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

Breaking Barriers: Jennifer Jones&apos; 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&apos;s work and future aspirations, offering a fascinating glimpse into the world of entertainment and personal resilience.
Meet Jennifer Jones: Breaking Barriers 
Jennifer&apos;s Journey to Stardom 
Challenges and Triumphs as a Rockette 
Jennifer&apos;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

Nashville based veteran music producer Tony Mantor’s Almost Live… Nashville podcast takes its listener on a journey through the business of music and entertainment. Following the success and popularity of his top-rated podcast on Autism & Mental Health awareness - Why Not Me? - Mantor hosts thought-provoking conversations and behind-the-scenes stories from various celebrity guests from the world of music, television and entertainment. With more than 30 years as an accomplished music producer based in Nashville, Mantor welcomes a worldly guest list of musicians, actors and entertainers who share their unique stories about the roles they’ve played in creating and sustaining what we know as popular American culture. Conversations and stories that also give a deeper understanding on what it takes to achieve success in the entertainment industry for aspiring entertainers who are currently pursuing their own dreams of being a star someday. Whether listening for the entertainment or storytelling factor alone, or for tips on how his guests faced their life’s challenges, Almost Live… Nashville will have a story for anyone who has been a fan of popular culture in music, movies and television over the last few decades.

Nashville based veteran music producer Tony Mantor’s Almost Live… Nashville podcast takes its listener on a journey through the business of music and entertainment. Following the success and popularity of his top-rated podcast on Autism &amp; Mental Health awareness - Why Not Me? - Mantor hosts thought-provoking conversations and behind-the-scenes stories from various celebrity guests from the world of music, television and entertainment. With more than 30 years as an accomplished music producer based in Nashville, Mantor welcomes a worldly guest list of musicians, actors and entertainers who share their unique stories about the roles they’ve played in creating and sustaining what we know as popular American culture. Conversations and stories that also give a deeper understanding on what it takes to achieve success in the entertainment industry for aspiring entertainers who are currently pursuing their own dreams of being a star someday. Whether listening for the entertainment or storytelling factor alone, or for tips on how his guests faced their life’s challenges, Almost Live… Nashville will have a story for anyone who has been a fan of popular culture in music, movies and television over the last few decades.

Tony Mantor's : Almost Live..... Nashville

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

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/6f214146-6d53-4a95-ab78-b4d5016afa56/transcript

Show Notes

What happens when a song you wrote to encourage others becomes the song you need yourself?

On this episode of Almost Live Nashville, Tony Mantor welcomes country artist and songwriter Laura Bryna for a heartfelt conversation about music, family, perseverance, and connection.

Laura recalls growing up in rural Maryland and finding comfort in country music during her brother’s prolonged hospitalization. His recovery—and his decision to decline a Make-A-Wish wish so someone else could receive it—helped shape her lifelong commitment to giving back.

She shares the story behind “Rise” and how its meaning deepened through her father’s cancer journey and death, her mother’s breast cancer treatment, and the devastating loss of her brother and grandmother. She also remembers returning to the stage shortly after those losses, supported by her band and inspired by her brother’s love of life.

Alongside those emotional stories, Laura brings humor and energy to a discussion of independent artistry, her songwriting process, and the small-town connections that inspired “Drink in Town.” She also explains how online criticism inspired “I’m Her,” a song about embracing who you are.

In this episode:


Growing up in Maryland and following her country music dream to Nashville.


Her brother’s recovery and the roots of her Make-A-Wish involvement.


Building an independent career with a team that shares her vision.


Writing “Rise” and hearing how listeners found strength in it.


Navigating grief and finding connection through performing.


Celebrating small-town life with “Drink in Town.”


Turning criticism into a message of authenticity.


The sensitive person behind the confident performer.

Connect with Laura: laurabryna.com

Follow Almost Live Nashville for more conversations about music, entertainment, and the people behind the songs.

Show Notes
What happens when a song you wrote to encourage others becomes the song you need yourself?
On this episode of Almost Live Nashville, Tony Mantor welcomes country artist and songwriter Laura Bryna for a heartfelt conversation about music, family, perseverance, and connection.
Laura recalls growing up in rural Maryland and finding comfort in country music during her brother&rsquo;s prolonged hospitalization. His recovery&mdash;and his decision to decline a Make-A-Wish wish so someone else could receive it&mdash;helped shape her lifelong commitment to giving back.
She shares the story behind &ldquo;Rise&rdquo; and how its meaning deepened through her father&rsquo;s cancer journey and death, her mother&rsquo;s breast cancer treatment, and the devastating loss of her brother and grandmother. She also remembers returning to the stage shortly after those losses, supported by her band and inspired by her brother&rsquo;s love of life.
Alongside those emotional stories, Laura brings humor and energy to a discussion of independent artistry, her songwriting process, and the small-town connections that inspired &ldquo;Drink in Town.&rdquo; She also explains how online criticism inspired &ldquo;I&rsquo;m Her,&rdquo; a song about embracing who you are.
In this episode:
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>
Growing up in Maryland and following her country music dream to Nashville.
</li>
<li>
Her brother&rsquo;s recovery and the roots of her Make-A-Wish involvement.
</li>
<li>
Building an independent career with a team that shares her vision.
</li>
<li>
Writing &ldquo;Rise&rdquo; and hearing how listeners found strength in it.
</li>
<li>
Navigating grief and finding connection through performing.
</li>
<li>
Celebrating small-town life with &ldquo;Drink in Town.&rdquo;
</li>
<li>
Turning criticism into a message of authenticity.
</li>
<li>
The sensitive person behind the confident performer.
</li>
</ul>
Connect with Laura: <a href="https://laurabryna.com/">laurabryna.com</a>
Follow Almost Live Nashville for more conversations about music, entertainment, and the people behind the songs.

