Elton John's “Bennie And The Jets” performed by Jacob Lusk of Gabriels | The Gershwin Prize | PBS

Official website: to.pbs.org/41eoAAr | #GershwinPrizePBS
Jacob Lusk of the band Gabriels performs "Bennie And The Jets" at the 2024 Gershwin Prize for Popular Song concert honoring Elton John and Bernie Taupin at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., March 30, 2024.
"Bennie and the Jets" first appeared on Elton John's 1973 album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. Jacob Lusk is known for his British-American band Gabriels, and also appeared on American Idol in 2011.
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#GershwinPrize #EltonJohn #livemusic
About the Gershwin Prize:
The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song is the nation’s highest award for influence, impact and achievement in the field of popular song. It was established in 2007 to recognize and honor the artists whose creative works, both printed and recorded, are collected, preserved, made accessible, and valued by the nation’s library. It acknowledges the preeminent place of popular song in modern society and its vital role in expressing and deepening the personal and shared values of our time.
Gershwin Honorees are selected by the Librarian of Congress in consultation with music specialists within the Library, former Gershwin Prize Honorees, and eminent outside experts in the field, including scholars, publishers, producers, composers and performers.

[@awwfunkme]

I have NEVER heard of this guy. I will NEVER forget this guy.

[@user-cw7su8ro1h]

He was on American Idol in like 2011. Loved him then, love him now!

[@caseyeisenman]

Me too!

[@GatGrovePicholas]

Check out Blame by Gabriels 🙏

[@theclockworkpineapple]

I am completely with you!

[@awwfunkme]

@@theclockworkpineapple Love your name!!

[@landonlaw9595]

Mad respect to the piano player just absolutely vibing every time he’s on camera

[@chantalalexander]

For real the way he was just smiling big in the background

[@HighVibesOnly3x3x3]

Didn’t he make that piano talk!!

[@marccodispoti7416]

That's the great....Adam Chester!!

[@donna-mariapavia6082]

His name is Adam Chester and he was thrilled to be there ♥️

[@SW-vn7ve]

The piano was singing just as much as the performer! Amazing!!!!

[@htmlclass23]

He ATE and left NO CRUMBS!!!!

[@cb4664]

FEASTED

[@billierodriguez5031]

Not one!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@wendybutler1681]

And mopped up the gravy with biscuits!

[@denesejamerson6540]

Let nothing for the roaches nor rats!

[@deputy3690]

Not cool to say that.

[@GregBry3]

The fact Sir Elton John just looks like a regular excited fan is insane!

[@marsac9892]

No clue who this guy is, but to stand on stage, in front of Sir Elton John, and light that song up is pretty amazing 👏

[@TXLogic]

Right? I'd never heard of him!

[@gjermundnorumbugge7373]

I remember him being on American Idol a long time ago. He was in the same season and Hailey Reinhart and Casey Abrams. That was the only time I watched American Idol ever, so I remember it :P

[@sherrer25]

@@gjermundnorumbugge7373 YES! I remember his performance of "I believe I can fly" on American Idol. I will never forget it, in fact

[@Rosemarie6211]

'This Guy' as you call hlm is the singularly wonderful JACOB LUSK from the Gabriels band with one of The Most Amazing Albums 'Angels & Queens' recently released. Have a listen! Do it! ❤

[@warrenstrachan9765]

I believe he is signed to EJ's record label, he was one of the opening acts at 2022 BST concert for Elton and as far as I know all the openers were signed to him.

[@BabyLambCreations]

Jacob Lusk really took me to church with his amazing voice. This has to be the greatest cover of “Bennie and the Jets” I’ve ever heard. Not to mention Adam Chester was awesome playing Elton’s piano.

[@marsac9892]

Agreed, that performance was 💯🔥

[@mariewaters9346]

Amen to that!!!

[@charm6531]

A great performance with rookie intro script error abt Bennie?

[@elizabethwongmark9978]

Took me to church - perfect description!!!

[@elainemeyer5062]

@@charm6531I thought so too. But I was corrected by someone in another comment I wrote. Jacob was referring to a person from the Bible’s ‘Book of the ‘Jets’ who had the same first name - Bennie.

