18 Jan The Original 7ven (Formerly The Time) Comment On Jesse Johnson Leaving The Band
The Original 7ven. Promo Photo
A month after Jesse Johnson announced he was leaving The Original 7ven, the band Formerly Known As The Time, the other band members have finally spoken about him leaving.
The statement was posted on the band’s website;
For the statement and exclusive video footage, click the continue reading button.
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
We are glad that The Original 6ix are staying together. I have a feeling the delay was also hoping that Jesse would change his mind but that did not happen.
Jesse Johnson has been rehearsing with D’Angelo as Jesse is set to tour as part of his band overseas shortly.
What do you think of the Original 6ix’s comments?-DocFB
Diagnosis: Hope you enjoy the video’s……
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8 String Wonder
Posted at 11:26h, 31 JulyI think it’s somewhat the “crazy genius” syndrome going on, but I think some of it’s staged too. Jesse is obviously a Hendrix clone in a lot of ways and seems to want to play out a lot of Hendrix’s life, such as the Little Richard (Morris Day)-Jimi (Jesse) dynamic, and the three piece, all-black band he tours with reminds me of the Band of Gypsys. He is still the greatest guitarist of any generation since Hendrix and we should all enjoy the ride, mental quirks aside.
Myles Matisse
Posted at 18:42h, 13 FebruaryWas thinking of my past comments and feel that Prince did what he did back in the day and each step of his journey because at that moment, he felt it was the right thing to do. So, for me to judge him is not cool because I didn’t walk in his shoes. And, if he wants to believe in Jehovahs Witness faith and it works for him, again, who am I to say it’s wrong? Fact is, he’s his own man, making his own choices. Some good, some bad but all HIS. We’re all in this life together and make our lives and careers work as WE see fit for our own individual needs and hopefully sometimes for the needs of others. Jesse had to go for his creative and personal spirit and reasons and that’s all good.
I was thinking about the choice of name of The Time in “Original 7ven”. The risk of picking a name like that is if one or more “original” members leave for whatever reason, the name just doesn’t work anymore. Too bad they couldn’t just go with The Time. Without Prince’s direct involvement though, Prince wasn’t cool with that happening. He’s got his reasons. Whether we agree or disagree, for me, it’s about respecting Prince’s decision and everyone involved.
imsofunky
Posted at 09:37h, 08 FebruaryHow you gonna say cut em up Jesse with no Jesse. Damn Jesse for the Big picture or the greater good…
Gary B
Posted at 13:06h, 28 JanuaryTo Jesse Johnson Get With The 6 And Keep It 7 Before They Go Get Ernie Isley,Ronnie Baker Brooks,Bernard Allison, Jesse It Should Be You
Myles Matisse
Posted at 14:32h, 25 JanuaryI’ve been a fan of Jesse’s music all through the years. From the beginning, he could tear it up on guitar better than Prince and to this day, he’s still better on the axe than Prince.
Being that Jesse and the boys in The Time are so talented, it would’ve been cool had Prince collaborated WITH the boys to make the records. With The Time being so micromanaged and orchestrated and controlled by Prince, it’s bound to make them want to do outside projects, hence Flyte Tyme Productions and Jesse going solo.
Sure, Prince had a vision, but I think it would’ve been better served with The Time had it been a writing/production/idea partnership. 50% Prince, 50% the 7 guys.
I think the reality of today is, because of The Time having to change their name due to legal threats from Prince, combined with such a long period where The Time didn’t release an album and also with Morris Day continuing to tour a different version of The Time, it’s all kind of made it to where many in the public are either confused about the name change or are just too much into different music to sell out their shows meaning the $$$$ for them may be complicated to make. I’m sure Jesse has bills to pay and seeing that he could make a lot of money touring with D’Angelo, what would you do? It’s nothing personal between Jesse and the boys. He just saw a more lucrative opportunity. Makes good business sense. It’s just too bad Jesse couldn’t find a way to work out BOTH. Stay in THE TIME while making money doing his solo and session work on his own. It’s possible. Very much so. But any tour with D’Angelo is going to take up ALL of Jesse’s time leaving NO time for…THE TIME. Paying bills and earning $$$ comes first. The only way I see “Original 7ven” REALLY making any money is to go on a joint tour with another band. In a perfect world, that band would be PRINCE and The Revolution. With Prince being a devout Jehovah’s Witness and not wanting to rehash the past, I don’t see that happening. Too bad because it not only would bring Prince and The Time’s worldwide fan base incredible joy but would also be incredibly profitable for them all.
