Jellybean Benitez

Born in New York City in 1957, Jellybean Benitez rose from humble beginnings in the Bronx and Manhattan to become one of the most influential DJs, producers, and remixers in dance music history. Starting out in the fertile New York club scene of the late 1970s and early 1980s, he developed his craft at legendary venues such as Studio 54 and Funhouse, where he gained a reputation for his innovative mixes and energetic sets that blended disco, Latin, hip hop, and emerging electronic styles. Jellybean’s keen ear for new sounds led him into the world of remixing, where he quickly made a name for himself working with artists including Madonna, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, and Paul McCartney.

His groundbreaking remixes and productions helped shape the sound of 1980s pop and dance music, with Madonna’s early hits like “Holiday,” “Borderline,” and “Lucky Star” especially notable for his creative vision. Beyond remixing, Jellybean enjoyed significant solo success with tracks like “The Mexican” and “Sidewalk Talk,” the latter featuring vocals from Madonna. He also founded Jellybean Recordings, supporting emerging dance and electronic artists, and remained active in radio and music programming.

Across his career, Jellybean Benitez has been recognized for opening doors for Latin and minority artists in dance music, and for pioneering techniques that have since become standard in the DJ and music production world. His legacy continues to influence generations of DJs, producers, and club-goers worldwide.