Overview
- Johnson died on Nov. 21 two days after his 69th birthday, according to a statement his family provided to TMZ that outlets published Saturday.
- Morris Day, Sheila E. and Susannah Melvoin posted remembrances honoring the multi-instrumentalist’s talent and generosity.
- A founding member and the longtime drummer of Prince’s band The Time, Johnson helped define the Minneapolis Sound and appeared in Purple Rain and Graffiti Bridge.
- Beyond drumming, he produced Janet Jackson’s 1990 Hot 100 No. 1 “Black Cat” and recorded with Alexander O’Neal, New Edition, Cherrelle and others.
- In recent years he led the Jellybean Johnson Experience, released the 2021 album Get Experienced, and co-founded the Minneapolis Sound Museum to preserve the genre’s history.