Tony Mantor's : Almost Live..... Nashville - Jennifer Jones: the journey to be the first African American Radio City Music Hall Rockette

Episode Date: February 3, 2026

Breaking Barriers: Jennifer Jones' Journey to Becoming a Rockette and Beyond In this episode of Almost Live Nashville, host Tony Mantor interviews Jennifer Jones, the first African American Radio City Music Hall Rockette. Jennifer shares her inspiring journey, from her unexpected audition for the Rockettes to her historic debut at the Super Bowl 22 halftime show. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of breaking racial barriers, her other accomplishments as an author, cancer survivor, and advocate for diversity and representation. With poignant anecdotes and invaluable advice, Jennifer sheds light on her life's work and future aspirations, offering a fascinating glimpse into the world of entertainment and personal resilience. Meet Jennifer Jones: Breaking Barriers Jennifer's Journey to Stardom Challenges and Triumphs as a Rockette Jennifer's Advocacy and Recent Achievements Personal Reflections and Advice Future Aspirations and Current Projects Rapid Fire Questions and Conclusion INTRO/OUTRO: T. Wild Mantor Music BMI Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

career in the entertainment industry has enabled me to work with a diverse range of talent. Through my years of experience, I've recognized two essential aspects. Industry professionals, whether famous stars or behind-the-scenes staff, have fascinating stories to tell. Secondly, audiences are eager to listen to these stories, which offer a glimpse into their lives and the evolution of their life stories. This podcast aims to share these narratives, providing information on how they evolved into their chosen career. We will delve into their journey to stardom, discuss their struggles and successes, and hear from people who help them achieve their goals. Get ready for intriguing behind-the-scenes stories and insights into the fascinating world

of entertainment. Hi, I'm Tony Mantor. Welcome to Almost Live Nashville. Joining us today is Jennifer Jones. Jennifer made history as the first African American Radio City Music Hall Rock at, breaking racial barriers and paving the way for future generations of dancers. She made her national debut during the Super Bowl 22 halftime show, marking a transformative moment in her career and the legacy of the Rockettes. She has become an award-winning performer, author, and advocate celebrated for her pioneering achievements and powerful storytelling. She's also the creator of the dancing jendal, promoting representation and diversity for children

everywhere. She is also a colorectal cancer survivor and passionate advocate for awareness and early detection using her voice to inspire hope and resilience. Most recently, she has been officially inducted into the Joint Is Jumping exhibit at the Hollywood Museum, a tribute to black artists, performers, writers, and sports figures, opening February 19th. She now stands among legends including Whitney Houston, Lena Horn, Denzel Washington, Ella Fitzgerald, Oprah Winfrey, Diana Ross, Whoopi Goldberg, Muhammad Ali, and many more. She has a tremendous story to tell us. So before we dive into our episode, we'll be back with an uninterrupted show right after a word

from our sponsors. Thanks for joining us today. Oh, thank you for having me. Oh, the pleasure is all mine. I really enjoy what you do, and I'm looking forward to this conversation. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you. You were the first African-American to join the Rockettes. Can you give us a glimpse of what that was like?

What were your emotions when you first stepped on stage and performed with them? Oh, being the first African-American rockette was simply amazing. Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted to dance on a grand stage, you know, have the lights, the lashes, the lipstick, the light, everything. And I really got a chance to do that on the landmark stage of Radio City Musical. And not only did I get to live out of my childhood dream of dancing, but I got to open the doors for other black dancers to call themselves Radio City Musical Rockettes. Did you realize that you were not only chasing your dreams, but in fact changing history?

I had no idea who the Rockets were when auditioned for the Radio City Musical Rockets. I did not even know who they were. Growing up, my parents were avid Broadway goers. They went to see all the latest and greatest Broadway shows, Ben Vareen and Pippin, Jesus Christ's superstar hair. And when the Wids came to Broadway, and it was kid-friendly, and that was with Stephanie Mills and Mabel King, Andre DeShields, all the great. They took me and my sister to see it five times. And each time, it was more solidified in me that, this is what I want to do with my life. And then after the show, each time we would wait at the backstage door, wait for autograph. And I remember driving home through the Lincoln Tunnel thinking, I want to do what they do on that stage,

walk out of the backstage door. And that is what I'm supposed to do with my life. So when I auditioned for the Rockhead, I didn't know who they were. A friend of mine encouraged me to go. She saw the audition in a trades paper. She said, Jennifer, you'd make a great rock hat. You should really go to this audition. Then, I don't know.

