Jellybean Benitez

Jellybean Benitez began his professional DJ career in the mid-1970s, establishing himself at Charlie’s in the Bronx in 1976 before moving to Manhattan clubs like La Mariposa and Experimental Four. By 1979, he was performing seven nights a week at venues including Hurrah, Le Mouches, and Club Marrakesh. Between 1976 and 1980, Benitez also held residencies at New York New York, Studio 54, and Le Jardin, ultimately settling at Electric Circus and Xenon. In 1981, he became the resident DJ at the legendary Funhouse, deejaying for extended hours, from 10 p.m.

In 1985, his production of Madonna’s ‘Crazy for You’ reached number one, coinciding with his residency at the relaunched Palladium nightclub in New York City. Benitez ventured into his own records, releasing his debut album Wotupski!?! in 1984, which featured ‘The Mexican,’ achieving his first number-one hit on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart. His track ‘Sidewalk Talk’ (1984) reached US No.

DJ/Artists Hall of Fame. Most recently, Benitez announced the launch of Jellybean’s Funhouse, a record store in Fort Lauderdale, signifying his ongoing commitment to music culture and community.