Career
A member and drummer of the band named The Time who worked along with famed producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, he went on to help record several songs with other artists including Alexander O"Neal, Cherrelle and most notably with Janet Jackson. In 1990, the two co-produced Jackson"s #1 single, "Black Cat."
After the breakup of The Time, drummer and percussionist Jellybean Johnson decided to work as a producer, musician, and songwriter throughout his career. His first session job was being a musician for Alexander O"Neal"s #11 Rhythm & Blues hit "Innocent" (produced by The Time bandmates Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis).
On this track, he was not only the drummer, but also delivered the guitar solos for the second half of the ten-minute long song.
From this point on, he was in-demand as a session guitarist (and drummer/percussionist) for Janet Jackson, Alexander O"Neal, New Edition, and many others Throughout his career, he has also produced a number of hits for Alexander O"Neal, New Edition and many others
But it wasn"t until 1990 when he would co-produce (with Janet Jackson) his biggest hit to date: Janet Jackson"s Heavy Metal/Rock inspired #1 smash hit "Black Cat". He has also co-produced Mint Condition"s entire debut album Meant to Be Mint.
Alexander O"Neal – "Criticize" (#4 Rhythm & Blues)
Nona Hendryx – "Why Should I Cry" (#5 Rhythm & Blues)
New Edition – "Crucial" (#4 Rhythm & Blues)
Janet Jackson – "Black Cat" (#1 Rock/#1 People’s/#10 Rhythm & Blues)
Mint Condition- "Breakin" My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes)" (#3 Rhythm & Blues/#6 People’s) and "Forever in Your Eyes" (#7 Rhythm & Blues).