‘The Time‘ Musician Jellybean Johnson Dies at 69
minneapolis musician and original member of ‘The Time,’ jellybean Johnson, has died at age 69, his family confirmed to TMZ on November 22, 2025. Johnson, a celebrated guitarist, songwriter, and producer, passed away this week after recently celebrating his birthday.
Johnson’s death marks a significant loss for the Minneapolis music community and fans of the iconic Minneapolis Sound. Alongside his work wiht ’the Time’ and Prince,Johnson dedicated recent years to preserving the legacy of the city’s unique musical heritage through the Minneapolis Sound Museum,which he founded with his wife and daughter. The museum aims to educate and inspire future generations with the history of the influential sound.
Born and raised in Minneapolis, Johnson co-founded ‘The Time’ in the late 1970s, quickly becoming known for his distinctive guitar riffs and stage presence. The band achieved mainstream success with hits like “Get Off” and ”Jungle Love,” becoming closely associated with Prince, who mentored and collaborated with the group.
Beyond his contributions to ‘The Time,’ Johnson enjoyed a prolific career as a session musician and producer, working with a diverse range of artists.He remained a vital part of the Minneapolis music scene, consistently advocating for its artists and its history.
Johnson’s family shared that he deeply cherished his relationships with family, friends, and the city of Minneapolis. Those wishing to honor his memory can learn more and contribute to the Minneapolis Sound Museum’s mission at https://minneapolissoundmuseum.org/.
