Jennifer Jones: the journey to be the first African American Radio City Music Hall Rockette

Summary

---

Podcast Summary: Tony Mantor’s Almost Live… Nashville

Episode: Jennifer Jones – The Journey to be the First African American Radio City Music Hall Rockette

Release Date: February 3, 2026
Host: Tony Mantor
Guest: Jennifer Jones

---

Overview

In this inspiring episode, Tony Mantor sits down with Jennifer Jones, the trailblazing first African American Radio City Music Hall Rockette. Jennifer chronicles her path from a dream-filled childhood to breaking barriers on America’s most iconic stage, her triumphs through personal and professional challenges—including cancer survival and authorship—and her ongoing mission to promote representation, hope, and resilience. The conversation offers rare behind-the-scenes insight into the entertainment industry and actionable encouragement for anyone chasing big dreams.

---

Main Themes & Discussion Points

Breaking Barriers as the First Black Rockette

• [04:09] Jennifer’s Historic Firsts & Early Dreams
  • Jones describes her childhood dream: “Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted to dance on a grand stage… have the lights, the lashes, the lipstick, the lights, everything.”
  • She recounts her unexpected entry into the Rockettes, auditioning without even knowing the group’s significance.
  • “Not only did I get to live out my childhood dream… but I got to open the doors for other black dancers.”
• [06:09] Facing Resistance and Finding Support
  • Jennifer candidly discusses the institutional resistance she encountered in the late 1980s and the importance of allies among the Rockettes:
    • “There were also ladies on the line who were ready for the line to be integrated and thought it 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.”
  • She credits the support of certain dancers for helping her adapt to the “Rockette terminology, the Rockette language, the moves, the eye-high kicks.”

Representing and Inspiring for the Future

• [08:22] Joining the Hollywood Museum’s “This Joint is Jumping” Exhibit
  • Reflects on joining legends such as Ella Fitzgerald, Muhammad Ali, and Oprah Winfrey:
    • “I feel blessed and honored.”
  • Hopes her story in the exhibit helps children and adults see “possibilities and never live a life of regret, or ‘I wish I could have.’”
• [09:27] Children’s Book ‘On the Line’
  • Emphasizes the importance of nurturing a child’s passions, wanting her book to foster conversations between parents and children about dreams.

Resilience Through Personal Challenges

• [10:25] Memoir Writing: Vulnerability & Triumph
  • Writing her life story was “very vulnerable. I felt very open. I was very nervous, to be quite honest, to put everything out there… But… it was very therapeutic and cathartic.”
  • Memoir covers her Rockette legacy, divorce, single parenthood, and cancer battle.
• [12:00] Cancer Survival and Advocacy
  • Diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer at age 50, she initially felt “ashamed and embarrassed.”
  • “My Rockette experience really helped me. With the discipline of taking my chemotherapy treatment… the determination to get through whatever I needed to get through to get my health back.”
  • In 2019, she was declared cancer-free.
    • [12:46] “In 2019, I was deemed cancer free.”

Promoting Diversity and Dreams

• [14:40] The Dancing Gen Doll
  • Created for children to have a tangible symbol of dreaming big and self-belief:
    • “Knowing that thoughts become things. Dream big, go after what you want in life.”
• [15:17] Advice for Aspiring Artists
  • “For any young dancer… always train hard. Education is very important. … If you’re a dancer, know your craft, take your classes… Modern, tap, jazz, ballet. And when you’re nervous, that uncomfortable feeling is the growth. … Those uncomfortable moments is your growth moment.”

Reflections and Looking Forward

• [16:52] Defining Success
  • “There are different levels… as I’m aging, different levels of success. … I still have dreams and aspirations. So I don’t think for me that success level has gone away.”
• [18:43] Future Projects
  • Hopes to produce ‘Becoming Spectacular’ for the big screen and write a young adult book. Interested in further acting opportunities.
• [19:39] Summing Up the Journey
  • “Spectacular. My life has been a ripple of ups and downs… but my life is truly spectacular.”