[@dr.edwardsmith]

My guy Jacob OWNED that room!!!!!!!!!

[@monicablack5729]

He owned EVERYTHING!!🎉🎉

[@monicagoshay5244]

He owned it!

[@andreawashington4977]

Yes he DID!!! And they had CHURCH up in there!!!!

[@readinzession1308]

RESPECT, KEPT IT CLASSIC WITH A TWIST

[@cherylemerson3697]

Jacob just gets it! Yes!!!

[@jewelqueen5949]

Elton almost looked like he just heard this song for the first time!!!

[@everythingdana9322]

HE DID THAT!!! HIS RANGE IS AMAZING!!! Now this is how you honor a tribute.

[@michellepitird1757]

Absolutely !

[@theclockworkpineapple]

Exactly! I love when they get fantastic singers for tributes.

[@StoptheMaddness1963]

Sho' Nuff !!!!!!!!!!!

[@mojojojo114]

He's waited his entire life for this performance.

[@HaniyahYisrael]

And killed it

[@nursejackye]

Ok he did that 👏🏾👏🏾! I need this version on Spotify NOW!

[@MsT_ThatsMe]

Right, Right.. I played this a few times over.

[@HopefullyOverwhelmed]

Same...you said that!!

[@Sakazhua]

Immediately!!!

[@alexanderiahawkins3457]

Right like right now

[@morganrosalyn]

CMON NEPHEW!!! I watched this and sang and cheered like it was a FIRST SUNDAY EVENING PROGRAM.

[@moniquewhite2048]

Me too!

[@bee6684]

Meeee tooooo!!! Literally as if he was my blood nephew ❤

[@znayJ]

That piano player was with him on every key of that piano 🎹

[@murfdog19]

This guy was an American Idol contestant years ago. I remember him being in the top ten.

[@erykaton170]

I thought he looked familiar!

[@Tes7000]

Jacob was my favorite the season he was on, and watching this performance, it is astonishing that he never sang a song by Patti LaBelle during the competition.

[@jamestribeofephraim6607]

You right. Not the X Factor🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️😂😂. I just knew it was the x factor😂😂😂

[@sharongary6009]

5th place to be exact.

[@Oletechiegirl]

Even the pianist is feeling it!

[@shirl3942]

When he starts smiling I knew we were in for a treat!

[@tahjjj1488]

I don’t know who the singer is but Sir Elton John looked like he was feeling this music in his spirit this night! And he doesn’t seem to be the only one! Lovely performance!

[@seniorpz1969]

fifth place on the tenth season of American Idol

[@Kiiieeechiii]

2:16 Elton’s face is like “this is the best cover of the song I’ve heard”

[@mariewaters9346]

I’m 69 and this is up there with the best live performances ever!!

[@elainemeyer5062]

I’m the same age as you, and think the same, as far as covers go on this song. With the exception of Elton’s ‘own’ himself, Jacob did a 🌟 cover and tribute to him, and Bernie Taupin’s classic (I went to his 👏 ‘Farewell’ concerts in ‘22 - twice)!

[@Rosemarie6211]

Come and join the Gabriels Love Fest Ladies! Discover much more of Jacob Lusk's beautiful voice on the Gabriels band Angels and Queens Album 💖💖

[@pdxjho]

Nice

[@latosharay9862]

All black folks love this song

[@MsTrish627]

Yup we do 🥰

[@bstapleton3248]

This is the great thing about KZbin. We get to see things we likely never got to see. Never heard of this guy, missed the PBS event, and that is sad for me but here it is. This guy took us to church just like he wanted to. He had that crowd ON THEIR FEET one line into the song, including Elton and Bernie. Talk about bribing the house down!

