The Time Finally Talks About Jesse Johnson Leaving
Morris Day and The Time aka The Original 7ven and now aka The Original 6ix have finally broke their silence on the departure of Jesse Johnson. Long story short, the band was apparently blindsided by Jesse Johnson’s announcement to leave the band, but they’ve decided to continue playing as a band and will simply replace Jesse. Here is their official statement posted on their website;
ORIGINAL 7VEN STATEMENT REGARDING
JESSE JOHNSON
FROM:
MORRIS DAY
JIMMY JAM
TERRY LEWIS
JELLYBEAN JOHNSON
MONTE MOIR
JEROME BENTON
Before we address the topic on most everyone’s mind, please let us do two things.
First of all let us begin by wishing everyone a Happy New Year! Although our good wishes may be a bit tardy in coming they are nonetheless sincere.
Second let us thank everyone for their overwhelming support of our Original 7ven project.
This project never would have happened without your continued encouragement and blessings.
Now to address the rumors regarding Jesse’s departure from the band.
On the morning of December 15th we were awakened to the news that Jesse had issued a message on his Facebook page which said the following:
“Hello Babies, I don’t really think I’ll be performing with the Original 7 (or The Time if your nasty) any more! We simple don’t see eye to eye on anything. Love the guys, but I feel in my heart it’s “Time” to walk away while we’re all still friends. May Peace be you.
PeaceLove,
Jesse Johnson Bey”
We were all surprised to read Jesse’s Facebook that morning because the 7 of us had spent nearly 3 hours on a conference call the afternoon before, and his desire to leave was not part of the discussion at that time.
On that call we were in fact making plans for the future. And while not everyone was in total agreement on all points, we felt like everyone was committed to this project for the long haul.
Out of respect to Jesse, and because of the holidays we decided it best to take a moment to catch our breath before making any decisions about our future.
While we know that this “silence” was frustrating to everyone who cared (mostly our fans), we believed a few weeks wasn’t too much to ask after 30 years of making music together. While we don’t have all the answers, we have come to the following conclusions:
1. We respectfully accept Jesse’s announcement to not perform with the Original 7ven. His desire to walk away “while we’re still all friends” is admirable, and we support and wish Jesse nothing but the best in all his future endeavors.
2. Jesse will not be “replaced” because there is no way to replace a family member, but we will begin the search to fill the now empty guitar spot in the band. Stay tuned.
3. While we’re not prepared to disclose any detailed plans at this time, please know that “the remaining 6ix” remain committed to this project for the long run and we look forward to seeing each and every one of you on the road this year!
In the meantime we thank YOU our fans for your continued belief, patience, support, and love.
Best,
Mo, Jam, T, Bean, Monte & Rome
I’ve been a long time Fan of The Time(Original 7ven) from the very beginning. Their response to Jesse leaving was very respectful and shows how classy they really are. To consider him a family member made it even more classier and made me have that much more respect for them as men and not just musicians. Jesse’s presence will be missed and no….he can’t be replaced because there’s none like him who has the gift to play the guitar like he does.Best wishses to Jesse(been a fan of yours as well.)and all of your endeavors and to The Original 7ven, continue making it do what it do. It was a long time coming for this project and I admit, it was worth the wait. Much love and coolness to you all from 1 of your biggest fans.God bless!
Morris Day & The Time Talk About Jesse Johnson Departure | Funkatopia – just great!
Yeah it was cool of them to say he’s still family. Because I’m sure they will need him in the future. I don’t think his talents can be replaced. Plus I think most of the original Time songs were written by Prince, Jesse and Morris. So I think they will need his element. It seems like an easy fix. Who ever in charge should just pay him and get some dates booked.
Jesse is an amazing guitar player and it’s true he could never be replaced. Glad The Time Handled it in a classy way
I’ve ALWAYS liked Jesse Johnson, he is my personal favorite!!
I don’t blame Jesse who I met personally behind stage in Chicago and he smelled and looked so good I almost swooned! But I never like when old school reunites. They had their Hey Day and now I think it’s classier if they can just relax and enjoy their money and the legacy and ALL the exciting memories they have and gave their fans.
Do what you do best is entertaining and give us fans what we enjoy is the music entertaining laughter and fun watching you guys perform God bless you all stay blessed
WHEN IS JESSE WOODS JOHNSON GOING RELEASE A NEW CUT?
Everything is going to work out it’s all in God hand Jesse and the guy’s have been like brothers for a very long time I pray that he’s will go back because he’s a talent brother on of my favorite artist along with Jimmy Terry, Morris, Jellybean, Jerome, and Monite. Love there music for years. its gonna work its self out. Be Blessed, Fred.