The losses came steadily in 2025 as Black America mourned artists, activists, athletes, and cultural leaders whose work shaped history and community across generations.
music history
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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.