NEWS    Tony Award Winner Jennifer Jones, First African-American Radio City Music Hall Rockette, Releases Powerful Memoir (Los Angeles, CA) - Jennifer Jones, the legendary trailblazer who shattered racial barriers as the first African American Radio City Music Hall Rockette in 1987, marks another major milestone in her storied career with the release of her highly anticipated memoir, Becoming Spectacular: The Rhythm of Resilience (Harper Collins-Amistad), available now wherever books are sold. Timed with the 100th anniversary of the world-famous Radio City Music Hall Rockettes, Becoming Spectacular is a heartfelt journey rooted in faith, courage, and unwavering determination. In its pages, Jennifer Jones shares how her love for dance was sparked by her supportive parents, who often took her and her sister to see iconic Broadway production The Wiz. That early exposure to the arts paved the way for her groundbreaking moment as she broke barriers and infused the Rockettes with long-overdue diversity, marking a significant change after 62 years without a Black woman in their lineup. In 2023, Jones shared her story with younger readers through her acclaimed children's book, On The Line: My Story of Becoming the First African American Rockette (Harper Collins). The book is now proudly part of the Library of Congress's Children's Books Collection, representing her home state of New Jersey. It will be displayed at the National Book Festival set for September 6, 2025, at the Washington, DC Convention Center at the New Jersey state booth in the Parade of States. From her unforgettable national debut as a 20 year old, 5 ft 8 inch Rockette during the 1988 Super Bowl XXII halftime show in San Diego, to the bright lights of Broadway and beyond, Jennifer reflects on the sacrifices, scrutiny, and quiet strength it took to be the "first". She's been a passionate voice for equal rights in the arts, and her impact hasn't gone unnoticed; her work has been honored not only by Radio City Music Hall but by institutions like the Harlem School of the Arts and Madison Square Garden. The multi-talented performer is also ardent about health and wellness, especially after surviving a stage three colorectal cancer diagnosis at age 50. Her cancer journey has fueled her advocacy, and today, she proudly serves as a support buddy and advocate with the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. Jones' groundbreaking journey has captivated audiences for decades. In addition to her history-making role with The Rockettes, she performed in the 2001 Broadway revival of 42nd Street, where she was one of just three African American women in the cast. That same year, the production earned the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical. Some commercials that Jones has acted in include Nordstrom Rack, Delta Airlines, 1 800-Flowers and TransUnion. Never one to stop at the stage, Jones also designed her collectible doll, the limited-edition Dancing Jenn, to inspire children of all backgrounds to see themselves as graceful, strong, and unstoppable. After nearly five decades in entertainment, having made history, broken barriers, and come through the fire shining like pure gold, Jennifer Jones is now celebrating more than six years cancer-free. With the release of her powerful new memoir, Becoming Spectacular: The Rhythm of Resilience, in 2023 she boldly steps into a new chapter as an author, sharing her journey to inspire others. This trailblazing dancer who spent 15 years with The Radio City Music Hall Rockettes, gifted dollmaker, and fierce advocate continues to walk in purpose. Whether she's moving audiences from the stage, touching lives through her writing, or sparking hope in those who see themselves in her story, Jones' legacy of faith, resilience, and representation will continue to empower generations for years to come. Jennifer Jones' memoir, Becoming Spectacular: The Rhythm of Resilience (Harper Collins-Amistad, Jennifer Jones On the Line and the Dancing Jenn doll is available on Amazon, and Walmart Marketplace. Social Media Instagram Rockette_Jenn Facebook- Rockette Jenn X- Rockette Jenn   # # # (Source: ESP PR)

LIKE US!