Jellybean Johnson

Jellybean Johnson is Minneapolis music royalty. The drummer for the Time also leads the Jellybean Johnson Experience. Plus, he played with Prince, and co-produced the hit song “Black Cat” with Janet Jackson. Now, he's the co-founder of the Minneapolis Sound Museum. "The Minneapolis sound is Prince," Johnson tells The Current's Jill Riley. "But [it's] also those of us who grew up with him and played with him and pushed him and one another to be great." For more information about the Minneapolis Sound Museum, visit mplssoundmuseum.com.

Jellybean Johnson is Minneapolis music royalty. The drummer for the Time also leads the Jellybean Johnson Experience. Plus, he played with Prince, and co-produced the hit song “Black Cat” with Janet Jackson. Now, he's the co-founder of the Minneapolis Sound Museum. "The Minneapolis sound is Prince," Johnson tells The Current's Jill Riley. "But [it's] also those of us who grew up with him and played with him and pushed him and one another to be great." For more information about the Minneapolis Sound Museum, visit <a href="https://mplssoundmuseum.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">mplssoundmuseum.com</a>.

Jellybean Johnson unveils plans for Minneapolis Sound Museum

Andre Cymone

Andre Cymone is an essential part of the story of Minneapolis music, and he continues to tour and release albums, and Andre's story is inextricably linked with the story of Prince and the Minneapolis sound. We took the opportunity to connect partially because it was the 40th anniversary of the release of "Controversy," and also because Andre Cymone is a legend. Around the release of "Controversy," Andre had just left the touring group that Prince had put together. Looking back at that time gives us a fruitful way to understand the relationship between these two Minneapolis icons.

Andre Cymone is an essential part of the story of Minneapolis music, and he continues to tour and release albums, and Andre's story is inextricably linked with the story of Prince and the Minneapolis sound. We took the opportunity to connect partially because it was the 40th anniversary of the release of "Controversy," and also because Andre Cymone is a legend. Around the release of "Controversy," Andre had just left the touring group that Prince had put together. Looking back at that time gives us a fruitful way to understand the relationship between these two Minneapolis icons.

Andre Cymone discusses Prince's 'Controversy,' released 40 years ago

Michael Bland

Tommy Barbarella

On the 30th anniversary of Prince's "Diamonds and Pearls" album, Sean McPherson had the chance to talk to drummer Michael Bland and keyboardist Tommy Barbarella of the New Power Generation to compare notes and to share memories of recording the album, of working with Prince, and about being part of a great band and the lively Minneapolis music scene.

On the 30th anniversary of Prince's "Diamonds and Pearls" album, Sean McPherson had the chance to talk to drummer Michael Bland and keyboardist Tommy Barbarella of the New Power Generation to compare notes and to share memories of recording the album, of working with Prince, and about being part of a great band and the lively Minneapolis music scene.

Michael Bland and Tommy Barbarella of the New Power Generation talk 'Diamonds and Pearls'

Taja Sevelle

Taja Sevelle was one of the first artists on the Paisley Park record label.  She recorded the Prince-penned "Wouldn't You Love To Love Me?" (on her self-titled 1987 release); Prince's version was on the recently released Prince 'Originals' album. Sevelle, whose birthday is today, January 7, spoke with The Current's Andrea Swensson about Prince's mentorship and his fervent belief and support in her second career: urban farming.

Taja Sevelle was one of the first artists on the Paisley Park record label. She recorded the Prince-penned "Wouldn't You Love To Love Me?" (on her self-titled 1987 release); Prince's version was on the recently released Prince 'Originals' album. Sevelle, whose birthday is today, January 7, spoke with The Current's Andrea Swensson about Prince's mentorship and his fervent belief and support in her second career: urban farming.

Taja Sevelle - Prince's philanthropy and mentorship

Matt Fink - aka Dr. Fink - was one of Prince's first keyboard players and is a member of the Revolution. In conversation with Andrea Swensson, Dr. Fink reflects on performing, recording and touring with Prince. 'He was always transforming himself into something different with every record,' Fink says. 'There was always something new and original and exploratory.'