Jaymee Stahrr
Posted at 07:17h, 25 JanuaryWTH does Prince being a control freak have to do with Jesse leaving? Nothing. Jesse has a loooonng history of mental problems culminating in a suicide attempt back in the 90’s. He was never going to be a stable part of the group. Never! Saying that Prince is a control freak is like saying the sky is blue. Name me one successful musician out there and I’ll show you a control freak. James Brown and Michael Jackson were two of the biggest control freaks out there. If you’re gonna be in the music business, you have to know and realize that every musician has a vision that they have to see through in order to be happy about the music they are making; or why even make it at all? Jesse, like a lot of guitarists, just hasn’t always been a team player. Look at the guitarists the Red Hot Chili Peppers have gone through for example. It’s insanely hard to keep one of those dudes happy. There’s just something about strapping the guitar on that makes you a little, uhm, eccentric (See Jimi Hendrix, Lenny Kravitz, Prince, Rick James, Chuck Berry, Ike Turner, Jesse Johnson, any of the Parliament/Funkadelic guitarists). Maybe it’s the electricity from the amp. Who knows. But for whatever the reason is, the decision to leave the band is solely on Jesse. And by the way, If I Was Your Man is the best song they’ve had in years. Should have been the first single.
Musgrave
Posted at 17:56h, 23 JanuaryIf I Was Your Man – Should have been the First Single!
Totally Agree….
Musgrave – Chicago
atownse7
Posted at 10:28h, 22 JanuaryI think Jesse has an heir abt himslf. Jesse thinks he is on Prince’s level. Never has been, never will be. He leaves a gig with family he knows to be in the shadows of yet another likeness of Prince. Listen, i think Jesse is an amazing guitarist. I was a big fan of his three hits…Be your man, I want my girl and Can u help me…Prince esq songs. It is his right to leave if he chooses. However you owe those guys much more than to let them know via FB… That is nonsense. I asume that he was not held to a contract. I love The Time. To the person who said that they are stiffled by Prince’s control. Prince not only jammed his groups up, but he jammed himslf bcse he had to sue WB get the use of his birth name back. + WB will not remaster any of his projects bcse of the ongoing drama btwn he and WB. His units will not sell bcse evry 1 has those versions already. Besides tht The Time can stand alone. They need to tour independent of Prince and change that name to 7Ven or 7ven AKA The Time. Its too long… The album covers shld be more in the vein of previous covers. And the content has to have that same feel of the previous time albums. Jam & Lewis are incredible producers. Monte is badd and Jellybean for the Alexander O’neal records. Liten the bottom line is tht these dudes have a fan base, and we are here to support if the project is dope. Release “If i was your man as a single” it should rock urban AC…. Peace….
Alfred Haynes
Posted at 21:45h, 21 JanuaryMyles Matisse, while you’re at it, blame Prince for your future hemorrhoids, too.
Is P. a jerk? Probably. Is he a control freak? Maybe. Is Prince the reason Jesse Johnson walked away from “The Time”, for good? I doubt it.
I have a feeling Jesse wasn’t in the mood to deal with all the nonsense and immaturity (allegedly) associated with being in that group.
Sometimes, the best thing you can ever do for yourself, is remove yourself from a toxic situation.
Merry G
Posted at 08:34h, 20 JanuaryAll seven of you still have class! Looking forward to future slammin music!