But being very green and new in the business, I was very nervous and intimidated at auditions. So I went to the audition to get over that nervousness and get ready for my big Broadway break. Can you tell us what some of the challenges were that you faced? Being the first black women on the line, with change coming in an institution like that, they were founded in 1925. So after a good 60 years having a black woman on the line, there was resistance to that, not only with ladies on the line, but also with people in management. There were also ladies on the line who were ready for, you know, the line to be integrated and thought it was time. Especially in 1987 under the backdrop of New York City, you would have thought that there would be a black woman on the line.

So I really leaned into the ladies that were kind and wanted me to be the best Rockette. possible and help me learn the Rockett terminology, the Rockett language, the moves, the eye-high kicks, and that's what I did. What year was it that you joined? I was hired in 1987, and my debut performance was the 1988 Super Bowl halftime show, Super Bowl 22. Wow. So the Rockettes just celebrated 100 years.

What does that mean to you, knowing that you played such a role in reshaping that iconic name into what it has grown into today. It feels quite amazing looking back on my journey and knowing that my presence and dancing at Radio City Music Hall really changed a lot of ways that the families come see the show now and a lot of ways that changed the dance industry to be more diverse and integrated. It's just kind of the cherry on top for a little girl to just want to dance. on a great stage and actually change history. Now, was you originally from New York when you first started dancing in this?

I'm a Jersey girl born and raised. Well, that's close enough, so that's okay. I just heard that you are a part of Hollywood's this joint is jumping. Yes! Now, how does that feel? Not only is it honoring black entertainers, as well as sports figures. Your name's in there with Ella Fitzgerald.

Muhammad Ali, Richard Pryor. That's big names. That has to be overwhelming. You know, that really hasn't sunk in yet. That just came across my desk within the past week. And I am so elated to be a part of all of those entertainers and sports figures. And it's still kind of like resonating in my body. And I'm just, I feel blessed and honored. Yeah, that's great. Now, what do you hope that the visitors as well as the younger people? What do you think that they will take away seeing your story and you being represented in this great exhibit? Well, my hope is to have children and adults look at possibilities and never live a life of regret or I wish I could have or I wonder what if I did this? When I was going after my dream, I did not want to live in that reality and I really went and I went for it.

And it came out so much better than I could have even imagined. And I think that's possible for everyone, as long as you follow your inner instinct, your passion in life, and don't give up. Now, I understand you have written a children's book entitled On the Line. Yes. Can you give us a little insight and what you hope children take away from reading your book on the line? Well, for my children's book, I really wanted the connection for the child to know that. I had a deep love of something at such a young age.

And if they had a deep love of maybe being a chef or a soccer player or dreaming of being an astronaut, to always follow that passion. And what I really love about my book is the last passage, the last page. And I hope it fosters the conversation between a parent and child of what that child really loves to do in the world. And maybe the parents can kind of nurture that and bring that to life for them. Yeah, that's nice. You also wrote your memoir. Yes. I'm going to ask you another question. This time, we're going to dig just a little bit deeper. What was it like telling your full story and turning your life into a book for everyone to see? Very vulnerable. I felt very open. I was very nervous to be quite honest, you know, to put everything out there. I went into the ins and out of my Rockette legacy and some of the chat. that I did face, but all of the triumphs that I loved about it.