[@RebelRouserEsq]

Wooooo!!! Jacob SANG THAT!!!!! Turned this classic every way but loose 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@littlewingmyoho]

Jacob who ?? Love him and need to know 😊

[@readinzession1308]

RESPECT HE DID KEPT IT CLASSIC WITH A TWIST AND PIANO PLAYER WAS GREAT

[@jayelove1504]

He sung the shyt out of that song....the pianist was amazing too....did I see Joni Mitchell, Nancy Pelosi etc....Elton and his spouse thoroughly enjoyed it!! Way to go Jacob Lusk...🎤🎼🎵🎶💜

[@katieydiddkatieydidd7269]

That was absolutely our girl, Nancy Pelosi!!!!

[@wholeshebang1]

That fabulous pianist who's thoroughly enjoying himself, is Adam Chester, who is the piano player for rehearsals with Elton John's band.

[@BuddhaBites]

And was that Mike Pence next to Nancy Pelosi, losing his natural mind?😊

[@nazcraz11]

@@BuddhaBites Absolutely not, but that would be hilarious. Lol.

[@angelsflight1837]

That's really awesome that he is the warm up for Elton with the band. For how long?. Nobody except Elton could have rocked it . But this guy

[@hadawson72268]

Look how happy the piano player is to be playing with Jacob ... right from the start .. he's like here we go... amazing vocals....

[@debbycoley]

He's got the choir and the congregation in his voice.

[@kgreen8527]

But not in his actions!

[@kevinharris3993]

It is wonderful seeing Elton John positive response to someone singing his classic song. Jacob took us to church on this song and made it his own.

[@LeeLLewis]

Seeing Elton doing “I’m not worthy!” bowing to Lusk singing an epic Elton song was fire epic!

[@inesspanni]

Yes Sir John did!!!

[@arethabrown5]

Jacob Lusk is thoroughly enjoying this and I can’t help to think that Elton John would have loved to have been able to perform “Bennie and the Jets” this way as his whole-self just over 50 years ago. 👏

[@inasez]

I feel you and agree, but I don't think Elton could ever be accused of holding back his self expression on a performance. 😅

[@Heyu7her3]

But how when Jacob Lusk is Black Church American born & raised? This is a very specific style that's not of England.

[@cb4664]

@@Heyu7her3That’s not what she meant 🙄

[@panafricanismstrikesback]

She meant in full flamboyance

[@inasez]

@panafricanismstrikesback you've SEEN 1970s Elton right??

[@latoshana2331]

I'm so happy for him.. all that singing in school... paid off.. big 10.. my high school buddy...

[@simmiedavissimmiesings8185]

Nice. He will seenyour comment and feel that compliment, hopefully

[@annetteburgesswriter]

Jacob Lusk, bayBEEEEE, you showed up and showed OUT!! ❤🔥🔥🔥

[@sandraklee03]

And Did!

[@BC99]

He really blew the roof off of the joint. Well done!

[@markmarsh27]

Has anyone EVER "owned a room" like Jacob did there? The guy is AMAZING! (doesn't hurt to have a classic epic song to sing either!). WOW!!

[@Rosemarie6211]

I reckon he should do an Album of reworked Elton n Bernie Hits!

[@sandrawagner216]

You have to an amazing singer to even attempt to sing 1 of Elton John songs, and sweetheart he really did an Awesome job. ❤

[@LilliLamour]

Come to a Black church 😅

[@Rosemarie6211]

@@LilliLamour That's where Jacob started naturally

[@timothywolfenden4478]

He owned the entire night....and room

[@hermosareina1212]

The pianist is doing it too. Do that!!!❤❤

[@ThePsyberGiantess]

I never thought I could love any version of this song other than the original. What a glorious, glorious presentation. I'm tingling all over.

[@achadwick2452]

Same! Blew my mind. I'll replay this over and over forever I think!

[@timothywolfenden4478]

I've already listened a dozen times.

[@HistoryMediaStar]

Nice to see a crowd actually get up and enjoy themselves singing and dancing! Too often now the audience is stuck in their seats silence doing nothing.

[@lindagraham3777]

The room was on fire, what a privilege for people to be there, epic performance

[@acebragg5559]

The room was full of privileged people.

