Renowned Musician Garry “Jellybean” Johnson Passes at 69

Garry George “Jellybean” Johnson, a prominent musician known for his work as a drummer for Morris Day & The Time, has passed away at the age of 69. Johnson died on March 17, 2023, just two days after his birthday. The exact cause of his death remains undisclosed.

In a heartfelt tribute, Susannah Melvoin, a singer from The Family, expressed her sorrow: “I’m absolutely heartbroken! My beautiful brother Jellybean Johnson has passed. This band was and is the kind of Family that believed we all rightfully belonged together in love, music, and kindness.” She further emphasized Johnson’s nurturing nature, stating, “Jellybean was the master of loving you like no brother could!”

Legacy of Musical Innovation

Johnson’s influence on the music industry is significant. He was instrumental in shaping the funk, rock, and R&B sound that emerged from Minneapolis. As a member of Flyte Tyme, which evolved into The Time in 1981 under the influence of Prince, Johnson contributed to the band’s success. The group’s hits, including “Jungle Love” and “Jerk It Out,” launched them into the spotlight. Their appearance in Prince’s 1984 film “Purple Rain” further solidified their status in popular music.

After The Time disbanded in 1985, Johnson transitioned to The Family as a guitarist, showcasing his versatility. Melvoin noted, “He went from being behind the drums to playing guitar in this band because he was a guitar player first and drummer second.” His passion for music was evident, as he described playing as essential to his existence: “Oxygen for him was the inhale and exhale of playing his guitar.”

Johnson later reunited with The Time for Prince’s film “Graffiti Bridge” and resumed touring with Morris Day. The group received a Soul Train Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022, cementing their legacy in the music industry.

Production and Collaborations

In addition to his performance career, Johnson was a talented producer. He co-produced Janet Jackson’s chart-topping hit “Black Cat” in 1990 and contributed to several other Top 10 hits, including Alexander O’Neal’s “Criticize” and New Edition’s “Crucial.” His work as a session musician brought him on stage with stars like Rihanna at the 2008 Grammy Awards, as well as during various tributes to Prince in 2017 and 2020.

Johnson was renowned for his unique drumming style, particularly in creating drum machine-programmed tracks on live drums. The complex beat on The Time’s “777-9311” is a testament to his skill. “I don’t try to get it perfect,” he once told author Dan Leroy. “Trust me: there’s tons of world-class drummers I’ve seen. They hit it, nail it pretty damn close. I never tried to get that close. I tried to get it the Jellybean way.”

Outside of his musical achievements, Johnson was deeply committed to his community. He co-founded the Minneapolis Sound Museum with his partner, Marty Bragg, and her daughter. The museum aims to preserve the history and legacy of the Minneapolis Sound, an essential part of American music history.

Garry “Jellybean” Johnson’s passing marks a significant loss for the music community. His contributions to the industry and the love he shared with those around him will be remembered by fans and fellow musicians alike.