Overview
- Johnson’s family confirmed he died suddenly on Friday night, Nov. 21, at age 69, and no cause of death has been disclosed.
- Tributes poured in from collaborators and institutions, including Sheila E., Susannah Melvoin, Morris Day, and the Minneapolis Sound Museum.
- As the original and only drummer for The Time, he helped define the Minneapolis Sound and appeared in Purple Rain and Graffiti Bridge.
- Beyond drumming, he built a notable career as a producer and session musician, working with artists such as New Edition, Alexander O’Neal, Cherrelle, Patti LaBelle, and Rihanna.
- In later years he led the Jellybean Johnson Experience and co-founded the Minneapolis Sound Museum to preserve the music culture he helped create.