[@misir7482]

THAT WAS..... AMAZING! FROM THE FIRST RUN TO THE LAST BENNIE!!!! NOW THAT'S HOW YOU PUT ON A SHOW!!! OUTSTANDING!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@WERURadioTheUrbanSoundOfPride]

ATE IT ALL! LEFT NO CRUMBS! AND DRAGGED THE TABLE OUT OF THE DOOR BEHIND HIM!!!!

[@juststardust8103]

Just can't believe what I've just heard. This is perfect! Elton must be very proud.

[@brownsuga810]

THIS MAN SAAAANG THAT SONG!!!!! ONE OF MY FAVORITES WHEN I WAS IN THE 9TH GRADE!!!!!! 🥰 63 NOW!!❤🎉

[@jilllevenderis6260]

Amazing performance. I loved that I'd never heard of him and had no idea what to expect. I was blown away by every aspect of his being. His star shines so brightly. Thank you, Gershwin Prize for the introduction.

[@0bserver44]

Check out his band Gabriels. Wonderful

[@Patchwork85]

He was on American Idol!

[@darrienglass4058]

I know the brother, he's from the City of Compton, real nice guy. glad to see him make his way from the streets to the stage.

[@sschmidt3398]

Seeing Sir Elton so happy and enjoying his song covered by this beautiful human, what a very exciting and happy moment. Also look at his generation enjoying every bit. I love that everyone is standing and singing and dancing. I love this soooo much.

[@elainemeyer5062]

As you realized, most of the entire audience was comprised of people from the Baby Boomer generation, like myself, who grew up with Elton’s music - and still 🩷 it and him! I did the same as they did at the 2 ‘Farewell’ concerts I went to and I’m almost 70!

[@kristinahansen1]

The power of music.

[@AnExPor]

WOW, that was a killer cover!

[@AnExPor]

Also, I need to go listen to Jacob Lusk. Love some suggestions.

[@henriettaparks4266]

🎉 JUST 🎉🎉🎉🎉 MARVELOUS 🎉!!!! 😍😍!!! 😻💖☺️😊

[@rodturner6759]

I was born in 70, these songs have been with me my entire life...

[@wendybutler1681]

I was born in 57 into a house with sisters much older. I used to turn their radios off after they left for school. WDGY. I finally asked one of them what a ducavurl was. Duke of Earl. I knew every word but what was this ducavurl they were talking about? You came along in time to catch some of the greatest bands of all time. We are blessed.

[@mhm8922]

Born toward the end of 60’s and this song has been one of my favorites since the 70’s, from the guy with the glasses, hat, and big shoes (…platforms)… At least that’s what I called Elton when I was a kid. I can still remember one of the first times seeing him perform with crazy glasses, a crazy hat, crazy clothes, and crazy platforms on. But more than anything, I remember my reaction to hearing his voice and him playing the piano. He always pulled me in. ❤❤❤

[@Holysmokespotcast]

That’s how I feel!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!❤❤❤ I been jamming all day at work too

[@CoverBandConfidential]

Dude upstaged nearly EVERYONE at this event. That's no small feat considering the lineup. 🔥

[@LM-bt7sg]

This was the best performance of someone singing Benny and the Jets…. Ever!! And it was crowned by Elton John himself!

[@barbiec4312]

This guy killed that song! What a treat. ❤

[@doreant7906]

Wow I give him 10 Stars wow!

[@mrs.danyalefryer]

I betcha everyone in that audience sang Bennie on the ride home that night ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@2ndEsdras69]

Jacob Lusk is a phenomenal performer.

[@OnlyChild68]

One of the most talented and quite probably most unique performances of the night

[@shirl3942]

When i saw the piano player smile from " head to toe" before a note was sung, i KNEW this was going to be awesome!!!

[@alexandraporter8985]

❤ You are perceptive!!!

[@LADYDIVAful]

Me too!🤍🤍🤍

[@ClifftonCrowder-yt2gt]

At almost 56 years old, I still say this one of the greatest written and performed pop songs ever. My first thought was WHY would anyone even try, but this young man nailed it. I never heard of him until this moment...awesome performance and vocal.

[@ourblazingworld]

Seeing Elton enjoying that performance so intensely made my night. He deserves some of the joy back that he has given to so many!

