One of the most famous DJs and music producers of the 1980s, John "Jellybean" Benitez now serves as president of Jellybean Music Group in New York. Over the years, Jellybean Benitez has worked with many acclaimed musical artists, including Madonna and Whitney Houston. In addition to his wealth of music industry experience, Mr. Benitez studied marketing at Baruch College in New York City. Baruch College earned a spot on Forbes’ list of Best Value Colleges in 2017. The list contains 300 schools that Forbes considers worth the investment, based on tuition and earnings following graduation, among other factors. In determining the rankings, Forbes searched for schools that can deliver a significant return on investment. Among the 300 schools on the list, Baruch College ranked above schools such as Boston University, George Washington University, New York University, and Carnegie Mellon University.Forbes’ list is part of a growing trend to assess schools based on both academic excellence and value. Baruch College also received recognition from The Princeton Review on its list of Colleges That Pay You Back.
Since 1981, John “Jellybean” Benitez has served as the president of Jellybean Music Group in New York. Actively involved in his professional community, Jellybean Benitez is a member of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA).In an April 21 ceremony, SAG-AFTRA renamed its membership center in honor of Ken Howard, to recognize his vision and efforts in bringing SAG and AFTRA together. The Ken Howard Membership Center serves as a resource where the union’s members can use computers and learn about SAG-AFTRA events.Howard passed away in March 2016 while serving as the first elected leader of the new joint organization. In addition to leading the merger of the two organizations, Howard was passionate about supporting members and mentoring young people.SAG-AFTRA dedicated the center to Howard in a ceremony at SAG-AFTRA Plaza attended by his wife, Linda Howard, and several SAG-AFTRA executives, including President Gabrielle Carteris, Executive Vice President Rebecca Damon, and Secretary-Treasurer Jane Austin.
A DJ and remix artist who launched H.O.L.A. (Home of Latino Artists) Recordings, John “Jellybean” Benitez released his first album, Just Visiting This Planet, in 1987, and then produced two more albums, Jellybean Rocks the House and Spillin' the Beans. As a professional musician and entertainer, Jellybean Benitez maintains membership in the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA).Having recently celebrated the five year anniversary of its merger, SAG-AFTRA continues to fight for the rights of media professionals across the country and throughout the world. The organization also works with local, state, federal, and international governments to increase protection for its members.In addition to these efforts, SAG-AFTRA also helps to empower its members on the grassroots level. Through MOVE (Members Organizing Volunteer Efforts), the union encourages solidarity among professional artists and performers in order to help maintain the highest standards for its members.MOVE also offers a variety of educational programs for and through its members. These opportunities include professional training, forums, and networking events.
