Jesse Johnson Comes Clean About Split From The Time
After many months of people speculating about Jesse Johnson‘s departure from The Time (aka The Original 7ven), Jesse finally spoke out about the true reasoning of why he left. It apparently had to do with a lack of touring to support their efforts and very simply, not getting paid. This was the statement that Jesse posted on his Facebook account yesterday;
“I was on a conference call with the O-7 and I asked the following questions in early December; ” Do we have any shows for December? answered “No” I continued to ask the the same question regarding January and Febuary, and I received the same answer, which was a resounding “NO” I then asked when was the the first royalty accounting coming up? And the answer was, ” I don’t know” and with Allah as my witness, I respectfully made the announcement that I could no longer AFFORD to participate in an organization that personally cost me thousands of dollars (Gear, Clothing, Travel, etc…) and further more shows no signs of taking premptive measures (Sponsers, Touring, etc…) in helping to see a return on our investment. So help me god, the people on whatever sites that state they were not informed of exit should feel very, very ashamed of them selves to seek sympathy from unknowing fans. Am I angry, I feel sad for people that have to lie to seek unwarranted sympathy. Sad! Do ever post or ask me at anytime or place about this subject.”
That being said, we are SO happy that Jesse clarified what the issue was. He also announced that he had just arrived in Amsterdam to start the tour with D’Angelo as previously announced. Which also means that you should start seeing him pop up on the videos and audio mixtapes that D’Angelo likes to release occasionally. We can’t wait to hear Jesse cut loose on Chicken Grease!
Much thanks to Jesse Johnson for clarifying the story for the fans. You are an amazing guitarist and we will always support your efforts no matter where you are! Keep on keeping on! Speculate no more Morris Day and The Time fans!
The group did make it seem like Jesse just jumped up and left without them knowing why, they should be ashamed of themselves. I have too agree with Jesse because the management, record company and group are not promoting the new cd well at all and it’s not Jesse’s fault either. I’m glad Jesse clarified what was going on and what really happened.
Yo I cant blame brother man brother gotta eat too and the cost of living in America is waaayyy tooo high!!!!
These guys have known each other for over 30 yrs. It’s unfortunate that the communication was not where it should have been on the business side per Jesse. Believing the best for the brother. Hopefully he gets the credit he deserves one day for being one of the best to ever pick up a guitar.
Well, that explains at lot! When the new album came out I was very excited the there was going to be a tour. There were some promotional dates and the album is smoking. However, other than a performance on the Soul Train awards, there has been nothing. No second single, video or website updates. This is the same way I felt after Jesse’s Verbal Penetration was released almost three years, solid album, but no follow through! Maybe these guys need Prince to drive them or maybe they are just too old! Anyway I love the album, keep up the good work. This sh*t is sick!!!
The Original 7ven’s CD “Condensate” is a great CD. I agree with D when it came to a possible tour. I was truly looking forward to the next single. I can understand why Jesse left the group. Bobby was on point when he said he hopes Jesse gets the credit he deserves for being one of the best to ever pickup a guitar. I wish Jesse and the other 6 members much success.
I listen to the Condensate CD for 4 months straight. This is their best CD to date. I to was expecting a tour, but nothing. No tour, no dates, a generic website, no followup singles, their were at least 4 more hits that shoulda followed , Jessie leaving over money…..Now O7 is in the best possible position they can be in……. What’s the deal fella’s??? YOUR SHOES ON TOO TIGHT……. LET”S HAVE SOME ACTION… I want some chili sauce with the chicken grease and some more funk on the side. Ohhh Lawd..
Wish my band, the time could do it again! Jesse the rift you gave the band is hardcore,yet delightful and refreshing!!!!!!!!!! grew up in KC now live in Mpls listen to parliament,prince,and the time as well as others for my medicine. Simply could not live without it. Hang in there brother wish you well as I do the other great fellows from back in the day.free world,can you help me,love struck,crazy,she I can’t resist,and so misunderstood one of a kind music. Keep sharing and blessing the world with your sound hopeful I can catch your act in the twin cities soon! Thank you very,very much will be playing your music this weekend at the Christmas party.
Just saw the Time in concert in November 2019 here in Houston.Morris was great doing his thing and great to see Monte Moore on the keys. The Time is not complete without Jesse Johnson who is the Prince of Time. I’m a huge and life long fan of Jesse Johnson, hope to see the (Crazy for you) funk master live in concert soon . I know Sly Stone might not be available but can you imagine Jesse Johnson and Bootsy Collins collaboration. WOW!
Jesse was ALWAYS my FAVORITE. I thought he was SO FINE. I used to fantasize about him. Lol
Jesse Johnson & Ernie Isley Should Get Together And Do A Blues For Jimi Project And See If They Could Get Jellybean On Drums And Jamm & Lewis On Bass And Keys With Ronnie Baker Brooks As Special Guest
Yo can you imagine the significance & the cultral impact of such a project……Oh heck yeah!!!!!
Where is Jesse Johnson now? I want to see more pictures of him. He stood out in the band The Times. A smooth guy! I would go to Rock Island, from Chicago in the 80’s to pick up my niece from college, but he (Jesse) had gone from there by then. Please send me pictures to my email below. Thanks in advanced.
I will love to see Jesse Johnson, and family today, and to know how they are doing? I still am a BIG fan of his.
When Jesse left Minneapolis 24 years ago he did so owing several business and people money. 1000 to my electronics repair shop. If he really wants to “come clean” he should step up to the microphone and pull out his wallet and pony up.
Why you think he left the band e wasn’t getting paid How in the hell he’s supposed to pay you if he wasn’t getting paid duh