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote / Moment | |-----------|--------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 04:09 | Jennifer Jones | “Not only did I get to live out my childhood dream of dancing, but I got to open the doors for other black dancers to call themselves Radio City Music Hall Rockettes.” | | 06:09 | Jennifer Jones | “There was resistance to that, not only with ladies on the line, but also with people in management. ... I really leaned into the ladies that were kind and wanted me to be the best Rockette possible.” | | 08:51 | Jennifer Jones | “My hope is to have children and adults look at possibilities and never live a life of regret, or ‘I wish I could have’… 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.” | | 12:00 | Jennifer Jones | “Absolutely. At the age of 50, I was diagnosed with stage three colorectal cancer… I found that my Rockette experience really helped me, with the discipline of taking my chemotherapy treatment… the determination to get through whatever I needed to get through…” | | 19:39 | Jennifer Jones | “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.” | | 21:01 | Jennifer Jones | “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.” | | 23:54 | Jennifer Jones | “Inspiration. That I inspire them.” (on what fans say to her that resonates most) |

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 04:09 – 06:55: Breaking barriers & joining the Rockettes
• 06:57 – 07:49: Super Bowl debut and anniversary reflections
• 08:06 – 09:22: “This Joint is Jumping” exhibit at the Hollywood Museum
• 09:27 – 10:08: Children’s book ‘On the Line’
• 10:12 – 11:45: Writing her memoir and most resonant chapters/stories
• 12:00 – 13:41: Cancer diagnosis, discipline, and survivorship
• 14:40 – 15:04: The Dancing Gen doll and representation
• 15:17 – 15:54: Advice for young performers and dancers
• 16:11 – 16:38: What she would tell her younger self
• 16:52 – 17:43: Defining personal success
• 18:43 – 19:14: Upcoming projects and dreams
• 19:39 – 19:51: Summing up her journey in one word: “Spectacular”
• 20:58 – 21:01: Favorite song to lift her spirits
• 22:10 – 22:40: Favorite performance memory – Fox Theater, Detroit with Aretha Franklin’s roses
• 24:11 – 24:30: Dream collaboration: cast of The Wiz
• 25:04 – 25:40: Holiday memories with the Rockettes

---

Additional Fun & Rapid-Fire Insights

• [27:32] Favorite city to visit: “Nashville was fun.”
• [27:40] Favorite movie: “West Side Story.”
• [27:54] Favorite way to celebrate a win: “Going out to dinner with a glass of wine.”
• [28:02] Who makes you smile/laugh? “My husband.”

---

Closing Thoughts

Jennifer Jones’s story is one of resilience, dreams realized, barriers broken, and contagious optimism. From the Rockettes’ iconic kick line to surviving colorectal cancer and inspiring children via storytelling and her Dancing Gen doll, Jennifer’s advice to “never live a life of regret” and “go after what you want in life” weaves through every moment of the conversation.

Her greatest hope is that her journey encourages others to pursue their passions, walk through fear, and shine spectacularly—no matter the odds.

---

Connect with Jennifer Jones

• Website: www.rockettejenn.com (“Jenn” with two N’s)
• Instagram, Facebook, X (Twitter): @rockettegen

---

Transcript

[Jennifer Jones]

Try Angel Soft for your tushy. It's made by Angels Soft and strong. Budget friendly. The choice is simple. Pick up a pack today. Angel Soft. Soft and strong.

[Commercial Voiceover / Announcer]

Simple.

[Reporter / Interview Host]

Hello, I'm here during the lunch rush with Janice who owns her own food truck.

[Tony Mantour]

Best cheesesteaks in town.

[Reporter / Interview Host]

Janice traded up to Geico Commercial Auto Insurance for her food truck business. We're here where she needs us most.

[Tony Mantour]

They sure are.

[Reporter / Interview Host]

We make it so easy for her to save with customized coverage that grows with her business. Sorry, I just get so emotional talking about saving folks money.

[Jennifer Jones]

Not this onion I'm chopping.

[Reporter / Interview Host]

It's just so beautiful. Oh yeah, nice. The onion.

[Commercial Voiceover / Announcer]

Get a commercial auto insurance quote [e-mail] and see how much you could save. It feels good to Geico.

