![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.thefleetmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/The-Time.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBetween 1981\u20131983, The Time was so electrifying onstage that during some tour dates with Prince, they would mysteriously not be allowed to perform\u2014they were that good. Before filming for Purple Rain, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis were fired for producing outside artists, though they would later become the most successful production duo of all time. The Time regrouped and added new members, including St. Paul Peterson. After the success of the film and their accompanying album Ice Cream Castles, The Time disbanded, leading to the creation of another short-lived Prince project: The Family. Jellybean, Jerome, and St. Paul were now joined by Susannah Melvoin (sister of Wendy from The Revolution) and saxophonist Eric Leeds (brother of Prince\u2019s tour manager, Alan Leeds).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jellybean also joined his former bandmates behind the scenes in production. Flyte Tyme was reborn as a production house led by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Monte Moir also joined the team. Jellybean\u2019s first major assignment was working on Alexander O\u2019Neal\u2019s debut album. The blistering guitar solo on the hit
\u201cInnocent\u201d was played by Jellybean himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other artists he worked with include:
Nona Hendryx
New Edition
Cherrelle
Karyn White
Michael Jeffries
Lo-Key
Mint Condition (he played a key role in shaping their debut album Meant to Be Mint)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His lone No. 1 pop hit came with Janet Jackson\u2019s \u201cBlack Cat,\u201d from her Rhythm Nation 1814 album. Heavy on rock influences, it showcased Jellybean\u2019s ability to help Janet tap into her alternative edge successfully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although the original Time officially broke up in 1983, they reunited for special events, albums, and ceremonies. For branding purposes, they were often billed as Morris Day and The Time, and for a brief period reunited under the name The Original 7ven. From 1981 until Jellybean\u2019s passing, only he and Morris Day remained from the original lineup. The Family also reunited, releasing new material under the name fDeluxe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In recent years, Jellybean focused on many projects. He released his first solo album, worked closely with Minneapolis youth, and supported the music career of his late son, Regal The Rare, before his passing. He continued touring as the drummer for Morris Day & The Time, often showcasing his guitar skills as well. In 2022, Jellybean founded the Minneapolis Sound Museum, dedicated to preserving the Minneapolis Sound as an art form and a crucial era in music history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.thefleetmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Jellybean-Johnson-e1764539042288.jpg\")
<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Jellybean Johnson passed away on November 21, 2025. He had just turned 69 years old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Discography
1981 \u2013 The Time \u2013 The Time
1982 \u2013 The Time \u2013 What Time Is It?
1984 \u2013 The Time \u2013 Ice Cream Castles
1985 \u2013 The Family \u2013 The Family
1990 \u2013 The Time \u2013 Pandemonium
2011 \u2013 The Original 7ven \u2013 Condensate
2011 \u2013 fDeluxe \u2013 Gaslight
2013 \u2013 fDeluxe \u2013 Live & Tight (As a Funk Fiend\u2019s Fix)
2014 \u2013 fDeluxe \u2013 AM Static
2020 \u2013 The Jellybean Johnson Experience \u2013 Get Experienced<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Selective Songs as Writer\/Producer\/Musician
1985 \u2013 Alexander O\u2019Neal \u2013 Innocent [#11 R&B]
1987 \u2013 Nona Hendryx \u2013 Why Should I Cry [#5 R&B \/ #58 Pop]
1988 \u2013 New Edition \u2013 Crucial [#4 R&B]
1989 \u2013 Janet Jackson \u2013 Black Cat [#10 R&B \/ #1 Pop]
1991 \u2013 Mint Condition \u2013 Breakin\u2019 My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes) [#3 R&B \/ #6 Pop]
1991 \u2013 Mint Condition \u2013 Forever in Your Eyes [#7 R&B \/ #81 Pop]<\/p>\n\n\n
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