Jellybean Johnson, the acclaimed producer and drummer who played a key role in shaping hits for artists like Janet Jackson and served as the drummer for Prince’s iconic band, The Time, has died at the age of 69.
TMZ reported that Johnson, whose real name was Garry George Johnson, passed away suddenly on the evening of November 21, just days after celebrating his birthday. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Tributes poured in from the music world, including from Sheila E., who shared her heartbreak on Facebook. “With a heavy heart 💔💔💔 my dear friend Jellybean passed away a couple of hours ago. We are devastated by this news,” she wrote. “He was a kind human being, extremely talented and funny… I love u Bean 🙏🏽💔🌹 Rest in peace and power.”
Johnson had just turned 69 on November 19 and posted a heartfelt reflection on Facebook about his life and career. “My heart is full. My name is Jellybean Johnson, and I’ve been blessed to live a life shaped by music, community, and the love of people who believed in me long before the world knew my name,” he wrote.
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He reflected on his roots and the people who shaped him: “When I look back, I don’t first think about the big stages or awards — I think about The Way. I think about that little community center on the North Side of Minneapolis where a bunch of young kids picked up instruments and discovered who we were meant to be… building something we didn’t yet have words for. We didn’t know it then, but we were creating history.”
