The music industry and fans alike are mourning the loss of legendary drummer Jellybean Johnson, real name Garry George Johnson. He was best known for being a founding member of The Time, a band closely associated with Prince. He was 69. Following his sudden passing, tributes are pouring in.
Johnson’s family confirmed the sad news that he had passed away on the night of November 21 to TMZ. He leaves behind a wife and a daughter.
Fans Are Paying Tribute to Jellybean Johnson on Social Media
Johnson has a strong legacy with The Time. Because of this, many are flocking to social media to pay tribute to the beloved drummer’s life and career.
One account on X wrote, “We are shocked & saddened to hear of Jellybean Johnson’s sudden passing. To know that this amazing personality will no longer randomly show up (like here on @recordstoreday 2023) to light up the store & talk music and life and Minneapolis Sound Museum with us is heartbreaking.💔”
Someone else wrote, “R.I.P. Jellybean Johnson, drummer for The Time and The Family, who also appeared on and produced tracks by Alexander O’Neal, Cherelle, Janet Jackson, Nona Hendryx, Mint Condition, New Edition, and Karyn White.”
Another fan reminisced on his legacy, saying, “Man, I was just revisiting some of my Morris Day and The Time favorites last weekend. The first time I saw them live still holds up as one of the funkiest shows I’ve had the pleasure of attending. RIP Jellybean Johnson.”
Another person stated, “Wow, this really hurts to post this about my big brother Jellybean from Morris Day and The Time…Rest In Peace Garry “Jellybean” Johnson.”
The tributes continued as someone else posted on X with photos of Johnson. They wrote, “So sad to hear of the passing of the legendary Jellybean Johnson. This huge smile is how I remember him. I also remember him sitting by the bar at Bunkers. RIP Jellybean. Keeping his family in my prayers.”
He Will Be Missed
Johnson began playing the drums at 13 and later learned to play the guitar. Fast forward several years, and Prince and Morris Day formed The Time. The members included Day as the lead singer, Jesse Johnson on guitar, Jimmy Jam on keyboard, Terry Lewis on bass, Monte Moir on keyboard, and, of course, Johnson on drums.
In additon to being a founding member of The Time, he is also known for being a part of the foundation of the Minneapolis Sound, which was a fusion of rock, funk, and soul in the 1970s and 80s.
