Garry "Jellybean" Johnson Dies at 69

Garry "Jellybean" Johnson, the pioneering drummer and founding member of the funk band The Time, died on Friday, November 21, 2025, in Minneapolis. He was 69 years old.

Johnson, whose real name was Garry George Johnson, passed away unexpectedly just two days after celebrating his birthday on November 19. A cause of death has not been disclosed. His family shared the news through a statement, expressing deep sadness over the loss of their beloved husband, father, and innovator of the Minneapolis Sound. "The family of Jellybean Johnson is deeply saddened by the passing of their beloved husband and father," the statement read. Johnson's wife posted a heartfelt message on his official Instagram account, including the last photo of them together at the State Theater watching the Purple Rain musical. "The last photo ever taken of myself and the love of my life. It is also the last photo of Jellybean Johnson on November 19, 2025, Jellybean's birthday, and sadly his last," she wrote. "I've spent 26 birthdays with you and you with me. My partner, best friend and the best father in the world."

Born in Chicago, Johnson moved to north Minneapolis at age 19 with his mother, who bought him a...