Elton John’s iconic song “Bennie and the Jets” has been revitalized with a brand new official video, directed by the creative duo Jack Whiteley and Laura Brownhill. This fresh visual interpretation breathes new life into a track that has captivated audiences for decades, offering both longtime fans and new listeners a compelling reason to revisit this classic.
Jack Whiteley, an award-winning director known for his work in music videos and commercials in London, teamed up with Laura Brownhill, the founder of Liverpool’s influential Kazimier art collective. Brownhill’s background in visual communication and DIY art scenes brings a unique perspective to the project. Together, they’ve crafted a video that doesn’t just illustrate the song, but reimagines its essence through a distinct aesthetic lens.
The directors describe their vision as “the future as if imagined from the past.” This intriguing concept is visually translated through a set design heavily inspired by Fritz Lang’s “Metropolis,” incorporating elements of sci-fi, constructivism, and minimalism. The video’s large-scale performance and synchronized choreography are nods to the elaborate and mesmerizing dance sequences found in Busby Berkeley films of the classic Hollywood era. Furthermore, the video’s atmosphere is enhanced by its camera work, lighting, and black and white aesthetic, all serving as an homage to the golden age of Hollywood cinema. This blend of retro-futurism and classic cinematic techniques creates a visually stunning backdrop for Elton John’s timeless music.
“Bennie and the Jets” was initially released as a single in the US in April 1974, becoming the third single from the album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. Despite Elton John’s initial preference for “Candle In The Wind” to be the US single, “Bennie and the Jets” proved to be a phenomenal success. It soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking Elton’s second #1 hit in America and spending an impressive 18 weeks on the chart. What’s particularly noteworthy is the song’s crossover appeal; it also broke into the Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart, reaching the #15 position. This unexpected success on the R&B charts stemmed from the song’s popularity on a Detroit R&B radio station even before its official single release, showcasing its broad appeal across genres and demographics. This radio play at CKLW ultimately convinced Elton and his team of the song’s potential in the US market.
Adding another layer to the song’s mystique is a production anecdote shared by producer Gus Dudgeon. He revealed that the song’s distinctive “live” sound was actually a studio creation. During the recording, Elton spontaneously played the opening piano chord a bar early. This accidental moment sparked the idea to create a faux-live atmosphere in the mix. Dudgeon and engineer David Hentschel recognized the chord’s effect, reminiscent of a stage cue before a performance, and decided to enhance this feeling, contributing to the song’s unique and enduring sonic character.
In conclusion, the new music video for “Bennie and the Jets” provides a visually compelling and conceptually rich companion to Elton John’s classic hit. Directed by Jack Whiteley and Laura Brownhill, the video not only celebrates the song’s legacy but also reimagines it for a contemporary audience, ensuring its continued relevance and appeal for generations to come.
