15 Things You NEED Know About Jellybean Johnson

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The world lost a giant of Minneapolis music when Jellybean Johnson passed away on November 21, 2025. His influence stretched across decades, shaping the Minneapolis Sound and leaving fingerprints on some of the most important RnB, pop and funk records of the era. His work carried joy, grit, heart and a style that no one else could match. Here are fifteen things you may not have known about the musician whose legacy continues to shine.

  1. He was born Garry George Johnson but earned the nickname Jellybean long before he became a studio legend.
  2. He moved from Chicago to Minneapolis as a kid and found his musical path there.
  3. He started drum lessons at thirteen and taught himself guitar two years later.
  4. He played basketball at Marshall University High School before music fully took over.
  5. He attended the University of Minnesota before joining the Time.
  6. As the drummer for the Time, he worked closely with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.
  7. He played on and produced music for major artists including Alexander O’Neal, Cherrelle, New Edition and Janet Jackson.
  8. He contributed drums and a memorable guitar solo to Alexander O’Neal’s “Innocent.”
  9. His work on Janet Jackson’s “Black Cat” helped send the song to No. 1 on both the rock and pop charts.
  10. He produced hits for Mint Condition including “Breakin My Heart Pretty Brown Eyes.”
  11. He returned to the Time for the Prince film Graffiti Bridge and the album ‘Pandemonium.’
  12. He performed with Rihanna at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards.
  13. He paused work on his solo album Get Experienced after Prince’s passing but completed and released it in 2021.
  14. He founded the Minneapolis Sound Museum in 2022 to preserve the legacy of the city’s music.
  15. He and members of the Time received the Soul Train Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022, a recognition of decades of impact.

Jellybean Johnson left behind a story filled with creativity, dedication and generosity. His sound shaped generations of artists and his spirit helped define an era. His music remains a guide for anyone who believes in rhythm, invention and community.