The Garden State’s version of the Oscars and Grammys drew over 1,000 people last week as the red carpet was rolled out for the latest New Jersey Hall of Fame inductees at American Dream in the Meadowlands in East Rutherford.
The Class of 2026 was feted during the 18th Annual NJHOF Induction Ceremony held at American Dream’s new Dream Live Performing Arts Center. The NJHOF calls American Dream home and said in a press release that this year’s inductees will be celebrated at its immersive, interactive museum, with year-round programming highlighting their accomplishments.
“Each year, our Induction Ceremony celebrates a new class of trailblazers who have helped cement New Jersey’s legacy of excellence,” said NJHOF Chairman Jon F. Hanson. “It’s a consistent reminder of the extraordinary talent that grows right here in the Garden State, and the Class of 2026 is no exception.”
Surprises, Celebrations, and Special Performances
📜Surprise Proclamation. Hosted by actor and comedian Danny DeVito (Class of 2010), the evening included a surprise proclamation declaring Nov. 17, the actor’s birthday, as Danny DeVito Day, “in recognition of a true New Jersey icon.” Amy Herbold, President and CEO of Choose New Jersey, Inc., presented the proclamation on behalf of New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill.
🏈Special Guest. Former New York Giants defensive linebacker Lawrence “LT” Taylor was inducted into the NJHOF by former New York Giants linebacker and fellow teammate Harry Carson (Class of 2018). LT received video tributes from his former coaches. Taylor, Football Hall of Fame, Class of 1999, played 13 seasons in the NFL with the Giants. He was voted the No. 1 player in Giants history during the franchise’s 100th season celebration in 2024. LT helped lead the team to two Super Bowl victories, earned three NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors, and became only the second defensive player in NFL history to win MVP.
🎶🎧🎤Singer-songwriter and record producer Tommy James (Class of 2016), best known as the frontman of the 1960s rock band Tommy James and the Shondells. Born April 29, 1947, in Dayton, Ohio, he currently lives in Cedar Grove, New Jersey. His 2010 autobiography, “Me, the Mob, and the Music,” is considered among the best musical memoirs, the NJHOF said.
🎸Stevie Van Zandt (Class of 2017), singer, songwriter, musician, producer, actor, activist, and author, best known as a member of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band (guitar, mandolin, backing vocals) and as mob consigliere Silvio Dante on the hit HBO series The Sopranos. Aside from performing, he also inducted Edward Brigati Jr.
🎙️Edward Brigati Jr. (Class of 2026), singer and songwriter best known as a founding member of the rock group The Young Rascals, was born on Oct. 22, 1945, in Passaic; he grew up in Garfield and today lives in Towaco, New Jersey, which is Part of Montville Township. Van Zandt inducted him, along with The Rascals and late band members David Brigati and Dino Danelli. A live performance of the band’s 1967 hit “How Can I Be Sure” immediately followed.
House Band and Then Some
🎷Mark Rivera, Billy Joel’s saxophonist for 42 years, co-led the house band Asbury Allstars at the event. The Piano Man’s longest-tenured band member, Rivera also played saxophone, flute, percussion, and backing vocals while with Joel. The multi-instrumentalist and singer chronicled his rock ‘n roll life in the 2023 book “Sideman: In Pursuit of the Next Gig.”
House band Asbury Allstars is a Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes tribute band and an ad hoc backing supergroup of veteran New Jersey musicians led by Marc Ribler and Mark Rivera, according to its website. The house band shared the stage with James, who performed alongside Van Zandt.
Inductees: Jersey Proud, Jersey Spirit, Jersey Talent
Robert C. Garrett, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health, was recognized for his leadership in transforming Hackensack Meridian Health into New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive health network. He steered sweeping changes at Hackensack Meridian, which operates 18 hospitals and more than 500 care facilities statewide. He said he plans to retire effective June 30, 2027, having been with the hospital since 1981 and serving as CEO for roughly 11 years.
“I am incredibly honored and humbled to be inducted with this extraordinary group of icons. It has been the privilege of a lifetime leading Hackensack Meridian Health and making New Jersey a healthier state to work and live in,” said Garrett.
Thomas M. Eastwick is credited with transforming the lives of thousands of New Jersey residents through his belief that education should be practical, affordable, and accessible. He founded Eastwick College and the Hohokus School of Trade and Technical Sciences and, for over 40 years, has expanded educational and career opportunities.
Singer-songwriter Edward Brigati Jr., a founding member of the rock group The Young Rascals, shared his desire to inspire the next generation: “My highest desire is to inspire each and every individual to recognize their own gifts and abilities, to express their utmost intention, to communicate, cooperate, and collaborate.”
Grammy-winning alternative R&B singer-songwriter SZA was inducted by her parents, Audrey and Abdul Mubarak-Rowe.’Her speech honored her Garden State roots: “Thank you to all the Jerseyans that have inspired me. I’m just a culmination of those people. I love Jersey, I love community, and I promise to take that energy around the world wherever I go.”
She later joked that meeting Danny DeVito in person ranked among the night’s true highlights for her.
“While our Induction Ceremony marks a special ‘homecoming’ celebration for this year’s class of inductees, this is just the beginning,” said NJHOF President Steve Edwards. “Through the generous support of our sponsors, their stories will join those of over 260 other New Jersey greats, from Einstein to Edison to Jon Bon Jovi, and inspire countless generations to come!”
Learn more about the New Jersey Hall of Fame’s year-round programming at American Dream at NJHOF.org.
About the NJHOF
The New Jersey Hall of Fame (NJHOF) honors citizens who have made invaluable contributions to society, the State of New Jersey, and the world beyond. Since 2008, the NJHOF has hosted 18 ceremonies celebrating more than 280 notable individuals and groups. The NJHOF endeavors to present schoolchildren with significant and impactful role models to show that they can, and should, strive for excellence.
“The NJHOF is thankful for the support of its many sponsors, like Hackensack Meridian Health, without which none of our endeavors would be possible,” the statement said.