justmemuchlove
Posted at 07:28h, 20 January^^^^ Blah blah blah
Myles Matisse
Posted at 06:48h, 20 JanuaryFirst and foremost, I blame PRINCE for all this nonsense. He masterminded the band all those years ago, wrote all their jams, played much of it, even singing backing vox on the 1st couple albums. With all that control and him not giving much creative freedom to contribute in songwriting to the “7” members, it’s just a win/lose situation. Win (temporarily) for Prince…Lose for the band. A few years later when they all get back together to make “Pandemonium” and film the incredibly disappointing “Graffiti Bridge” Prince was still being a control freak and writing laughable jams for them like “Shake”. Years later, when The Time wanna get back together, Prince is absolutely un-C-O-O-L by refusing them the use of “The Time” and sending cease & desist letters. Because of all those years of control, Prince did way more damage to the power, growth and legacy of the band. “The Original 7ven”? You’ve got to be joking, right? WTF???? Is this some kind of horrific joke? Why Prince played the power card, stripping The Time of much of their forward momentum, but it helped play a part in Jesse’s decision to leave his brothers and go on to tour with D’Angelo. Knowing a HUGE Prince and related fan who went to the most recent Original 7ven show at Club Nokia, he was absolutely disappointed beyond words at how boring their show was in set list and energy. No new songs off their “Condensate” CD except for the single #Trendin’ and he said pretty much the exact same gig as the one they did in Vegas a few years prior. No wonder Jesse wanted out. It’s like how do you spell B-O-R-I-N-G? And, plus because of the irreparable damage Prince has brought to the sell-ability of “The Original 7ven”, how much money can they REALLY make? I mean, Jellybean confided in me that they got back together and made the record on their own terms because they have mortgages to pay. He wasn’t too happy about being in that position. I blame PRINCE for that and I’m not happy with him at all these days, hence why I won’t be having another Prince night HEAD for the indefinite future. Him being so rude and disrespectful to both The Time and The Family is unforgivable in my book. And, I’m not even gonna touch on the subject of Prince being a Jehovahs Witness which is completely disappointing to me and I know the wrong decision for P to make regarding his spirituality. While it’s his decision to make, I don’t have to be happy about it and I’m NOT. Prince’s actions towards The Time and how he’s handled it from inception to now has really hurt their name and funk. I mean, look at Prince and how he’s mismanaged HIS career. Leaving Warner Brothers so immaturely, blindly continuing to self-produce all his music, causing less than stellar songs to be released, his immersion in the JW faith causing him to turn his back on a great deal of his back catalog and wrongly insisting on doing wwwaaayyy too many covers in his concerts, not too mention poorly handling his relationships to Mayte and beyond. I’m angry regarding how he’s handled not only his own career but how he’s treated The Time and The Family, making them change their names. Anything BUT C-O-O-L.
With all that being written, I think Jesse should have stayed with The Original 7ven. But, you know, I can understand if he’s gotta go, if nothing else, for $$$ sake. And, I KNOW beyond a shadow of a doubt that if Prince had given them a bit more stake in the game from day one and let them co-write all their earlier jams (1st 4 records), not only would the band probably have stayed together, but they would have released many more albums and Jesse would still be in the band. Prince exerted too much control over his band creations and it was the WRONG decision for him to make because he single handedly has damaged the musical legacy of every band and artist he’s touched: The Family, The Time, Vanity 6, Apollonia 6 and beyond. The ONLY artist that has thrived through it all is Sheila E. and that’s probably partly due to the fact that her sense of artistry, passion and sense of self caused Prince to not be able to completely control her and her path. There’s a lot here to digest and it’s all my opinion. I just think Prince is to blame in where The Time (Original 7ven) are at today. It’s about TIME that they released “Condensate” on their own. It’s just a real shame Jesse felt stifled enough to leave. Not C-O-O-L.
Jhan
Posted at 05:43h, 20 JanuaryTotally respectful.
controversy12
Posted at 07:28h, 19 JanuaryI really wish they could have worked things out … I was sooo looking forward to more from The Original 7ven … the Condensate CD is AMAZING … I will still continue to support the guys in all of their future endeavors.
I agree with Chocolatebox … I have seen the”Original Time” in concert ( Las Vegas) and Jesse’s solo portion of the show was FIRE !!!! it won’t be quite the same without him.
chocolatebox
Posted at 03:23h, 19 JanuaryI admire them not throwing Jesse under the bus. But This reunion will not be the same without Jesse to me. I’m a fan of each and every member of this super talented group. They’re my all time favorite band. I feel fortunate to have witnessed there first show @ Club Nokia last year with Jesse & will 4ever treasure that moment. But its not the same I’m sorry to say…Jesse Johnson’s segment of the show was the highlight to me…I wish them all well in finding a replacement. The good thing about it is the “Condensate” album won’t go to waste because it is brilliant…
Musgrave
Posted at 20:22h, 18 JanuaryI just wanted to say – I Really, REALLY Enjoyed this last album,… I thought it was a totally professional effort that is missing in most music today. In fact I was looking forward to and hoping for a follow up album next year.
So as sad as it seems to lose Jesse,…. This band has to much magic to call it quits.
God Bless,…
Musgrave – Chicago
Sbacon1999
Posted at 18:15h, 18 JanuaryPrince doesn’t seem too busy these days. He plays a mean guitar…