[@MichaelAlhilly]

Can not lie. That dropped so hard.

[@kgiovanni9443]

Jacob should get a Prize for this performance. Can't stop watching!

[@pamelalewis299]

That was amazing he did Elton John proud 🔥👏🏾🔥👏🏾🔥👏🏾

[@awwilliams263]

P-E-R-F-E-C-T-I-O-N!!! Jacob Lusk of the band Gabriels did an EXCELLENT rendition of Bennie & the Jets... and what made it more wonderful was watching the ICON GOAT SIR ELTON JOHN thoroughly enjoying their performance. #Bravo #Respect💯👍🏽🥰😘

[@fran7759]

I'm in love with Jacob Lusk! what a voice! what a interpretation of this song!

[@Muudboard]

He gave me goosebumps. Not just a voice but his stage presence. What an incredible talent.

[@Rosemarie6211]

Me too! Isn't he simply Wonderful 🤗

[@SportyOtterPop]

I really wish I could hug this guy, in appreciation of how absolutely wonderful this version is!

[@teribarros1662]

Amazing. The best cover of this song ever.

[@jamekiawilliams124]

Baby he did that!!!!!!!!!! Best performance I've seen in awhile!!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤ he sung and ate every part of this even the beginning was beautifully entertaining!!!

[@dwade1958]

This is WONDERFUL! If you're given the unenviable task of performing an iconic, well known song in front of it's creator, and owning it, THIS IS HOW YOU DO IT! And having both Sir Elton and Queen Joni digging it, well it just doesn't get better than that. I hope Jacob Lusk's career reaches now heights after this incredible performance!!

[@jstringer4900]

Me too! I followed him on Idol and felt like he was one of the best R&B singers I'd ever heard.

[@plee6223]

Everyone in this rooms seems to be having an amazing time.

[@sonicgrub]

For me, easily the best Elton and Bernie rendition of the night and an all-time classic cover for the ages.

[@007peeper1]

He totally owns that stage . Love that soul and vibe. Even Elton stood up and dance .

[@stylecollective-qt9um]

This is one of the first songs I ever remember playing in my house as a toddler.it's been my favorite for 50 years. This young man did an OUTSTANDING rendition, giving honor to Sir Elton and making it all his own. BRAVO!!!🤩🤩🤩

[@St3amyMags]

Fell in love with the song all over again ❤

[@berniceholmes9657]

Me too

[@LADYDIVAful]

YES!🤍

[@katieydiddkatieydidd7269]

That echo at 1:31 is straight from the Book of Karen Clark Sheard! Gospel is the gift that just keeps on giving. I love it.

[@jamestribeofephraim6607]

I was wondering if anyone would catch it 😂😂😂

[@ezmima1175]

I caught that too!!

[@ithajean]

❤❤❤❤❤❤ ❤ yes

[@midnitehour1]

Very that!

[@Ted_Swayinghill]

He had some Rance Allen in there too!

[@simonspenser7242]

His voice is like an instrument. Amazing

[@melodied4314]

This guy and the piano player just taught a class on how to work a room.❤❤

[@largearms1641]

One of the greatest live performances i‘ve ever seen

[@SweetUareDesi]

So much charisma

[@tracyparris1475]

What a performance 😊

[@AlyssaMosbrooker]

His voice is like a saxophone so much range literal chills

[@carolynwoolman3068]

Amazing! Could listen all day. Thank you PBS for sharing. Just turned 79 yesterday and this still makes me want to move to the music.

[@KenNixon-gb5sr]

This young man murdered and revived this song all at the same time greatness 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@MM-dv9hp]

New generation having fun with a classic. Mad respect.✊🏿 ❤

[@msauthentic6182]

Outstanding performance! Jacob Lusk was excellent. The pianist more than tickled the ivories...he made them hysterical. Awesome talent!! I listened to this as a child & it remains in the top 5 of my Playlist!! Ready for Philadelphia Freedom after that!! Thank you Sir Elton John for so many years of phenomenal music!!🎶🎹🎤💖

[@Miranda50709]

This was my favorite performance of the night. Jacob was amazing.

