Jennifer Jones on Making History as the First African American Radio City Music Hall Rockette

What an absolute honor it is today to have the first ever African American Rockette, the fabulous Jennifer Jones, here with me to talk about her new book Becoming Spectacular: The Rhythm of Resilience from the First African American Rockette, which comes out February 18. What a powerhouse woman Jennifer is. The Radio City Music Hall Rockettes had been in existence for 62 years in 1987, when Jennifer broke barriers and became the first African American Rockette. She made her debut with the Rockettes on January 31, 1988—which was also Super Bowl Sunday, which was in San Diego that year. Jennifer takes us inside that moment in today’s conversation; she writes, poignantly, “Making history rarely feels like it in the moment.” Jennifer talks about the struggles she faced and her rock-bottom moments as she worked to achieve this dream; what it was like to be the first; dance and what it has meant to her life; what life as a Rockette was like—and Jennifer would know, as she was one for 15 years; her life after the Rockettes, including joining the cast of the acclaimed Broadway production of 42nd Street; her diagnosis with cancer and how she made it to the other side; and how, in her words from the book, “As I age, I feel more alive than ever.” Quick correction: I said in the episode that Jennifer was given five months to live; it was actually five years to live—but she beat the odds regardless. The Rockettes are an iconic dance troupe, but Jennifer is an iconic woman, and I know you’re going to fall in love with her as I did in this conversation. She is a Tony Award-winning dancer, a staunch advocate for equal rights in the arts, and her work has been celebrated by the Harlem School of the Arts, Radio City Music Hall, and Madison Square Garden. She is a survivor of colon cancer, and she fiercely promotes early screenings. She’s also written a children’s book called On the Line, and there exists a Limited Edition Dancing Jenn Doll, which is reflective of her dedication to the arts. I am so thankful to now know her.

Becoming Spectacular: The Rhythm of Resilience from the First African-American Rockette by Jennifer Jones