An HOF You Can Love

New Jersey ranks 11th among the states in population, and 47th in physical size. But in terms of musical importance, it’s second to none.

The state where the phonograph record was invented by Thomas Edison has produced a long list of musical giants. Seeking to honor the state’s greatest talent — and, frankly, annoyed that the national Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has not seen fit to honor some of the most prominent artists that New Jersey has produced — The Star-Ledger and its website, NJ.com, have created the Rock & Pop Hall of Fame. It will live permanently at NJ.com/rockpop and induct a new class annually.

The Class of 2012, listed chronologically (determined by the start of their careers), is:

• Frank Sinatra
• The Shirelles
• The Four Seasons
• Dionne Warwick
• George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic
• Kool and the Gang
• Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
• Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes
• The Smithereens
• Bon Jovi
• Whitney Houston
• The Fugees

Why did they pick these 12? Visit the website to find out.

I do have to share some of the utterly delicious pictures that NJ.com posted for Bon Jovi... You can see the rest on the "Bon Jovi" page at the NJRPHOF website.


~ Hath