[Tony Mantour]

My career in the NFT 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 Mantour. Welcome to ALMOST Live Nashville. Joining us today is Jennifer Jones. Jennifer made history as the first African American Radio City Music Hall Rockette, breaking racial barriers and paving the way for future generations. 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 Gen doll, promoting representation and diversity for children everywhere. She is also a colorectal cancer survivor and passionate advocate for awareness and early det 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 Horne, 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 episode, we'll be back with an uninterrupted show right after a word from our sponsors, Lifelock.

[Jennifer Jones]

How can I help? The IRS said I filed my return, but I haven't.

[Commercial Voiceover / Announcer]

One in four tax paying Americans has paid the price of identity fraud.

[Jennifer Jones]

What do I do?

[Reporter / Interview Host]

My refund though.

[Tony Mantour]

I'm freaking out.

[Jennifer Jones]

Don't worry, I can fix this.

[Commercial Voiceover / Announcer]

Lifelock fixes identity theft, guaranteed and gets your money back with up to $3 million in coverage.

[Jennifer Jones]

I'm so relieved. No problem. I'll be with you every step of the way.

[Commercial Voiceover / Announcer]

One in four was a fraud paying American. Not anymore. Save up to 40% your first year. Visit lifelock.com Specialoffer terms apply.

[Tony Mantour]

Thanks for joining us today.

[Jennifer Jones]

Oh, thank you for having me.

[Tony Mantour]

Oh, the pleasure's all mine. I really enjoy what you do and I'm looking forward to this conversation.

[Jennifer Jones]

Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you.

[Tony Mantour]

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?

[Jennifer Jones]

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 lights, everything. And I really got a chance to do that on the landmark stage of Radio City Music Hall. And not only did I get to live out my childhood dream of dancing, but I got to open the doors for other black dancers to call themselves Radio City Music Hall Rockettes.

[Tony Mantour]

Did you realize that you were not only chasing your dreams, but in fact changing history?

[Jennifer Jones]

I had no idea who the Rockettes were. When I auditioned for the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes, 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 Vereen and Pippin, Jesus Christ Superstar, hair. And when the Wiz came to Broadway and it was Kid Friendly, and that was with Stephanie Mills and Mabel King, Andre de Shields, 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 Rockette, I didn't know who they were. A friend of mine encouraged me to go. She saw the audition in a Pragues paper. She said, jennifer, you'd make a great Rockette. You should really go to this audition. Said, 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.

[Tony Mantour]

Can you tell us what some of the challenges were that you faced?

[Jennifer Jones]

Being the first black woman 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 it 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 helped me learn the Rockette terminology, the Rockette language, the moves, the I high kicks, and that's what I did.

[Tony Mantour]

What year was it that you joined?

[Jennifer Jones]

I was hired in 1987, and my debut performance was the 1988 Super bowl halftime show. Super Bowl 20.

[Tony Mantour]

Wow. So the rockcast 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?

[Jennifer Jones]

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.

[Tony Mantour]

Now. Was you originally from New York when you first started dancing in this?

[Jennifer Jones]

I'm a Jersey girl, born and raised.

[Tony Mantour]

Well, that's close enough, so that's okay. I just heard that you are a part of Hollywood's. This joint is jumping.

[Jennifer Jones]

Yes.

[Tony Mantour]

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.

[Jennifer Jones]

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.

[Tony Mantour]

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?

[Jennifer Jones]

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. 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.

[Tony Mantour]

Now, I understand you have written a children's book entitled on the Line.

[Jennifer Jones]

Yes.

[Tony Mantour]

Can you give us a little insight and what you hope children take away from reading your book, on the Line?

[Jennifer Jones]

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.

[Tony Mantour]

Yeah, that's nice. You also wrote your memoir.

[Jennifer Jones]

Yes.

[Tony Mantour]

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?

[Jennifer Jones]

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 challenges 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.

[Tony Mantour]

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?

[Jennifer Jones]

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.

[Tony Mantour]

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 this struggle?

[Jennifer Jones]

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.

