Best Jellybean Benitez Productions and Remixes
8 years ago
United States Jellybean Benitez is a renowned DJ, producer, and remixer, whose work has significantly shaped the New York City club scene and contributed to numerous pop music hits.
Madonna had recently signed with Sire Records and was introduced to Benitez by her record company’s promotions man. Benitez played Madonna's single "Everybody" at the Funhouse, which garnered audience support.
Benitez signed with EMI America, which led to his debut EP *Wotupski*.
Benitez served as a mix show deejay on WKTU, which was a number one pop station at the time.
Benitez signed a production deal with Warner Bros. Records.
Benitez has been involved in charitable causes, supporting the Cristian Rivera Foundation, which raises funding for a cure for diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG).
Round Hill Music acquired the publishing catalog of Jellybean Benitez, including hits by Madonna and Whitney Houston, and launched a joint venture with him.
Benitez is the President of Jellybean Music Group, established in January 1981.
Benitez is the Executive Producer of Studio 54 Radio - Channel 54 on SiriusXM, which launched in 2011 and features classic dance music.
DJ, record producer and songwriter John “Jellybean” Benitez curated the playlist for a Gucci space, featuring a line-up of music that recalls his past work.
John “Jellybean” Benitez, born on November 7, 1957, in New York City’s South Bronx, developed an early interest in music, often playing his sister’s record collection. He was nicknamed “Jellybean” by his sister, Debbie, derived from his initials J.B. and the common phrase, “Know what I mean, Jellybean?” Although he attended De Witt Clinton High School and John F. Kennedy High School, he did not graduate, choosing instead to pursue his passion for music. His early exposure to the club scene as a teenager, witnessing DJs seamlessly transition between tracks, inspired his career path. This initial fascination evolved into a professional commitment when he realized the impact of music on audiences.
Benitez began his professional DJ career in the mid-1970s, starting at Charlie’s in the Bronx in 1976. He moved to Manhattan, performing at various clubs including La Mariposa and Experimental Four. By 1979, he was busy, working seven nights a week at clubs like Hurrah, Le Mouches, Club Marrakesh, Blue Cloud, and La Falafel. Between 1976 and 1980, he also played at New York New York, Studio 54, Le Jardin, and the Grand Ballroom, eventually settling at Electric Circus and Xenon. In 1981, he became the resident DJ at the Funhouse, a pivotal venue where he deejayed for extended hours, from 10 p.m. to noon the next day, playing to large crowds of 16-17 year olds. During this time, he also hosted a weekend dance radio show at WKTU, further influencing dance charts with hits like Afrika Bambaataa’s “Planet Rock” (1982) and Shannon’s “Let the Music Play” (1983).
A significant turning point in Benitez’s career occurred in 1983 when he met Madonna at the Funhouse. Their collaboration led him to remix her debut album, *Madonna*, including singles like “Burning Up,” “Borderline,” and “Lucky Star.” He also produced “Holiday,” which became Madonna’s first international top ten hit. This period marked the beginning of his dual career as a deejay and a producer/remixer. His success continued with an EMI America production deal in 1984, and he went on to remix for numerous artists such as Paul McCartney, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Cyndi Lauper. In 1985, his production of Madonna’s “Crazy for You” reached number one, coinciding with his brief residency at the relaunched Palladium nightclub in New York City. Benitez later ventured into his own records, achieving success with tracks like “Sidewalk Talk” (US No. 18) and “Who Found Who” (US No. 16), making him the first DJ to appear on the pop chart as an artist.
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