Jellybean Johnson’s passing is incredibly sad news. Even from a distance through recordings and performances you could feel the honesty and character in his playing. He was a key part of the Minneapolis Sound and for many of us who grew up listening his work helped shape our understanding of groove, feel and attitude.
As the drummer for The Time and originally for its predecessor Flyte Time Jellybean helped anchor some of the most recognisable rhythms of the era. The Time What Time Is It? Ice Cream Castle Pandemonium these records still feel alive because of that unmistakable pocket he brought. He later rejoined the band for Graffiti Bridge becoming part of the film and the album that introduced a new generation to that Minneapolis magic.
Beyond The Time his credits form a remarkable catalogue. Working alongside Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis Jellybean contributed drums guitar and production to Alexander O’Neal Cherrelle New Edition and Nona Hendryx. His production on Alexander O’Neal’s Innocent and hits like Criticize showed how naturally he could move between roles. He also helmed Mint Condition’s debut album delivering songs like Breakin’ My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes) which became a defining moment for the band. And of course there is Janet Jackson’s Black Cat a Number One rock hit that put his guitar work and production on a global stage.
His career never stood still. He appeared in Graffiti Bridge returned to touring with Morris Day collaborated with Rihanna at the Grammys took part in the 2017 and 2020 Prince tributes and eventually released his own album Get Experienced in 2021. In 2022 he co-founded the Minneapolis Sound Museum and received a Soul Train Lifetime Achievement Award with The Time an honour that felt fully deserved. What stands out most is the respect people who knew him personally have expressed. Reading the tributes from Sheila E. Susannah Melvoin and others you get a clear sense of a man who was kind steady and supportive. Even as a fan that humanity came through in his work.
Jellybean Johnson leaves a legacy that is woven into the fabric of modern music. His influence is there every time someone studies those grooves tries to understand that feel or hears the fingerprints of the Minneapolis Sound in newer generations. I never met him yet his playing was part of my own musical education and I am grateful for that.
Rest in peace Jellybean and thank you for the music.
Produce Like A Pro
R.I.P. Jellybean Johnson
Jellybean Johnson’s passing is incredibly sad news. Even from a distance through recordings and performances you could feel the honesty and character in his playing. He was a key part of the Minneapolis Sound and for many of us who grew up listening his work helped shape our understanding of groove, feel and attitude.
As the drummer for The Time and originally for its predecessor Flyte Time Jellybean helped anchor some of the most recognisable rhythms of the era. The Time What Time Is It? Ice Cream Castle Pandemonium these records still feel alive because of that unmistakable pocket he brought. He later rejoined the band for Graffiti Bridge becoming part of the film and the album that introduced a new generation to that Minneapolis magic.
Beyond The Time his credits form a remarkable catalogue. Working alongside Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis Jellybean contributed drums guitar and production to Alexander O’Neal Cherrelle New Edition and Nona Hendryx. His production on Alexander O’Neal’s Innocent and hits like Criticize showed how naturally he could move between roles. He also helmed Mint Condition’s debut album delivering songs like Breakin’ My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes) which became a defining moment for the band. And of course there is Janet Jackson’s Black Cat a Number One rock hit that put his guitar work and production on a global stage.
His career never stood still. He appeared in Graffiti Bridge returned to touring with Morris Day collaborated with Rihanna at the Grammys took part in the 2017 and 2020 Prince tributes and eventually released his own album Get Experienced in 2021. In 2022 he co-founded the Minneapolis Sound Museum and received a Soul Train Lifetime Achievement Award with The Time an honour that felt fully deserved.
What stands out most is the respect people who knew him personally have expressed. Reading the tributes from Sheila E. Susannah Melvoin and others you get a clear sense of a man who was kind steady and supportive. Even as a fan that humanity came through in his work.
Jellybean Johnson leaves a legacy that is woven into the fabric of modern music. His influence is there every time someone studies those grooves tries to understand that feel or hears the fingerprints of the Minneapolis Sound in newer generations.
I never met him yet his playing was part of my own musical education and I am grateful for that.
Rest in peace Jellybean and thank you for the music.
3 weeks ago (edited) | [YT] | 416