Grew up in Mooretown, one of the toughest neighborhoods in Shreveport (one- and two-room shotgun houses without indoor plumbing). 40 years of experience in broadcasting before becoming a film, television, and commercial actor. Ted, who grew up in Shreveport's African American community, must have been destined for the city's radio station in the Motor City (Detroit)...

In the 6 months of 1975, China Jones (Ted's air name) became the number one nighttime DJ (from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM) on Detroit radio... After 6 years in the "Motor City," China headed west to Hollywood to become program director of KWST (KWEST) for Century Broadcasting. Soon after, the station became Power 106. And once again an urban giant in Los Angeles.