Jellybean Johnson Cause Of Death: What We Know So Far About 'The Time' Drummer's Sudden Demise At 69

The music world has lost yet another star, and this time, it’s the iconic Minneapolis drummer Garry George ‘Jellybean’ Johnson. The funk rock icon, best known for his work with Prince and The Time, died suddenly on Friday, November 21, 2025, just one day after he celebrated his 69th birthday. With so many celebrity deaths happening in the past few weeks, Johnson’s unexpected demise came as a shock to his fans, family, and friends alike, as the veteran drummer had been doing well. 

Videos from Johnson’s 69th birthday show him flashing a bright smile and looking at his best as he posed for the camera and conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to his extended music family and fans. Now, the biggest question circulating on the internet is what could have happened to the drumming legend that took his life within a matter of hours.

What happened to Jellybean Johnson?

On November 21, 2025, Jellybean Johnson’s family confirmed the news of his death to TMZ, but the cause has yet to be disclosed by authorities or his family. The publication’s report only mentioned that the drama died suddenly without any further medical explanation. The lack of information surrounding Jellybean’s death quickly fueled speculation, especially since he had been active online just hours earlier. On November 19, 2025, he posted a lengthy birthday message reflecting on gratitude, attitude, and the legacy he hoped to leave. He recalled his early days at a Minneapolis community center, where he and fellow young musicians unknowingly helped create a historic sound. 

Fans, colleagues, and major music figures continue to search for answers, but no official confirmation has yet been released. The drummer’s close friend, songwriter Sheila E., announced Johnson’s death on Facebook with a heartfelt message, and regretted not having called him on his 69th birthday. Her message read:

“With a heavy heart, my dear friend Jellybean passed away a couple of hours ago. We are devastated by this news. I’m praying for his family and all the kids. He was a kind human being, extremely talented, and funny. He had a great sense of humor and an awesome guitar player. Yesterday was your birthday. I forgot to call you, and I’m so sorry. I love u, bean. Rest in peace and power.”

Who was Jellybean Johnson? His timeless contribution to Minneapolis funk rock

Jellybean, born Garry George Johnson in Chicago, was raised in Minneapolis and eventually became a defining force in the city's groundbreaking funk-rock scene. Before he became the iconic ‘Jellybean’, Johnson launched his career as the lead drummer for Flyte Tyme in the early 1970s. The group later joined forces with Prince in 1981, evolving into The Time, the powerhouse R&B and pop band that would define an entire era of Minneapolis sound.

Over the next decade, Johnson became the powerhouse drummer behind The Time’s biggest Billboard Hot 100 hits, including Jungle Love, Jerk Out, and The Bird. Beyond drumming, Jellybean helped shape music for a wide range of artists, including Janet Jackson, Patti LaBelle, Human League, New Edition, Cherrelle, and Alexander O’Neal.

In recent years, Johnson's focus shifted to mentoring and performing with rising musicians of minor police through the Jelly Bean Johnson experience. His family said he loved Minneapolis deeply and worked tirelessly to ensure future generations understood the movement’s cultural impact. The Minneapolis Sound Museum, which Johnson founded in 2022 alongside his longtime partner, Marty Bragg, and her daughter, remains a crucial part of his legacy. The idea behind the organisation was to create, educate, celebrate, and preserve the Minneapolis sound.

What we know about Jellybean’s surviving family

Despite his towering legacy in music, Johnson mostly led a private life, with little to no information about his surviving family. There is no confirmed information about the late drummer’s wife, but his immediate family includes his daughter, Bianca Rhodes, who shared a heartfelt tribute to her father on Facebook, writing:

“I Love You, Daddy. Daddy’s Big Baby. Rest Well.”

Jellybean Johnson’s unexpected death marks another devastating loss for the Minneapolis music community, following the passings of Prince and other core members of the era. He will be remembered not just as a drummer but as a visionary who shaped an entire genre of music. 

Rest in peace, legend!

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