.
In 2014 he was honored for his long time work as a drummer with a special Local Legends Award.
The Jellybean Johnson Experience put out a single in 2018 entitled “Put Some Jelly On It’ and released another “Let Me Shine On” in 2019, followed by the long-awaited release of his first album, “Get Experienced.”
As a drummer for The Time, he helped shape the sound of an era, performing alongside Prince and other iconic musicians.
His artistry extended beyond percussion, as he was also celebrated for his skill as a guitarist, bringing energy and soul to every performance.
Friends and fans alike recall Jellybean not only for his musical genius but also for his warm personality and sense of humor and smile.
He was admired as a kind human being who uplifted those around him, making every rehearsal, performance, and gathering brighter with his presence.
His laughter, generosity, and dedication to his craft left an indelible mark.
Jellybean Johnson‘s passing, came a day after his birthday.
His influence on music and his community will continue to inspire future generations.
UB Sends Out Condolences to the Family, Friends and Fans of Jellybean Johnson!
