Public funeral and celebration of life events have been announced for Minneapolis Sound pioneer Jellybean Johnson, honoring his legacy on December 20.
Minneapolis sound
Posted inLocal & State
Jellybean Johnson: A legacy of joy and genius
Jellybean Johnson was thunder on stage and gentle at home, a drummer, guitarist and producer whose joy lit up Minneapolis for decades. Loved ones and musical peers recall his role in shaping the Minneapolis Sound, mentoring “nephews” in the scene and building the Minneapolis Sound Museum to keep the culture alive for the next generation.
Posted inNational
Jellybean Johnson, Minneapolis Sound Pioneer and Beloved Mentor, Dies at 69
Jellybean Johnson, a founding architect of the Minneapolis Sound and beloved member of The Time, has died at age 69. His legacy spans iconic hits, groundbreaking guitar and drum work, production credits across pop and R and B, and decades of mentorship that shaped Minnesota’s music community.
Posted inObituaries
Remembering Pepé Willie
The Minneapolis Music community has lost a legend. Linster Herbert Willie, Jr., affectionately known to the world as Pepé, passed away Sunday, June 1, at the VA Medical Center in Minneapolis after a brief illness. He was 76.
Posted inArts + Culture
Screening of ‘Purple Rain’ at Target Center to celebrate film’s 40th anniversary
Target Center is hosting a screening of the iconic film “Purple Rain” on July 27 to celebrate its 40th Anniversary.
Posted inArts + Culture
Cherrelle brings a night of soulful nostalgia to Johnnie Mae’s
Cherelle delivered a nostalgic performance at Johnnie Mae’s Lounge in Robbinsdale, where she sang her hits like “Home,” “Saturday Love,” and “I Didn’t Mean to Turn You On” to a packed house, making it a night to remember.
Posted inArts + Culture
Celebration 2024 honored Prince’s legacy with unreleased songs, live performances, and interviews
Celebration 2024, the sixth annual event honoring the life, music, and legacy of Prince, featured a Paisley Park listening session, a screening of the Purple Rain Tour and more.
Posted inArts + Culture
The sound craved by Prince: The Flyt Tyme horns
The Flyt Tyme Horns, a band that competed with Grand Central and other local bands for musical supremacy in Minneapolis.
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
The musical journey of Jellybean Johnson
Jellybean Johnson, one of the most influential figures in the Minneapolis Sound.
Posted inArts + Culture
Pepé Willie: A key figure in shaping the Minneapolis Sound
Pepé Willie, a Brooklyn native, influenced the development of the Minneapolis Sound by sharing his knowledge with Prince and other local legends.
Posted inArts + Culture
Walker West Music Academy expands with state-of-the-art facilities in Rondo community
Walker West Music Academy, a St. Paul-based African American community conservatory, has received a transformational gift of $4 million from the Sauer Family Foundation.
Posted inArts + Culture
Patrick Adams’ musical journey: A tribute to Southside Minneapolis
Patrick Adams returns to music with “Ear Slap”: a melodic blend of jazz, soul, and funk.
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
‘Tales of the Northside’ honors Minneapolis Sound and community
In addition to honoring Prince and the other amazing talents that helped pioneer the Minneapolis Sound, ‘Tales from the Northside’ is a benefit to establish a Minneapolis Sound Museum.
Posted inArts + Culture, Featured, Music
Pioneer to Minneapolis Sound releases long-awaited solo album
Jellybean Johnson’s debut album ‘Get Experienced’ is a nine-song odyssey that crosses genres and expands on the richness of the Minneapolis Sound.
Posted inArts + Culture, Books
Book Review: ‘My Life in the Purple Kingdom’
‘My Life in the Purple Kingdom’ is a good read for fans of Prince and the Minneapolis Sound.
Posted inArts + Culture, Books
‘If You See Me’ offers a remarkable glimpse into the Minneapolis sound
Veteran pop-funkster Pepé Willie teams up with accomplished author Tony Kiene to entertain music lovers, especially Prince fans, with the page-turning ‘If You See Me.’