Matt Fink - aka Dr. Fink - was one of Prince's first keyboard players and is a member of the Revolution. In conversation with Andrea Swensson, Dr. Fink reflects on performing, recording and touring with Prince. 'He was always transforming himself into something different with every record,' Fink says. 'There was always something new and original and exploratory.'

Dr. Fink: 'When Prince sang live, he was just impeccable'

Fred Armisen

Actor, comedian and musician Fred Armisen ('Saturday Night Live'; 'Portlandia'; 'Late Night with Seth Meyers') discovered Prince shortly after the release of '1999.' In a conversation with The Current's Andrea Swensson, Armisen talks about how he discovered Prince and became an instant fan for life. 'Prince really became my favorite artist,' Armisen says. 'I really soaked up every lyric, every little drumbeat, everything about him.'

Actor, comedian and musician Fred Armisen ('Saturday Night Live'; 'Portlandia'; 'Late Night with Seth Meyers') discovered Prince shortly after the release of '1999.' In a conversation with The Current's Andrea Swensson, Armisen talks about how he discovered Prince and became an instant fan for life. 'Prince really became my favorite artist,' Armisen says. 'I really soaked up every lyric, every little drumbeat, everything about him.'

Fred Armisen: 'I could talk about Prince endlessly'

Production/lighting designer LeRoy Bennett began working with Prince in 1980 and continued working with him until 1994. 'I was blessed that I started my life and this career with him,' says Bennett, who has gone on to work with such artists as Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande. 'Prince pushed you knowing that you were giving all that you could.' Listen to Andrea Swensson's full conversation with Bennett.

Production/lighting designer LeRoy Bennett began working with Prince in 1980 and continued working with him until 1994. 'I was blessed that I started my life and this career with him,' says Bennett, who has gone on to work with such artists as Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande. 'Prince pushed you knowing that you were giving all that you could.' Listen to Andrea Swensson's full conversation with Bennett.

LeRoy Bennett: 'Prince was beyond anybody'

Drummer and guitarist Jellybean Johnson came up as a musician in North Minneapolis, playing with - and competing with - Prince. Johnson is a founding member of The Time, and in this conversation with The Current's Andrea Swensson, Johnson reflects on Prince's influence in shaping the iconic sound and look of bands like the Time, the Revolution, Vanity 6 and more. 

Drummer and guitarist Jellybean Johnson came up as a musician in North Minneapolis, playing with - and competing with - Prince. Johnson is a founding member of The Time, and in this conversation with The Current's Andrea Swensson, Johnson reflects on Prince's influence in shaping the iconic sound and look of bands like the Time, the Revolution, Vanity 6 and more.

Jellybean Johnson, 'Prince knew we had something special here in Minneapolis'

Bobby Z

Bobby Z first met Prince in the mid-'70s when the two were teenagers, and Bobby went on to become drummer for the Revolution. In conversation with Andrea Swensson, Bobby Z offers a philosophical look at Prince's incredible life and career. "Prince was hearing all the music in his head like Beethoven or other classical musicians," Bobby Z says. "He was kind of reborn in all these characters throughout the ages." 

Bobby Z first met Prince in the mid-'70s when the two were teenagers, and Bobby went on to become drummer for the Revolution. In conversation with Andrea Swensson, Bobby Z offers a philosophical look at Prince's incredible life and career. "Prince was hearing all the music in his head like Beethoven or other classical musicians," Bobby Z says. "He was kind of reborn in all these characters throughout the ages."

Bobby Z: 'Prince went from a caterpillar to a butterfly in that one purple trench coat'

Lisa Coleman

Prince's longtime collaborator and keyboard player, Lisa Coleman, joined Prince's band in the early 1980s and became a member of the Revolution. Coleman spoke to The Current's Andrea Swensson about her time working with Prince, both in the studio and on the road. "Hang around Prince, and stuff was going to happen," Coleman recalls. "And it did. I never met anybody that really followed through on everything they said like that." Listen to Andrea's full conversation with Lisa Coleman.

