The Time Drummer Prince Associate Dies at 69
- Okay, here's a breakdown of Jellybean Johnson's contributions, based on the provided text, focusing on his roles as depicted in Purple Rain and Graffiti Bridge, and his broader...
- Jellybean Johnson, who recently passed away, was a significant figure in the Minneapolis music scene and beyond.
- * Purple Rain (1984): The article doesn't explicitly detail his role within the film's narrative, but it establishes that he was a member of The Time during...
Okay, here’s a breakdown of Jellybean Johnson’s contributions, based on the provided text, focusing on his roles as depicted in Purple Rain and Graffiti Bridge, and his broader career:
Jellybean Johnson: A Musical life
Jellybean Johnson, who recently passed away, was a significant figure in the Minneapolis music scene and beyond. He was a multi-talented musician and producer, deeply connected to Prince and The Time.
His Roles in Prince’s Films:
* Purple Rain (1984): The article doesn’t explicitly detail his role within the film’s narrative, but it establishes that he was a member of The Time during the period depicted in the movie. In the film, The Time are presented as rivals to Prince, showcasing a competitive dynamic within the Minneapolis music world. Jellybean, as a member, would have been part of that on-screen rivalry.
* Graffiti Bridge (1990): Similarly, the article confirms his continued membership in The Time during the era of Graffiti Bridge. The film portrays The Time as having achieved greater success, and Jellybean would have been part of that evolution.
Beyond the Films: A Versatile Musician & producer
* The Time: He was a core member of The Time, a band known for its funk and R&B sound. The Time achieved five top 10 hits on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, including “777-9311,” “Jungle Love,” and ”Jerk-Out” (which reached #1 in 1990).
* Instrumental Versatility: he was initially a drummer for The Time, but transitioned to playing guitar within the Family (another band associated with Prince). This highlights his skill on multiple instruments. He was described as an “awesome guitar player.”
* Production Work: He was a prosperous producer, notably contributing to Janet jackson’s 1990 #1 hit, “Black Cat.”
* Session Musician: He was an in-demand session musician, indicating a broad range of musical work beyond his band commitments.
* Grammy Performance: he performed with The Time and Rihanna at the Grammy Awards in 2008, demonstrating his continued relevance and ability to adapt to different musical contexts.
Character & Legacy (as described by colleagues):
* Kind and funny: Sheila E. described him as a “kind human being, extremely talented and funny” with a “great sense of humor.”
* Brotherly Figure: Susannah Melvoin (of The Family) referred to him as her “stunning brother” and emphasized his protective and loving nature towards those he cared about.
* Dedicated Musician: Melvoin highlighted his deep passion for playing guitar, stating that it was essential to his being.
In essence, Jellybean Johnson was a foundational figure in the sound of the 80s and 90s R&B/Funk scene, a talented musician who contributed substantially to Prince’s world and beyond.