Friends Like Us

Becoming Spectacular with Jennifer Jones, The First African American Rockette


Listen Later

Marina Franklin talks with the first African American Rockette, Jennifer Jones and comedian Jenny Saldana. Jennifer Jones shares her journey from a child to the first African American Rockette. Discover her inspiring story in 'Becoming Spectacular: The Rhythm of Resilience.'" #RockettesAnniversary #DreamBig

Meet Jennifer Jones, who has her new memoir: Becoming Spectacular :The Rhythm of Resilience from the First African American Rockette. Jennifer Jones is the pioneering first African American Radio City Music Hall Rockette! With her exceptional skills and infectious passion for dance, Jennifer has not only mesmerized audiences but also played a pivotal role in reshaping the performing arts landscape. Through grace and artistry, she has shattered barriers and championed diversity in what was once a monolithic industry.

Jennifer made her groundbreaking debut as a Rockette during Super Bowl XXII's halftime show, showcasing unparalleled talent, precision, and poise that left spectators in awe. Her stellar performance on such a prestigious platform ignited inspiration and underscored the vital importance of authentic representation in entertainment.

Throughout her illustrious career, Jennifer's captivating stage presence has won the hearts of audiences worldwide. Her unwavering commitment to her craft, combined with her natural talent, has garnered immense admiration from fans and colleagues alike. By boldly defying stereotypes, Jennifer serves as a guiding light for aspiring dancers, encouraging them to chase their dreams with determination and tenacity. In addition to her remarkable achievements in dance, Jennifer is a dedicated advocate for colorectal cancer awareness. As a survivor herself, she passionately raises awareness about this critical health issue, striving to ensure that discussions around cancer are inclusive and accessible to all.

In essence, Jennifer Jones' journey as the first African American Radio City Music Hall Rockette is a testament to her talent, grit, and unwavering commitment to change. Her memorable Super Bowl performance has etched her name in dance history, inspiring countless individuals to embrace their talents fearlessly. Jennifer's legacy transcends generations, leaving an indelible mark on the world of dance while serving as a beacon of progress, unity, and hope.

Jenny Saldana is a writer, actress, and stand-up comedian and a Breast Cancer Rock STAR and all around hotness. She wrote, produced and starred in Happy Cancer Chick, a web series inspired by her own battle with breast cancer. She appeared in HBO's High Maintenance. Her video series, The Little Brown Girl Show can be found on Youtube and Facebook Live.

Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf. Writer for HBO's 'Divorce' and the new Tracy Morgan show on Paramount Plus: 'Crutch'.

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Friends Like UsBy Friends Like Us

  • 4.7
  • 4.7
  • 4.7
  • 4.7
  • 4.7

4.7

415 ratings


More shows like Friends Like Us

View all
The Read by Loud Speakers Network

The Read

27,357 Listeners

The Friend Zone by Loud Speakers Network

The Friend Zone

5,619 Listeners

The Sports Junkies by Audacy

The Sports Junkies

1,726 Listeners

Boomer & Gio by Audacy

Boomer & Gio

706 Listeners

Evan & Tiki by Audacy

Evan & Tiki

974 Listeners

Sarah and Vinnie Full Show by Audacy

Sarah and Vinnie Full Show

1,369 Listeners

The Valenti Show by Audacy

The Valenti Show

1,178 Listeners

CBS News Sunday Morning with Jane Pauley by CBS News

CBS News Sunday Morning with Jane Pauley

1,041 Listeners

Al & Jerry's Postgame Podcast by Audacy

Al & Jerry's Postgame Podcast

752 Listeners

CockTales: Dirty Discussions by Kiki Said So & Medinah Monroe

CockTales: Dirty Discussions

3,206 Listeners

Gettin' Grown by Loud Speakers Network

Gettin' Grown

3,788 Listeners

Therapy for Black Girls by iHeartPodcasts and Joy Harden Bradford, Ph.D.

Therapy for Black Girls

5,689 Listeners

The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima by Audacy

The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima

337 Listeners

Smart Funny & Black Productions by Amanda Seales

Smart Funny & Black Productions

9,593 Listeners

The Jim Rome Show by Cumulus Podcast Network

The Jim Rome Show

727 Listeners

Around The Way Curls by Antoinette Lee & Shanti Mayers

Around The Way Curls

1,428 Listeners

Here's The Thing by KevOnStage ThatChickAngel

Here's The Thing

7,751 Listeners

Ratchet & Respectable by Demetria L. Lucas & Studio71

Ratchet & Respectable

3,236 Listeners

The Patdown with Ms. Pat by Ms. Pat

The Patdown with Ms. Pat

6,722 Listeners

Cash The Ticket by Audacy

Cash The Ticket

2,407 Listeners

Jokes On You Podcast by Jokes On You Podcast

Jokes On You Podcast

632 Listeners

Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay by The Ringer

Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

11,455 Listeners

Jade + X. D. by Loud Speakers Network

Jade + X. D.

1,116 Listeners

Don't Call Me White Girl by Breakbeat Media

Don't Call Me White Girl

3,512 Listeners

Grits and Eggs Podcast by Deante’ Kyle

Grits and Eggs Podcast

1,867 Listeners