Prince's longtime collaborator and keyboard player, Lisa Coleman, joined Prince's band in the early 1980s and became a member of the Revolution. Coleman spoke to The Current's Andrea Swensson about her time working with Prince, both in the studio and on the road. "Hang around Prince, and stuff was going to happen," Coleman recalls. "And it did. I never met anybody that really followed through on everything they said like that." Listen to Andrea's full conversation with Lisa Coleman.

Lisa Coleman: 'Prince and I just connected musically'

Prince Rogers Nelson left this universe behind on April 21, 2016, leaving fans worldwide in mourning. Maybe nowhere in the world has felt this loss as profoundly than Prince's home state of Minnesota. And to The Current, a radio station from Minnesota Public Radio, Prince was more than an artist, he was our friend. That's why, in memory of the Purple One, we’re sharing the many conversations we’ve had with musicians, critics, reporters and more about Prince: his life, his music and his legacy.

Nile Rodgers

Grammy-winning songwriter, producer and musician Nile Rodgers talks to Andrea Swensson about his friendship with and the influence of Prince. 'Prince made such an impression on the world,' Rodgers says, 'that it was one of those magical forces that was undeniable.'

Grammy-winning songwriter, producer and musician Nile Rodgers talks to Andrea Swensson about his friendship with and the influence of Prince. 'Prince made such an impression on the world,' Rodgers says, 'that it was one of those magical forces that was undeniable.'

Nile Rodgers: 'Prince made such an impression on the world'

Over the course of his career, Prince worked with many talented musicians, but one of the closest relationships he had with any of his musicians was with Sheila E. An iconic drummer, singer songwriter and performer Sheila E. has had an incredible career with Prince and on her own.

Over the course of his career, Prince worked with many talented musicians, but one of the closest relationships he had with any of his musicians was with Sheila E. An iconic drummer, singer songwriter and performer Sheila E. has had an incredible career with Prince and on her own.

Sheila E. on Prince's humanity, music in the vault

Brittany Howard

Brittany Howard, solo artist and frontwoman of Alabama Shakes, talks to Andrea Swensson about discovering Prince as a youngster and about how much Prince continues to inspire her work to this day. Howard also tells the story of the time Prince jumped onstage with Alabama Shakes at a show at Paisley Park and played 'the most epic solo.'

Brittany Howard, solo artist and frontwoman of Alabama Shakes, talks to Andrea Swensson about discovering Prince as a youngster and about how much Prince continues to inspire her work to this day. Howard also tells the story of the time Prince jumped onstage with Alabama Shakes at a show at Paisley Park and played 'the most epic solo.'

Brittany Howard: 'Prince always stayed true to himself'

Dez Dickerson

Prince's first guitarist, Dez Dickerson, talks with The Current's Andrea Swensson, taking us back to the early days, into the recording studio, and from the smallest clubs to the biggest stages. "From the very beginning, Prince had a clear idea of what he wanted, how he wanted it, how he wanted us to coalesce as a band, what he wanted to say, and what message that would send," Dickerson says. Listen to the complete interview.

Prince's first guitarist, Dez Dickerson, talks with The Current's Andrea Swensson, taking us back to the early days, into the recording studio, and from the smallest clubs to the biggest stages. "From the very beginning, Prince had a clear idea of what he wanted, how he wanted it, how he wanted us to coalesce as a band, what he wanted to say, and what message that would send," Dickerson says. Listen to the complete interview.

Dez Dickerson: 'Put an explosion over it'

Peggy McCreary

In the early 1980s, Audio Engineer Peggy McCreary contributed significantly to several projects from the massively creative mind of Prince, including Vanity 6's self-titled debut album, The Time's sophomore effort 'What Time is It,' and Prince's '1999,' 'Purple Rain' and 'Parade.' The Current's Andrea Swensson connected with McCreary for a fascinating conversation about McCreary's time working with Prince, their professional relationship and their mutual respect for each other.

In the early 1980s, Audio Engineer Peggy McCreary contributed significantly to several projects from the massively creative mind of Prince, including Vanity 6's self-titled debut album, The Time's sophomore effort 'What Time is It,' and Prince's '1999,' 'Purple Rain' and 'Parade.' The Current's Andrea Swensson connected with McCreary for a fascinating conversation about McCreary's time working with Prince, their professional relationship and their mutual respect for each other.