I also delve into my divorce and raising my two young children, and that was very therapeutic and cathartic all at the same time. And I also talk about my battle with cancer that I went through and knowing that there are challenges that come with life, but those are also a learning experience and a growth experience, a character-building experience, and the ability to have resilience. Yeah, absolutely. Now, if someone picks up your book, they just read one chapter. Which chapter would you want them to resonate with and why? That is a very good question. And I think I would have to talk with that person to actually direct them to a chapter, only because I talk about so many different facets of my life. And I've had a lot of people contact me that have resonated with different parts of each chapter or something that they're going. through. So I would really have to connect with that individual, but I'm hoping that at least some part of my life can connect with others. Yeah, I definitely get that. Now, you just brought up your

cancer. You're very open about it. You push for cancer awareness. Did you find that your Rockette discipline gave you a mindset that helped you get through the struggle? Absolutely. At the age of 50, I was diagnosed with stage three colorectal cancer, which came as a complete surprise as a routine colonoscopy at the age of 50 is supposed to be done at that age. I was ashamed and I was embarrassed and I did not tell my family for a month after being vegetarian for 25 years at the time, exercising every day. I found that my rockhead experience really helped me with the discipline of taking my chemotherapy treatment, being regimented. And in the midst of the challenge of it, the determination to get through whatever I needed to get through to get my

health back in order. The important question, how are you now? In 2019, I was deemed cancer-free. Oh, nice. Thank you. What would you like to tell listeners, they might be putting off screenings, or they might be ignoring symptoms? What would you like to tell them? A lot of people are afraid of the prep for the colonoscopy, and I always say you should be afraid of not knowing what's happening in your body. Colorectal cancer is being found in younger and younger adults, and researchers don't know why, and you have to be an advocate for yourself. Press for a colonoscopy if you're 30, and your stomach is not feeling right, or something feels off. If you're afraid of the prep, they do have different at-home tests that you can do. However, they're not as effective as a colonoscopy.

And there are resources out there, such as the colorectal Cancer Alliance and the Colon Cancer Coalition websites that they can go to and get more information and help it needed. That is something that you are 100% correct on. It does seem like the age is dropping. I have my opinion on it. And that is, I think that the food that we eat is different than what it used to be. Absolutely. Absolutely.

I think there's too much fast food. There's a lot of sodas introduced into diet. and they have actually proven that they make these foods more addicting for people to eat. Yeah, I agree wholeheartedly. I'm as close to being a vegetarian as you can be without being one. Yeah. My diet includes a lot of plant-based proteins and foods. I believe you have to be very aware of what you're eating and what you're putting in your body

because it affects everything. Absolutely. Everything in moderation. If you can eat on the healthier spectrum, of course we all love the holidays, flurge a little bit, treat yourself, but for the long game, you know, health is your well. Yes, exactly. Now, you created the Dancing Jen doll. Yes. Can you give us a little information about that? Yes, my Dancing Jen doll, I created her because I wanted something tangible that the kids could hold onto along with my children's book, knowing that thoughts become things, dream big,

go after what you want in life. So I created Dancing Jen and she's available on Walmart Marketplace, and she's just something that the kids can hold on to and remember to never give up. Yeah, absolutely. Now, you've inspired a lot of people, dancers, readers, cancer survivors. If a young performer was to come up to you today, what advice would you give to them? For any young dancer or any young child in life is always train hard. Education is very important in no matter what field you go into. If you're a dancer, know your craft.

Take your classes in every aspect. Modern, tap, jazz, ballet. And when you're nervous, that uncomfortable feeling is the growth. You don't want to stay comfortable. And being nervous is part of the challenge, getting over the nerves, going on the stage. But if that's what you want, live your life fullheartedly. And those uncomfortable moments is your growth moment. Now with everything that you've done, all the hoops you've had,

to jump through, all the different things that have happened in your life. If you were to tell your younger self, hey, you need to avoid this, or hey, you need to do this, what would you give your younger self for advice? You know, over the holidays, I found pictures of me as a child, and I was looking at myself, and I could not imagine that my life would turn out the way it has. I cannot change anything in my life because everything has been a growth experience, a learning experience, those challenges turned into triumphs. And if I did not take those twists and turns, I would not be where I am today. Yeah. Now tell me, how do you define success? Everyone has their feelings of what they feel is successful. If I can get here, if I can get there, then I'm successful. So what's your

