Introduction

Garry “Jellybean” Johnson — the powerhouse drummer, guitarist, and architect behind the Minneapolis Sound — has died at 69. His passing on November 21, 2025, just two days after his birthday, has sent waves through the music world. While his family confirmed that his death was sudden, the exact cause of death has not yet been publicly disclosed.

Johnson’s legacy spans decades: he was not only the heartbeat of The Time, but also a vital contributor to Prince’s circle and a steward of Minneapolis musical heritage through the museum he founded.

Who He Was

Born Garry George Johnson on November 19, 1956, in Chicago, Jellybean moved to Minneapolis in his youth, where he taught himself drums at age 13 and picked up guitar shortly after.He became a face — and a force — of the Minneapolis Sound, a genre-blending fusion of funk, rock, soul, and pop that became iconic in the late 1970s and ’80s.

As the longtime drummer for The Time, he helped define the band’s punchy grooves, tight rhythms, and raw energy. His talent didn’t stop there: he played in The Family, co-founded by Prince, produced for major artists, and played guitar like it was second nature.

Why Everyone’s Talking Now (Trend Touch)

News of Jellybean Johnson’s passing has dominated music headlines, reigniting interest in not only his work with The Time but also his founding of the Minneapolis Sound Museum. As fans mourn, they’re exploring his life story, his influence on Prince-era funk, and his contributions as a teacher and community leader.

Early Life & Childhood

Johnson’s early years set the stage for greatness. After moving to Minneapolis, young Garry was drawn to music. He took drum lessons but also learned guitar by ear — absorbing radio, community jam sessions, and the energy of Minnesota’s creative youth. He attended Marshall-University High School, where he played basketball while laying the foundation for his musical future.

Family Background and Roots

While much of his family life remained private, what is clear is that Johnson’s grounding in community shaped his mission. He valued connection, creativity, and legacy — eventually channeling that into his work, his music, and his dream of preserving Minneapolis’s musical heritage.

He was known to love his hometown deeply: the small local community center, “The Way,” became one of his most cherished memories.

Education

Johnson eventually attended the University of Minnesota, balancing his academic life with his growing musical passions. His dedication didn’t pull him off course — instead, it broadened his perspective and prepared him to create, innovate, and educate.

Career & Musical Journey

• The Time & The Minneapolis Sound: Johnson co-founded The Time in the early 1980s, contributing to the band’s trademark funk-rock grooves and their legendary collaborations with Prince.

• The Family: He joined this Prince-formed group, playing guitar and drums, and helped give life to songs that became classics.

• Producer & Studio Legend: Jellybean worked with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis’s Flyte Tyme Productions, producing and playing for artists like Alexander O’Neal, Cherrelle, New Edition, and Janet Jackson — including her hit Black Cat.

• Solo & Preservation Work: In later years, he focused on preserving the Minneapolis Sound. He founded the Minneapolis Sound Museum in 2022 — a public tribute to the movement he helped create.

 

His Final Years & Legacy

In his final years, Jellybean remained passionate about his community. The Minneapolis Sound Museum was his baby — a place where new generations could discover, learn, and grow. Even after his passing, his vision stands.

His death comes as a profound loss: a drummer, guitarist, songwriter, producer, legacy-bearer. Fans, peers, and music lovers are mourning not just his rhythms — but his heart, his generosity, and his lifelong dedication to a sound that changed the world.

Cause of Death & Reflection

Johnson died suddenly on November 21, 2025, just two days after his 69th birthday. While his passing shocked many, no official cause of death has yet been made public.

Despite the uncertainty, the wave of tributes has revealed something powerful: Johnson’s life was about more than performance. He was a builder — of sound, of community, of legacy.

Interesting Facts

1. Multi-Instrumentalist: Though famous as a drummer, Johnson considered guitar his “oxygen.”

2. Movie Appearance: He appeared as himself in Prince’s Purple Rain.

3. Chart-Topping Producer: He co-produced Janet Jackson’s “Black Cat,” which topped the charts.

4. Legacy Champion: He founded the Minneapolis Sound Museum to preserve and celebrate the music history he helped build.

5. Community Voice: In his final Facebook post, he reflected not on fame, but on a small spiritual center in North Minneapolis that changed many lives.

 

Recent News & Reaction

News of his death spread quickly. Tributes poured in from musicians, fans, and fellow legends. Susannah Melvoin — his bandmate in The Family — posted a heartfelt message, calling him “my beautiful brother” and thanking him for his love, kindness, and musical brilliance. The Minneapolis community, now without one of its cornerstones, is grieving deeply.

Conclusion

Jellybean Johnson was more than a drummer. He was a rhythm architect, a soulful guitarist, a producer, and a community builder. He didn’t just contribute to the Minneapolis Sound — he embodied it.

As the world remembers him, his legacy lives on — in the grooves of classic funk, in the walls of the museum he founded, and in the lives of every musician he inspired. Though his passing leaves a void, his sound, spirit, and generosity will resonate for generations.

FAQs

Q: Who was Jellybean Johnson?
A: Garry “Jellybean” Johnson was a drummer, guitarist, and producer known for his work with Prince’s band The Time, The Family, and as a pioneer of the Minneapolis Sound.

Q: What was the cause of Jellybean Johnson’s death?
A: His death on November 21, 2025, was sudden, and no official cause of death has been publicly released.

Q: What is the Minneapolis Sound, and what was Johnson’s role in it?
A: The Minneapolis Sound is a fusion of funk, rock, and pop. Johnson was a foundational figure — through his work in The Time and his production work, he helped define and popularize that style.

Q: Did Jellybean Johnson work as a producer?
A: Yes. He produced or co-wrote songs for many artists including Janet Jackson (“Black Cat”), Alexander O’Neal, New Edition, and Mint Condition.

Q: What is his legacy beyond music?
A: Beyond his performances, he founded the Minneapolis Sound Museum to preserve the genre’s history and help young artists connect with the roots of their sound.