Jellybean Johnson — one of the pioneers of the Minneapolis Sound, the original and only drummer for the Time , and multi-instrumentalist/producer — died on Friday, Nov. 21. He was 69. No cause of death has been disclosed.

His death was confirmed by his friend and bandmate Morris Day, lead singer of Morris Day and the Time, which was also later known as the Original 7ven.

“Jellybean was a friend of mine since the age of 11 years old,” Day said in a statement to Rolling Stone . “He wasn’t just a bandmate, he was more like a brother to me. As one of the original members of the Time, Bean was a consummate musician. All he ever wanted to do was play and talk music. Even after our concerts, he would find a local pub, get on stage, and Jam with the house band. I’m certain he’s up in heaven

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