definition. Wow. You know, there are different levels throughout as I'm aging, different levels of success. I wanted to, you know, dance on a grand stage and I got a chance to do that at Radio City Music Hall for a beautiful 15 years. I got my childhood dream of performing on Broadway. For years, I wanted to write down in black and white by Rockette Legacy. And I have that becoming spectacular. And now I still have dreams and aspirations. So that, I don't think for me that success level has gone away. I still want becoming spectacular to become a production and be seen on the big screen. I'd love to have a cartoon from on the line for children. So I celebrate each of my wins, each of my triumph, but there are still things I aspire to. When you look back at your career from the Rockets to a

successful author. When you look at the journey that you've traveled, what are some of the things that still surprise you the most? I think me not knowing the Rockhead history and going to the audition and standing on the audition line, not seeing another black woman and thinking, you know, they're never going to hire me. I need to go take my favorite jazz class and my inner voice pushing me back to stay on that Rockett line. I think. I think that is the most surprising thing because that really allowed me to like listen to my inner instinct and my gut feeling. And if I did not stay on that audition line, I never would have made it to the rocket line. So I encourage everyone to like listen to that gut and voice that they have because it'll never steer you wrong.

What's on the horizon? Where do you see yourself in the next three to five years? Oh, my thoughts were I, I would love to be. I would love to have a production up and going of becoming spectacular, putting that on a big screen or having a series on a streaming channel. I do have an idea for writing a middle grade or a young adult book. So I would like to see maybe that out in some schools. And I love to act. So maybe I'll be on TV acting somewhere.

That would be great. What are you currently doing? Well, I'm enjoying talking with you in this journey that I'm on. I'm going out to The Joint is Jump in the Hollywood Museum, February 19th for the opening. And I am working on that young adult middle grade book and still hoping to get a production company interested in becoming spectacular. Okay, so tell me, what is the word you would use to describe your journey so far? I would have to say spectacular. Yeah.

My life has been a ripple of ups and downs, such as everyone's life, but my life is truly spectacular. Yeah. People will give you advice, even when you don't ask them. What is a good piece of advice that you were given? The best piece of advice that I received is there's been a lot. The late Frank Hatchet, he was my jazz teacher and my mentor at Broadway Dance Center. And that's where I started my journey of learning the ins and outs of the business.

And I remember starting to take his intermediate jazz class. I would always stay in the back. And this one time, he pulled me up front to do the combination with all the quote unquote, the good dancers. And he told me, don't ever stay in the back. And so that really fostered my confidence to come up to the front and help me go on auditions, gave me that confidence to go on auditions and really put me. myself out there. Yeah. Now, music is a big part of your life because you dance to it. What is a song that if you're in a bad mood, you just need something to turn you around, get yourself back on

track? What is that one song that will pick you up and get you going? Do you know the song, September by Earth, Wind and Fire? I can put that on and just start dancing, and that'll, like, change my mood in a second. I love it. Are you still dancing now? Or are you putting that off to the side so you can focus on all these other things? I don't necessarily dance professionally. I dance at weddings and in my kitchen, but I am very active. I practice hot yoga. I'm a runner. I go to the gym. That movement is still, you know, has that itch in my body. What is that one dream project that you still would like to have or go after? Wow. You know, I've always wanted to be like a Mabelene, you know, endorser, a cover girl endorser. I've always just kind of wanted to be one of those,

one of those ladies up there. Yeah, yeah. Now, of course, there's nothing better than dancing with the Rockets at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Other than that, what is one of your more favorite places that you've performed? One of my favorite places that I performed was at the Fox Theater in Detroit. I was on tour with The Rock Hats, with Susan Anton headlining the show. It was choreographed by Maurice Hines and Joe Layton, and we stopped in Detroit, and it was at the Fox Theater, opening night. Aretha Franklin sent the Rockettes roses.

Wow. I know. It was amazing. So that was a beautiful theater. and a memorable experience. Yeah. What's one of your favorite Broadway memories? For me, performing or watching?

Either one or both. Oh, one of my favorites is opening night of 42nd Street, The Revival. My childhood dream, opening night, my mother was there, my grandmother was there. They went to the opening night party with me. They were such staunch supporters in my life. My children were very young. They would help me watch them, and they would take care of them when I was working. I was so happy to be able to share that, especially with my mother,

bringing me to all those Broadway shows all those years. What's the first word that comes to mind when you hear the name Rockettes? Elegance. Okay. All right. I cannot disagree with you there. Okay. Now, here's a question for you. Broadway or Radio City Music Hall. Which one would you rather perform on if you had the choice? At my age?

