NOTE: for the NYC producer, mixer, artist, and DJ , please use John Jellybean Benitez!

Bassist, born in Rio Piedreas Puerto Rico, started playing gospel music in church at the age of thirteen. Studied at the University of Puerto Rico and later the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music. Moved to New York in 1993.

John has participated in two instructional videos with master percussionist Giovanni Hildalgo and Cuban drummer Ignacio Berroa. He can also be seen on the national TV shows Good Morning America, The Today Show and Bet On Jazz.
Benitez has performed as sideman and featured special artist in all of the major jazz festivals and venues.