Jellybean Johnson, Minneapolis Sound Pioneer, Dies at 69.

2 hours ago7 min read

The rhythm of the Minneapolis Sound faltered this week with the passing of Jellybean Johnson, the formidable multi-instrumentalist and architect of that iconic funk-rock fusion, at the age of 69. For those of us who live and breathe music, Johnson wasn't just a name in liner notes; he was the thunderous backbeat of The Time, the percussive engine that, alongside Morris Day's slick-talking cool, defined an entire era.His work was the foundational groove on classics like 'Jungle Love' and 'The Bird,' tracks that didn't just get played but were *experienced*, their syncopated pulses dictating the dance moves of a generation. His death feels like a lost track from a beloved album, a sudden silence where there was once nothing but vibrant, life-affirming noise.Johnson's legacy, however, extends far beyond the stage of First Avenue. His symbiotic relationship with Prince—a fellow Minneapolis prodigy—was the creative crucible in which the 'Minneapolis Sound' was forged, a potent blend of funk, rock, synth-pop, and R&B that would radically reshape the 1980s musical landscape.As a key figure in Prince's sprawling artistic universe, Johnson's influence rippled outward, his production and musical talents elevating the work of pop titans like Janet Jackson, for whom he co-produced the sharp, funky 'Black Cat,' and the smooth harmonies of New Edition. To understand Jellybean Johnson is to understand the very nature of collaborative genius in pop music; he was the essential session player who could lock into any groove, the producer who could tease out a hit, and the live performer whose energy was utterly infectious.In an industry often obsessed with frontmen, Johnson was a testament to the power of the ensemble, the musician's musician whose work in the rhythm section was as crucial as any lead vocal. His passing marks the end of a chapter for that uniquely Minnesotan sound, but the music he helped create—a timeless playlist of funk, ambition, and pure rhythm—ensures his beat will go on, an indelible part of our collective soundtrack.

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#Jellybean Johnson

#The Time

#Minneapolis Sound

#Prince

#drummer

#Janet Jackson

#New Edition

#death