[@philipflores2515]

Metallica outdid everybody

[@satyabratamishra4670]

@@philipflores2515 i dont really like hetfield's phrasing in singing love lies bleeding but the band was tight. elton ngl sang it more rock n roll in the 90s

[@alejandrodominguez6030]

My favorite part about Elton and Bernie at these performances is the genuine joy you can see in their faces. You can tell they're just having a blast listening to a super fun rendition of their song!

[@PitaTaukei]

Brother took Sir Elton to church!🔥💯

[@koffeblk]

He slayed that! Sir Elton is happy with that performance!

[@beccaboo4226]

My lord did this move me…. Insane talent, and such an amazing version of a great tune!

[@BarbaraNoteboom]

Can you imagine performing that for Sir Elton???? Wow!!

[@ruthfoster1579]

This has got to be the best Benny and the Jets cover I’ve ever heard ….amazing!!!❤❤❤

[@diva70smusic]

I love the audience participation as much as the performance on stage. One of the best live acts I have ever seen. Magnificent!!

[@kimsherlock8969]

Loved seeing the audience having a wonderful time 😊😊

[@jasonford7481]

This dude can sing!

[@mikasan237]

I love how enthused Elton is!!!

[@geraldcopeland3726]

As a Foundational Black American(Freedman) it gives my heart delight how our culture is enjoyed and mimicked by all other cultures around the world. To celebrate the Britain musical icon Elton John through FBA culture is befitting as soul music inspired his work.

[@Run4974]

As a born Jamaican living in the US since I was 11 , and now 49, I couldn’t agree more.

[@johngomillion4872]

Killer performance of this song. I had just read that this was one song that Sir Elton John least liked to perform. He would still perform it, because everyone wanted to hear it.. It has to be in the top ten favorite songs of mine by Him.❤

[@elainemeyer5062]

IDK if I’d believe that, or everything else people write about others. I saw Elton performing this one live in ‘22 in his 2 ‘Farewell’ concerts. Both included this song, and he appeared to thoroughly enjoy it (as well as the audience), plus he did an 👏 awesome imo (@ 70ish)!

[@GregBry3]

The fact you have to say top 10 by him is crazy. But you are right! He has a crazy catalog

[@Dengee]

I never heard of this guy but he's friggin AMAZING!!!❤❤❤❤❤

[@KristineMaitland]

Brings to mind Aaron Neville. Great work.

[@shanecahal]

He;s lead singer with a BAND CALLED GARIELS

[@JenJHayden]

@@shanecahal thanks! Had no idea. I just remember him from American Idol

[@jeannemclaughlin9630]

i keep watching this... it lifts me

[@paulafritchman4291]

Not a single crumb to be found ❤️

[@neilhalley8897]

First see this chap at Glastonbury last year. Unbelievable voice.

[@68south277layd]

One of the best performances I’ve seen in a long time! Voice is amazing. The piano man stole my heart and the other musician were outstanding. Great tribute. Thanks Jacob Lusk!! Elton John is a musical genius. ❤️❤️❤️

[@AlphaandOmega-mb1wg]

Wow wow wow! I'm 64 and this is one of my favorite songs. Who doesn't love Elton. A masterpiece. The pianist is fire 🔥🔥. You go boi ❤❤. They ATE ❤❤❤

[@s.tenisereynolds9004]

This was one of me and my mom's jams as I grew up and may she rest in love❤ I can't stop smiling and do grateful for all her great music choices/tastes as I grew up that knew no gender, orientation, race or culture. She was one of the best ❤❤❤❤❤🎉 thanks Elton for the years of rocking with my momma

[@MLeibs]

Stole the show! So fabulous! 🕺🏼💃🏻

[@bronzemen34]

Yup Elton LOVED IT U PASSED ✅

[@brendameteyer6377]

Such a wonderful voice this young man has, TRULY AWESOME

[@laurabrawner9072]

Wow!!! Amazing!! That entire evening was just one huge celebration!! Clear on everyone’s face - huge party!! Amazing talent came out in force to honor 2 amazing artists!!!