When the train carrying the 131st edition of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus rolls into Houston, it will again be under the auspices of Ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson. Iverson, 26, made history in 1998 as the first Black ringmaster when he was only 22-years-old. Unlike many performers who realized a childhood dream of running away to join the circus, Iverson who admits to being “career unfocused” while in college, explains his good fortune by saying, “you have plans and then life happens.”

The gifted tenor began performing at age 11 with the Boys Choir of Harlem. A native of Manhattan, New York, he said his goals while growing up were simply to “get rich legally and become famous.” The Boys Choir gave him formal voice training and exposed him to worldwide cultural expressions. He not only had the opportunity to see Placido Domingo perform in Japan, he also sung during the intermission of a Luciano Pavarotti concert in Central Park. The son of a postal worker and firefighter, Iverson continued to hone his vocal skills at the Fiorello H. La Guardia High School of Music and Art and Performing Arts in Manhattan. He was awarded scholarships to the Hartt School of Music and was closing in on other goals, which included graduate study and travel.

Bolstered by encouragement from Broadway producer Jeffrey Holder, whom Iverson had worked with, he landed a role in “The Fireside Christmas Show” directed by Philip Wm. McKinley. McKinley invited him to audition for a “Christmas show” said Iverson who had no idea that Ringling Brothers producers were looking for a singing ringmaster. “I was just planning to earn some extra cash to travel with. I never anticipated that I would be invited to an audition for this incredible role,” he said. In all, there were 30 aspiring ringmasters, but Iverson walked away with the coveted role.

“I was able to make history right out of college,” he said. And although one is left to speculate about how close he has come to realizing “getting rich legally” there is no doubt that he has become famous since he was selected by Barbara Walters as one of the 10 most fascinating individuals in 1999. The circus presents 450 shows each year which consists of 2 and a half hours of non-stop action and it is his job to lead the audience of 10,000 - 12,000 and “shape the personality, pace and personality of every performance.” This is something that every ringmaster before him has done but the consensus is, no one has accomplished it like him. And, he has the added burden and blessing of being the first Black ringmaster in the circus’ history.

He believes being Black has both helped and hindered him. “I was prepared for it,” he said when pressed about the race issue. “I am real conscious about race and when I first started, my main concern was gaining respect.” Not only has he had to deal with attitudes of those who believe it is non-traditional to have a Black in such a position, he has also encountered the ideology among his own people that Ringling Bros. hired him in response to UniversalSoul Circus, a Black-owned circus featuring performers of color. “I believe talent always win and it transcends boundaries. I now have tons of fans of all races,” he stated.

“Life is a circus, good or bad,” he continued, but working in what is billed as The Greatest Show on Earth, “everyday is a highlight to me.” He was especially touched by the music of the show. “The music is what really appealed to me. It was very different and they were willing to take different risks,” he explained. Iverson believes he has grown with the circus which he describes as being the “mother of all stage shows.” “We provide the most spectacular and glamorous show, but it is not just for kids. My favorite audience is made up of children and senior citizens because they are not afraid to have fun.”

It didn’t take long for him to discover another plus for being a part of Ringling Brothers and that is the circus is a family-friendly environment. “Family is priority. They take family seriously here,” he stated, pointing out that the circus is conducive to school and has a nursery as well. “Children here have to learn differently languages quickly,” he said. Iverson met his wife Priscilla while on tour and she is now the show’s dance captain. “I really enjoy working with my wife and I am glad that unlike in other show business arenas, she is not 5,000 miles away.”
Iverson believes that people who have been blessed should reach back and help bring others along…at least those who want to achieve success. “I want to do television and cinema, but I also want to be a humanitarian. “I think the world would be much better if more people who are blessed, would help others.” As such he has never forgotten what being a part of the Boys Choir did for him.

Recently, with the Boys Choir of Harlem, Iverson recorded “Magic, a Celebration of Children’s Music”. It is a collection of children’s classics such as “Somewhere Out There,” “Pocketful of Miracles,” “If You Believe,” “Candy Man,” “Under Angels Wings,” “I Don’t Want to Grow Up,” and a medley of other children’s favorites including: “If You’re Happy and You Know It, “A Tisket-a-Tasket,” ‘Eensy Weensy Spider,” ‘Oh! Susanna,” “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,”“Down in my heart,” “Kum ba yah,” and “He’s got the whole world in his hands.” It is currently available at www. alltalent.com/iverson.
His main goal with the circus, the recording and other ideas that are simmering in his head is to take over the children’s entertainment market. “A lot of stuff aimed at children is spiritual trash,” he explained. “Some of the videos, the internet and games are spiritually draining. I want to create something for children with style and substance.”

While contemplating his future, one thing is for certain, the sky is the limit. ‘People are pushing me towards Broadway. Whatever I do, I want to have some say in it. Artists should have some control. I want to have some clout. You may hate the “business” of show business, but you must know it.”

Opening night for the 131st edition of Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey will be Friday, July 12 at Compaq Center. The 16 performances will end on Sunday, July 21 at 7:30p.m.