Country artist Laura Bryna joins Tony Mantor to share how family tragedy, small-town roots, and a passion for giving back shaped her music. From the deeply personal meaning of “Rise” to the playful spirit of “Drink in Town,” Laura opens up about resilience, songwriting, and the vulnerability behind her confident stage presence.

Laura Bryna: The Story Behind “Rise”—Music, Loss, and Finding Strength

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/f3fa345e-a4ab-48ea-bb47-b4d9016b2c58/transcript

 Show Notes

What began as a family singing together in their living room during the COVID-19 lockdown quickly became an international phenomenon. In this episode of Almost Live Nashville, Tony Mantor welcomes members of the Marsh Family to share their incredible journey from viral videos to worldwide recognition.

The family discusses their debut album, Hollow Chapters, the move into original songwriting, and how they've used music to spark conversations about mental health, prostate cancer awareness, family, politics, and hope. They also open up about working together as parents and children, the challenges of sudden fame, and why authenticity remains at the heart of everything they create.

This inspiring conversation reminds us that music can heal, unite, and give people the courage to talk about life's most important issues.

In this episode you'll hear:
The story behind the Marsh Family's overnight success
The inspiration for their debut album Hollow Chapters
How music helped them connect with millions around the world
The importance of family, kindness, and authenticity
Why they believe music can change lives

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow Almost Live Nashville so you never miss another great conversation.

Show NotesWhat began as a family singing together in their living room during the COVID-19 lockdown quickly became an international phenomenon. In this episode of Almost Live Nashville, Tony Mantor welcomes members of the Marsh Family to share their incredible journey from viral videos to worldwide recognition.The family discusses their debut album, Hollow Chapters, the move into original songwriting, and how they&apos;ve used music to spark conversations about mental health, prostate cancer awareness, family, politics, and hope. They also open up about working together as parents and children, the challenges of sudden fame, and why authenticity remains at the heart of everything they create.This inspiring conversation reminds us that music can heal, unite, and give people the courage to talk about life&apos;s most important issues.In this episode you&apos;ll hear:<ul><li>The story behind the Marsh Family&apos;s overnight success</li><li>The inspiration for their debut album Hollow Chapters</li><li>How music helped them connect with millions around the world</li><li>The importance of family, kindness, and authenticity</li><li>Why they believe music can change lives</li></ul>If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow Almost Live Nashville so you never miss another great conversation.

The Marsh Family: From Viral Sensation to Original Music-Hope,Heart & Harmony

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/1ddf9e57-cdb9-46e9-8e40-b4d50167bd0b/transcript

Most people know Walter Egan for his timeless hit "Magnet and Steel," but that iconic song is only one chapter in an extraordinary career spanning more than five decades.

In this episode of Almost Live Nashville, Walter joins host Tony Mantor to share the incredible stories behind his journey—from writing with Gram Parsons, recording alongside Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham, and working at the legendary Sound City Studios, to navigating the highs and lows of the music industry.

Walter reflects on the friendships that shaped his career, the songs that deserved more recognition, the politics of the record business, his move to Nashville, becoming a songwriter and educator, and why his passion for music remains stronger than ever.

Whether you're a longtime fan of Magnet and Steel or discovering Walter Egan for the first time, this conversation is filled with unforgettable stories, music history, and inspiration.

In This Episode
The real story behind "Magnet and Steel"
Working with Stevie Nicks & Lindsey Buckingham
Writing songs with Gram Parsons
Recording at the legendary Sound City Studios
The truth about record label politics
Why "Hot Summer Nights" deserved to be a bigger hit
Keith Urban's recording of "Magnet and Steel"
Walter's songwriting process
Life in Nashville
His autobiography and new music releases
Becoming a grandfather
His radio show, Walt's Record Vault
Lessons learned from over 50 years in music

If you enjoy conversations with legendary artists and behind-the-scenes stories from the music industry, be sure to Follow Almost Live Nashville so you never miss an episode.

Most people know Walter Egan for his timeless hit &quot;Magnet and Steel,&quot; but that iconic song is only one chapter in an extraordinary career spanning more than five decades.In this episode of Almost Live Nashville, Walter joins host Tony Mantor to share the incredible stories behind his journey—from writing with Gram Parsons, recording alongside Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham, and working at the legendary Sound City Studios, to navigating the highs and lows of the music industry.Walter reflects on the friendships that shaped his career, the songs that deserved more recognition, the politics of the record business, his move to Nashville, becoming a songwriter and educator, and why his passion for music remains stronger than ever.Whether you&apos;re a longtime fan of Magnet and Steel or discovering Walter Egan for the first time, this conversation is filled with unforgettable stories, music history, and inspiration.In This Episode<ul><li>The real story behind &quot;Magnet and Steel&quot;</li><li>Working with Stevie Nicks &amp; Lindsey Buckingham</li><li>Writing songs with Gram Parsons</li><li>Recording at the legendary Sound City Studios</li><li>The truth about record label politics</li><li>Why &quot;Hot Summer Nights&quot; deserved to be a bigger hit</li><li>Keith Urban&apos;s recording of &quot;Magnet and Steel&quot;</li><li>Walter&apos;s songwriting process</li><li>Life in Nashville</li><li>His autobiography and new music releases</li><li>Becoming a grandfather</li><li>His radio show, Walt&apos;s Record Vault</li><li>Lessons learned from over 50 years in music</li></ul>If you enjoy conversations with legendary artists and behind-the-scenes stories from the music industry, be sure to Follow Almost Live Nashville so you never miss an episode.

Walter Egan: The Untold Stories Behind "Magnet and Steel," Stevie Nicks, Gram Parsons & a Lifetime in Music

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/4e1db31c-c629-4fa7-95d8-b4d50167bd13/transcript

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

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