The sound of Prince and Peggy McCreary

Robert Hilburn

The Los Angeles Times' music critic Robert Hilburn was the only journalist to interview Prince about the 1999. In fact, Prince would not grant interviews to journalists again for several years after that, making Hilburn one of the last to speak to Prince before a lengthy period of silence from the artist. In researching Prince: The Story of 1999, Andrea Swensson had a chance to talk to Robert Hilburn, who spoke about meeting Prince in October 1982 and about seeing Prince perform leading up to the album 1999 -- most notably, at a 1981 show at the Los Angeles Coliseum where Prince opened for the Rolling Stones and was met with boos and hostility from the audience. It was an experience, Hilburn surmises, that further motivated Prince to take the music world by storm.

The Los Angeles Times' music critic Robert Hilburn was the only journalist to interview Prince about the 1999. In fact, Prince would not grant interviews to journalists again for several years after that, making Hilburn one of the last to speak to Prince before a lengthy period of silence from the artist. In researching Prince: The Story of 1999, Andrea Swensson had a chance to talk to Robert Hilburn, who spoke about meeting Prince in October 1982 and about seeing Prince perform leading up to the album 1999 -- most notably, at a 1981 show at the Los Angeles Coliseum where Prince opened for the Rolling Stones and was met with boos and hostility from the audience. It was an experience, Hilburn surmises, that further motivated Prince to take the music world by storm.

After talking with Robert Hilburn in 1982, Prince stopped giving interviews for three years. We talked to Hilburn

Albert Magnoli

Film director Albert Magnoli describes the events that led to his first meeting with Prince, and the making of the film 'Purple Rain.'

Film director Albert Magnoli describes the events that led to his first meeting with Prince, and the making of the film 'Purple Rain.'

'Purple Rain' Director Albert Magnoli

Legendary drummer Bobby Z of The Revolution sat down with Jim McGuinn to talk about working for Prince and what made the 1982 album '1999' an essential masterpiece that catapulted Prince to megastardom. Bobby Z also describes the early years getting to know Prince.

Legendary drummer Bobby Z of The Revolution sat down with Jim McGuinn to talk about working for Prince and what made the 1982 album '1999' an essential masterpiece that catapulted Prince to megastardom. Bobby Z also describes the early years getting to know Prince.

Bobby Z - What Makes 1999 Great?

Sharon Smith-Akinsanya managed marketing of the Prince-inspired nightclub Glam Slam at all three of its locations: Minneapolis, Los Angeles, and Miami. In 2017, she sat down with Jay Gabler and Andrea Swensson to talk about running the clubs, working with Prince, and remembering the icon's legacy in Minnesota.

Sharon Smith-Akinsanya managed marketing of the Prince-inspired nightclub Glam Slam at all three of its locations: Minneapolis, Los Angeles, and Miami. In 2017, she sat down with Jay Gabler and Andrea Swensson to talk about running the clubs, working with Prince, and remembering the icon's legacy in Minnesota.

Sharon Smith-Akinsanya on bringing Prince's Glam Slam nightclub to life

Michael Holtz

Michael Holtz was one of Paisley Park's house DJs starting in 2014, and he still plays Paisley Park After Dark events. He tells Erianna Jiles about his time at Paisley Park from his first visits in the '90s up through the present.

Michael Holtz was one of Paisley Park's house DJs starting in 2014, and he still plays Paisley Park After Dark events. He tells Erianna Jiles about his time at Paisley Park from his first visits in the '90s up through the present.

DJ Michael Holtz's true stories from Paisley Park

What wonderful nuggets - surprising and enjoyable each time. Thank you Minnesota PR. Please keep this up - please keep posting!!

This is amazing

Prince is about 10yrs older than me. As a musician, he’s always been like a cool crazy big cousin teaching me lessons all my life. I’ve always wondered who he was beyond the mystique, and this does EXACTLY that! 

Thank you 🙏🏾

Important & Necessary

Prince Remembered

Susannah Melvoin

Susannah Melvoin reflects on Prince's tenderness and how she ended up co-writing "Starfish and Coffee."

