Jellybean Johnson-His legacy belongs not just to history, but to the present and future of music.

The Minneapolis music community — and the world — lost a true icon with the passing of Garry George “Jellybean” Johnson on November 23, 2025. The drummer for Morris Day and The Time, a legendary producer, songwriter, musician, and pioneer of the Minneapolis Sound, Jellybean’s rhythm, creativity, and spirit shaped generations of artists and music lovers.

At Musicapolis, we pause to honor his life, his immeasurable contributions to music, and the deep love and appreciation so many hold for him.

A MUSICAPOLIS TRIBUTE

At Musicapolis, we honor Jellybean Johnson not only as a legendary musician, producer, and pioneer, but as a friend whose warmth, humility, and joy and a huge smile were felt wherever he was playing or enjoying music, He helped define a sound that put Minneapolis on the global music map — and he did it with heart, groove, kindness and authenticity.

Jellybean’s beat lives on in every drummer, guitarist and musical artist inspired by him, every artist who dared to blend funk, soul, rock, blues

and joy into something fearless. His legacy belongs not just to history, but to the present and future of music.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, bandmates, and the entire Minneapolis and global amusic community whose lives were touched by him.

Thank you, Jellybean, for the rhythm, the smiles, and the gift of your life’s work.

-MUSICAPOLIS

OFFICIAL FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS

Funeral arrangements are finalized for iconic "Minneapolis Sound" legendary producer, songwriter & musician Garry George "Jellybean" Johnson.

Johnson will be memorialized in the following Minneapolis area ceremonies.

Celebration of Life - Garry George "Jellybean" Johnson

will take place Saturday, December 20, 2025 at Shiloh Temple 11am to 2pm.

This Public celebration will take place at Shiloh Temple, 1201 W. Broadway Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55411.

Pete Rhodes will be Master of Ceremonies, with Reverend Jerry McAfee presiding.

Performances include Sounds of Blackness and Monique Blakely. The service will include special guests, reflections from family and eulogy of Jellybean Johnson. The service is 11am to 2pm with repast immediately afterward for family and close friends only.

This event will be live-streamed.

Join here: (https://vimeo.com/event/5571976/8b48b1ebe0)

This service will start promptly at 11am.

MUSIC, LOVE & LEGACY -A CELEBRATION OF JELLYBEAN JOHNSON

will take place Saturday, December 20, 2025 at Mosaic 3:30pm to 7pm.

This Public celebration will take place at Mosaic 817 5th Ave S, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55404. (https://www.mosaicmn.com/)

James "Popeye" Greer will be Master of Ceremonies. This special event is dedicated to the musicians who performed with Jellybean. Join family & fans as we celebrate our memories of Jellybean & his music.

Food will be included. Free entry & you must show an ID to enter the venue. Our celebration is 3:30pm to 7pm. Portions of this event will be live-streamed.

CONTINUING THE SPECIAL DAY WILL BE CELEBRATING WITH HIS FAVORITE BAND, JAY BEE & THE ROUTINE AT THE MINNESOTA MUSIC CAFE 8PM-12AM

Join us at 499 Payne Ave, St Paul, MN 55130 from 8pm to 12am.

http://minnesotamusiccafe.com

You must show an ID to enter the venue and a cover charge is required to enjoy the live performance.

For media inquiries contact: Jill Monroe

[media@ultravioletmediaholdings.com](mailto:media@ultravioletmediaholdings.com)

OBITUARY FOR JELLYBEAN JOHNSON

Jellybean Johnson obituary, 1956-2025

Garry "Jellybean" Johnson, the drummer, guitarist, and producer whose work helped define the "Minneapolis sound," died November 21, 2025, at the age of 69.

Johnson was born November 19, 1956, in Chicago. As a youth he relocated to Minneapolis, where he attended Marshall-University High School and later enrolled at the University of Minnesota.

In the late 1970s and into the 1980s, Johnson became a founding member and the long-serving drummer for the Time, the funk-pop outfit formed under the aegis of Prince (1958–2016) that helped define a distinct Minneapolis sound. His credits included the Time's early albums such as "What Time Is It?" (1982) and "Ice Cream Castle" (1984).

Beyond his band duties, Johnson built a respected career as a session musician, songwriter and producer. He worked closely with producers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and contributed to artists such as Alexander O'Neal, New Edition, and Nona Hendryx. He co-produced Janet Jackson's 1990 No. 1 hit, "Black Cat."

In 2021 he released his solo album "Get Experienced," and in 2022 he co-founded the non-profit Minneapolis Sound Museum to honor the musical heritage of the region.

Johnson leaves a legacy that spans multiple decades of funk, pop, R&B and rock-inflected music. His drumming anchored the grooves of the Time's live shows and recordings, while his guitar work and production helped bring the Minneapolis scene to a broader audience. He stood among the region's music pioneers, bridging local roots with global impact.

By Legacy News Staff