[Tony Mantour]

In order, the important question, how are you now?

[Jennifer Jones]

In 2019, I was deemed cancer free.

[Tony Mantour]

Oh, nice.

[Jennifer Jones]

Thank you.

[Tony Mantour]

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?

[Jennifer Jones]

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. Prep 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 if needed.

[Tony Mantour]

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.

[Jennifer Jones]

Absolutely. Absolutely. I think there is too much fast food. There's a lot of sodas introduced into diets and they have actually proven that they make these foods more addicting for people to eat.

[Tony Mantour]

Yeah, I agree wholeheartedly. I'm as close to being a vegetarian as you can be without being one.

[Jennifer Jones]

Yeah.

[Tony Mantour]

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.

[Jennifer Jones]

Affects everything, absolutely everything in moderation. If you can eat on the healthier spectrum, of course, we all love the holidays, Splurge a little bit, treat yourself. But for the long game, you know, health is your wealth.

[Tony Mantour]

Yes, exactly. Now, you created the Dancing Gen doll.

[Jennifer Jones]

Yes.

[Tony Mantour]

Can you give us a little information about that?

[Jennifer Jones]

Yes. My Dancing Gen doll. I created her because I wanted something tangible that the kids could hold on to 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.

[Tony Mantour]

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?

[Jennifer Jones]

For any young dancer or any. Any young child in life is always train hard. Education is very important. And 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 full heartedly. And those uncomfortable moments is your growth moment.

[Tony Mantour]

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 was 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?

[Jennifer Jones]

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.

[Tony Mantour]

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?

[Jennifer Jones]

Well, 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 my 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 triumphs. But there are still things I aspire to.

[Tony Mantour]

When you look back at your career, from the Rockettes 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?

[Jennifer Jones]

I think me not knowing the Rockette 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 Rockette line. 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 Rockette line. So I encourage everyone to like, listen to that gut voice that they have because it'll never steer you wrong.

[Tony Mantour]

What's on the horizon? Where do you see yourself in the next three to five years? Oh.

[Jennifer Jones]

My thoughts. Where 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.

[Tony Mantour]

That would be great. What are you currently doing?

[Jennifer Jones]

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.

[Tony Mantour]

Okay, so tell me, what is the word you would use to describe your journey so far?

[Jennifer Jones]

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.

[Tony Mantour]

Yeah. People will give you advice even when you don't ask them what is a good piece of advice that you were given.

[Jennifer Jones]

The best piece of advice that I received is there. There's been a lot. The late Frank Hatchett. He was my. 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 dance of perspective. 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. That confidence to go on auditions and really put myself out there.

[Tony Mantour]

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?

[Jennifer Jones]

Do you know the song September?

[Tony Mantour]

Yeah.

[Jennifer Jones]

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.

[Tony Mantour]

Are you still dancing now or are you putting that off to the side so you can focus on all these other things?

[Jennifer Jones]

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.

[Tony Mantour]

What is that one dream project that you still would like to have or go after?

[Jennifer Jones]

You know, I've always wanted to be like a Maybelline, you know, endorser, a covergirl endorser. I've always just kind of wanted to be one of those. One of those ladies up there.

[Tony Mantour]

Yeah. Yeah. Now, of course, there's nothing better than dancing with the Rockettes at Radio City Music hall in New York City. Other than that, what is one of your more favorite places that you've performed?

[Jennifer Jones]

One of my favorite places that I performed was at the Fox Theater in Detroit. I was on tour with the Rockettes with Susan Anton headlining the show. It was choreographed by Maurice Hines and Jo Layton, and we stopped in Detroit and it was at the Fox Theater opening night. Aretha Franklin sent the Rockettes roses.

[Tony Mantour]

Wow.

[Jennifer Jones]

I know. It was amazing. So that was a beautiful theater and a memorable experience.

[Tony Mantour]

Yeah. What's one of your favorite Broadway memories?

[Jennifer Jones]

For me, performing or watching?

[Tony Mantour]

Either one or both.

[Jennifer Jones]

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.

[Tony Mantour]

What's the first word that comes to mind when you hear the name Rockettes?