Susannah Melvoin reflects on Prince's tenderness and how she ended up co-writing "Starfish and Coffee."

Susannah Melvoin on Prince

Garrison Keillor

Garrison Keillor reflected on the loss of Minnesota's own Prince at A Prairie Home Companion's April 23, 2016 show at the Bass Concert Hall in Austin, TX.

Garrison Keillor reflected on the loss of Minnesota's own Prince at A Prairie Home Companion's April 23, 2016 show at the Bass Concert Hall in Austin, TX.

Garrison Keillor: Prince 'believed that you had to be noticed'

Aaron Janse

Aaron Janse, a violinist with the Minnesota Orchestra, spoke with Classical MPR host Brian Newhouse during a live orchestra broadcast about recording with Prince, most recently on the song 'Baltimore.'

Aaron Janse, a violinist with the Minnesota Orchestra, spoke with Classical MPR host Brian Newhouse during a live orchestra broadcast about recording with Prince, most recently on the song 'Baltimore.'

Aaron Janse: An audition on the basketball court

In a conversation with The Current's Sean McPherson, legendary musician and rapper Flavor Flav, from Public Enemy, shares his memories of Prince. 'Losing Prince,' Flav reflects, 'is not like losing a finger off your body; this is like losing a whole arm.'

In a conversation with The Current's Sean McPherson, legendary musician and rapper Flavor Flav, from Public Enemy, shares his memories of Prince. 'Losing Prince,' Flav reflects, 'is not like losing a finger off your body; this is like losing a whole arm.'

Flavor Flav: 'Being onstage with Prince is electrifying'

Adam Scher

Adam Scher, senior curator at the Minnesota Historical Society, joined Current Morning Show hosts Jill Riley and Brian Oake to talk Prince memorabilia -- including Prince's suit from the 1984 movie 'Purple Rain.' The Minnesota History Center in St. Paul put the suit on display the same day the news broke that Prince had died.

Adam Scher, senior curator at the Minnesota Historical Society, joined Current Morning Show hosts Jill Riley and Brian Oake to talk Prince memorabilia -- including Prince's suit from the 1984 movie 'Purple Rain.' The Minnesota History Center in St. Paul put the suit on display the same day the news broke that Prince had died.

Adam Scher: The 'Purple Rain' suit: 'It's certainly one of the most iconic pieces that we have'

Mayte Garcia was married to Prince from 1996 to 2000. She spoke with The Current's Jill Riley and Brian Oake about her new memoir, 'The Most Beautiful: My Life With Prince.'

Mayte Garcia was married to Prince from 1996 to 2000. She spoke with The Current's Jill Riley and Brian Oake about her new memoir, 'The Most Beautiful: My Life With Prince.'

Mayte Garcia on her marriage to Prince

People who collaborated with Prince and worked for him talked less about Prince the superstar -- and more about how they will remember him as a musician.  First, producer Jimmy Jam, who was in the band The Time, which opened for Prince in his early years of touring.

People who collaborated with Prince and worked for him talked less about Prince the superstar -- and more about how they will remember him as a musician. First, producer Jimmy Jam, who was in the band The Time, which opened for Prince in his early years of touring.

Prince's impact on music

A new Prince mural on the side of a building in Minneapolis' Uptown neighborhood was painted this weekend as "a nice present to the city of Minneapolis," says Bloomington-based artist Rock "Cyfi" Martinez. The mural, just over a story high, is located at 26th St. and Hennepin Ave.

A new Prince mural on the side of a building in Minneapolis' Uptown neighborhood was painted this weekend as "a nice present to the city of Minneapolis," says Bloomington-based artist Rock "Cyfi" Martinez. The mural, just over a story high, is located at 26th St. and Hennepin Ave.

Artist Rock 'Cyfi' Martinez: 'A nice present to Minneapolis'

Dick McCalley

Dick McCalley said he'd worked with Prince since 1980. He talked with The Current host Jay Gabler while standing outside Paisley Park on the day Prince died.

Dick McCalley said he'd worked with Prince since 1980. He talked with The Current host Jay Gabler while standing outside Paisley Park on the day Prince died.

Dick McCalley: 'Dylan and Prince: Checkmate'

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