Jellybean Johnson, the founding drummer of Prince’s band the Time, has handed away. The musician born Garry George Johnson celebrated his birthday earlier this week, and his loss of life was introduced by his longtime pal and collaborator Sheila E., although the trigger continues to be unknown. He was 69.
On social media, Sheila wrote, “With a heavy coronary heart, my expensive pal Jellybean handed away a few hours in the past. We’re devastated by this information. this one hurts I’m praying for his household and all the children. He was a form human being extraordinarily gifted and humorous. He had an incredible humorousness and was an superior guitar participant. Yesterday was your birthday, I forgot to name you and I’m so sorry. I loveu bean. relaxation in peace and energy. I first met Bean whereas they had been out on tour with prince both 1981 or 1982? It was cool to see them shoot the video Ice cream castles as I confirmed up with prince.”
Garry George “Jellybean” Johnson was born in Chicago and moved to Minneapolis as a child. He took drum classes at 13 and taught himself guitar a pair years later. Prince based the Time in 1981 with Johnson on drums, Alexander O’Neal on lead vocals and sax, Anton (Tony) Johnson on guitar, David Eiland on saxophone, Jimmy Jam and Monte Moir on keyboards, and Terry Lewis on bass. After the group disbanded, Johnson served as a producer, musician, and songwriter for Flyte Tyme productions, working with legends like Alexander O’Neal and Janet Jackson.
