Jonni Hartman Rogers

1925 - 2017

Jonni Hartman Rogers
2017
Jonni Hartman Rogers passed away on Valentine's Day, Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at her home in Franklin, TN. Ray Rogers, her beloved husband of twenty-two years was at her side.
Born and raised in Tennessee, Jonni began her TV career at Houston's KPRC-TV, where for more than a decade she was promoted through various departments, to become Producer for live programs. At that time, she was one of only three female television producers in the country, and the first in Houston. She was instrumental in the TV careers of Houston personalities Ron Stone, Nancy Ames and Danny Ward. Later, she joined KHOU-TV as Executive Producer for Steve Edwards, who now has his own TV show in Los Angeles.
While in Houston, Jonni and Mack Newberry founded a public relations company that represented local and national accounts. They developed the arena show for motorcyclist Evil Knievel and they coordinated the opening events for Astroworld Theme Park.
Jonni worked in New York for two years for Edward Petrie and Company. She wrote and produced the firm's creative development strategy and coordinated projects for comic Bill Dana (Jose Jimenez) and several musical and comedic artists.
In 1978 Jonni moved to Los Angeles and joined the international public relations firm Rogers & Cowan, where her client roster included high profile film, television and music artists and numerous industry projects and events. In the 1980's Jonni established the public relations firm Slade, Grant, Hartman and Hartman with partners Melinda Slade, Ward Grant and daughter, Terri Hartman. Their artistic talent roster included Bob Hope, David Hasselhoff, Lisa Hartman Black, Forest Whitaker and Brenda Vaccaro. Corporate entertainment clients included Dick Clark Productions, Zev Braun Productions, The Comedy Store's five locations and she also was an advisor and consultant for producer Aaron Spellings' many popular TV series.
Jonni was involved in numerous charitable organizations, giving of her talent and time to Childhelp USA, Children's Miracle Network, St. Jude's Hospital for Children and RETT Syndrome.
Visiting friends in Houston during the 80's, Jonni was reunited with friend Ray Rogers who had been a regular performer on several TV shows produced by Jonni. Rogers, of Ray Rogers and the Bojangles, toured internationally and owned and operated the popular venue Club Bojangles in Houston. The couple married in 1994 and while they made Los Angeles their home base they traveled the world for business and pleasure.
In 2002, Jonni and Ray relocated to Nashville to coordinate business operations and public relations for her daughter actress-singer Lisa Hartman Black and Lisa's husband country artist Clint Black.
Jonni is survived by beloved husband Ray Rogers, daughters Terri Footnick (Al) of St. Petersburg, FL and Lisa Black (Clint) of Nashville, TN and step-son Chris Rogers of Houston, TX; grandchildren Colleen Hartman Bearden (Todd), Cole Hartman (Tiffany) and Lily Black and two great-grandchildren; Landry Bearden and Dagny Hartman.
A private family observance was held in Nashville. In lieu of flowers, Jonni requests donations to the charitable organization of your choice.
To all those who love her and will miss her, Jonni would say "God is always on time". Jonni's wish was that her friends in Houston and Los Angeles remember and celebrate her life together in love and laughter at their favorite haunt.