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Legendary Prince Drummer Jellybean Johnson Passes Away at 69

Source: Jellybean Johnson dead: Prince musician dies days after birthday (2025-11-23)

Jellybean Johnson, renowned drummer for Prince and founder of The Time, has tragically died just days after celebrating his 69th birthday. His sudden passing on Friday night has left fans and the music community in mourning, with the cause of death still unknown. Johnson, whose real name was Garry George Johnson, was celebrated for his influential role in the Minneapolis sound and his collaborations with Prince, which helped shape the landscape of 1980s funk and R&B. Reflecting on his life recently, Johnson expressed gratitude for his journey, emphasizing the importance of music, community, and love. In addition to his work with Prince, Jellybean Johnson contributed to numerous other projects, including collaborations with artists like Sheila E., and was a key figure in the Minneapolis music scene. His death marks a significant loss to the legacy of 80s and 90s music, but his influence continues to resonate through the artists he inspired. Recent facts about Jellybean Johnson and his impact include: 1. Johnson played drums on Prince’s iconic albums such as "Purple Rain" and "Sign o’ the Times," which are considered some of the greatest in pop history. 2. He was instrumental in the development of the Minneapolis sound, a hybrid of funk, rock, pop, and new wave that became globally influential. 3. Beyond his performance career, Johnson was a respected music producer and session musician, working with a variety of artists across genres. 4. The Time, the band he founded, was inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame in 2019, recognizing their contribution to American music. 5. Johnson was actively involved in mentoring young musicians and supporting community music programs in Minneapolis, fostering new talent. As the music world mourns Jellybean Johnson’s passing, his legacy endures through his groundbreaking work and the countless artists he inspired. His contributions helped define an era of music that continues to influence contemporary artists, and his memory will be cherished by fans worldwide. The cause of his sudden death remains under investigation, but his life’s work remains a testament to his talent and passion for music.

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