Jellybean Johnson, Drummer for The Time and Prince Associate, Dies at 69

Garry “Jellybean” Johnson — the musician best known as a founding drummer of Prince’s band The Time and a central figure in the Minneapolis music scene — died Friday night, Nov. 21, 2025. He was 69. ([startribune.com](https://www.startribune.com/jellybean-johnson-dies-obituary-morris-day-the-time-jimmy-jam-prince-minneapolis-st-paul-peterson/601531562/?utm_source=openai))

Family and close associates have not publicly released a cause of death. Initial reports of his passing were first filed by entertainment outlets and subsequently confirmed by local press. ([startribune.com](https://www.startribune.com/jellybean-johnson-dies-obituary-morris-day-the-time-jimmy-jam-prince-minneapolis-st-paul-peterson/601531562/?utm_source=openai))

Born Garry George Johnson, he taught himself drums and guitar as a youth and was recruited into Prince’s expanding circle of collaborators in the early 1980s. As a member of The Time (and later the ensemble The Family), Johnson helped shape the hybrid funk-rock-pop style often called the Minneapolis Sound. He also contributed as a producer and session player on notable recordings — including work connected to Janet Jackson’s guitar-driven single “Black Cat.” ([parade.com](https://parade.com/news/legendary-prince-affiliated-musician-dead-at-69?utm_source=openai))

Tributes poured in from peers and friends. Percussionist and longtime collaborator Sheila E. wrote that she was “devastated” and remembered Johnson as generous, funny and musically gifted; Susannah Melvoin, who performed with Johnson in The Family, described him as a beloved brother and a consummate musician whose presence shaped their community. ([thewrap.com](https://www.thewrap.com/jellybean-johnson-dies-prince-associate-sheila-e-pays-tribute/?utm_source=openai))

Beyond his work onstage, Johnson invested in preserving the region’s musical legacy: he was involved with the Minneapolis Sound Museum and remained a visible mentor to younger players. Over the decades he returned to high-profile stages for tributes and award events that acknowledged his role in the city’s musical history. ([parade.com](https://parade.com/news/legendary-prince-affiliated-musician-dead-at-69?utm_source=openai))

Johnson’s family, bandmates and friends have asked for privacy as they make arrangements and honor his memory. Fans and fellow musicians have shared condolence messages and memories across social platforms, underscoring his influence as both an artist and a guide to emerging talent.