[Jennifer Jones]

Elegance.

[Tony Mantour]

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?

[Jennifer Jones]

At my age, at this age today. At this age today, Broadway would be more fitting to my body.

[Tony Mantour]

Yeah, I get that.

[Jennifer Jones]

Yeah.

[Tony Mantour]

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 might say? What really resonates with you out of all the things that you've been told?

[Jennifer Jones]

Inspiration. That I inspire them.

[Tony Mantour]

Yeah. That's a nice thing to say. I think that I would remember something like that as well.

[Jennifer Jones]

Yeah.

[Tony Mantour]

Who is your dream collaboration you would like to perform with? Who is on that list? And it can be past or present?

[Jennifer Jones]

Well, you know, the cast of the Wiz was really fundamental in my formative years, so. Pin Battle, Andre de Shields, 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.

[Tony Mantour]

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?

[Jennifer Jones]

There are so many things, but I really. I really would love to, like, be in la, 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. What I have in my head and just being in that. What I have in my mind and making that a reality.

[Tony Mantour]

The Rock cast is so well known around the holidays. What is one of your favorite holiday memories?

[Jennifer Jones]

Well, of course, all of my years performing during Christmas shows as a Rockette and seeing, like, the families and the family tradition 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 the children's faces and then just going out and seeing the beautiful Rock center Christmas tree at that time.

[Tony Mantour]

Also, if you had not become a performer, what do you think you'd be doing now?

[Jennifer Jones]

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.

[Tony Mantour]

Yeah, that's really good. Now finish this sentence. Becoming spectacular means.

[Jennifer Jones]

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.

[Tony Mantour]

So when you're not performing, you're not writing, you're just trying to chill. What do you do to chill? What is your go to? To let everything in this world kind of of disappear. You make everything go away and you just enjoy yourself.

[Jennifer Jones]

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.

[Tony Mantour]

Oh, I'm glad you brought that up. What is your favorite thing to read?

[Jennifer Jones]

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.

[Tony Mantour]

Okay, now to finish this off, from time to time, I ask rapid fire questions.

[Jennifer Jones]

Okay.

[Tony Mantour]

No right or wrong answers. This is just for fun. So, morning person or night owl?

[Jennifer Jones]

Morning.

[Tony Mantour]

Okay. Favorite city to visit?

[Jennifer Jones]

Ooh, Nashville was fun.

[Tony Mantour]

Yeah, I like Nashville, considering I'm here. Okay. Sweet or savory snacks?

[Jennifer Jones]

Savory.

[Tony Mantour]

Favorite movie?

[Jennifer Jones]

Oh, west side Story.

[Tony Mantour]

Okay. Phone calls or texting?

[Jennifer Jones]

That depends, but I'll take a phone call.

[Tony Mantour]

Okay. Beach or the mountains?

[Jennifer Jones]

Beach.

[Tony Mantour]

Favorite way to celebrate a win?

[Jennifer Jones]

Going out to dinner with a glass of wine.

[Tony Mantour]

Okay, this has been great. Now here's the last one. What makes you smile? What makes you laugh?

[Jennifer Jones]

My husband.

[Tony Mantour]

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?

[Jennifer Jones]

No, I think you pretty much got around to everything.

[Tony Mantour]

Okay, good One last thing. How do people find you and follow you?

[Jennifer Jones]

People can find me on my website www.rockette jen j e n n2n.com or they can follow me on Instagram Rockettegen or on X and Facebook rockettegen.

[Tony Mantour]

Well, this has been awesome. Great information, great conversation. I've truly enjoyed this. Thanks for joining us today.

[Jennifer Jones]

Oh thank you so much. Thank you for having me on your show. I really enjoyed speaking with you.

[Tony Mantour]

Oh, it's been my pleasure. Thanks again. Thanks for joining us today. We hope you enjoyed the show. This has been a Tony Mantour production. For more information, contact media plateaumusic.com.

[Commercial Voiceover / Announcer]

If you like the show, please take a moment to rate review and subscribe. It really does help the show to grow. Thank you for listening.