At this age today? At this age today, Broadway would be more fitting to my body. Yeah, I get that. Yeah. What are some of the things that fans have said to you or they come up to you and give you compliments or whatever they might say? What really resonates with you out of all the things that you've been told? Inspiration, that I inspire them. Yeah, that's a nice thing to say.

I think that I would remember something like that as well. Yeah. Who is your dream collaboration you would like to perform with? Who is on that list and it can be past or present? Well, you know, the Cask of the Whiz was really fundamental in my formative years. So pin battle, Andre DeShield, Stephanie Mills, Mabel King, Jeffrey Holder, any one of those greats that really planted that seed to let me know that I can do this too. So tell me, what's in your bucket list? You've mentioned several things

throughout this conversation. Now, what is there that you really hope that you can do? There are so many things, but I really would love to like be in L.A. driving to the set of my production company of the film that we're making

and just feeling that vibe and just being, just doing what I have in my head and just being in that, what I have in my mind. and making that a reality. The Rock Cats are so well known around the holidays. What is one of your favorite holiday memories?

Well, of course, all of my years performing during Christmas shows as a Rockhead and seeing like the families and the family traditions that would come in to see the show. And I would be able to see the first few rows in the house and seeing the children's eyes light up when we did the Toy Soldier and the Soldier Fall and the eye high kicks and just the awe and the inspiration and the light that just came over to children's faces, and then just going out and seeing the beautiful rock center Christmas tree at that time also. If you had not become a performer, what do you think you'd be doing now? Oh, I don't know.

Maybe I would have a dance studio. Okay. Maybe I'm heavily into yoga. Maybe I would have transformed that into a yoga studio by now. I don't know. But something I can imagine very active. Yeah, that's really good. Now, finish this sentence.

Becoming spectacular means Becoming spectacular means everyone has a gift in their life to become spectacular and no matter what challenges that come their way, that challenge is making you that diamond shine brighter and everyone has a gift and a footprint to put on the world and that is making everyone spectacular in their own personal way. So when you're not performing, you're not writing, you're just trying to to chill. What do you do to chill? What is your go-to to let everything in this world kind of disappear? You make everything go away and you just enjoy yourself. I either practice yoga. I go for a run.

I love dreaming. I love like binge watching shows so I can like sit on my couch and binge watch. And I also enjoy reading. Oh, I'm glad you brought that up. What is your favorite thing to read? Right now, I'm reading Inner Excellence by Jim Murphy. I love training your mind and outcomes, and that's just something that I love to do. And he's a great teacher and a great writer. I encourage everyone to read it. Okay, now to finish this off, from time to time, I ask rapid fire questions. Okay.

No right or wrong answers. This is just for fun. So, morning person or night owl? Morning. Okay. Favorite city to visit. Ooh, Nashville was fun. Yeah, I like Nashville, considering I'm here.

Okay, sweet or savory snacks? Savory. Favorite movie. Ooh, um, West Side Story. Okay. Phone calls or texting. That depends, but I'll take a phone call. Okay, beach or the mountains?

Beach. Favorite way to celebrate a win? Going out to dinner with a glass of line. Okay, this has been great. Now, here's the last one. What makes you smile? What makes you laugh? My husband. Okay. All right. Well, this has been great.

Is there anything that I've missed that you feel is important that you tell the listeners? No, I think you pretty much got around to everything. Okay, good. One last thing. How do people find you and follow you? People can find me on my website, www.W.W. RocketGenJ-N-N-2-Ns.com. Or they can follow me on Instagram, Rockette underscore Jen, or on X and Facebook, Rockett Jen. Well, this has been awesome. Great information, great conversation. I've truly enjoyed this. Thanks for joining us today. Oh, thank you so much. Thank you for having me on your show. I really enjoyed speaking with you. Oh, it's been my pleasure. Thanks again.

for joining us today. We hope you enjoyed the show. This has been a Tony Mantor production. For more information, contact media at plateaumusic.com.