The Garden State recently witnessed an unforgettable evening of musical celebration, as the third annual American Music Honors took center stage at The Pollak Theatre at Monmouth University in West Long Branch on April 26, 2025. Presented by The Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music, this event was an emotional and electrifying tribute to legendary figures in music. It brought together icons, rising stars, and passionate music lovers to honor the individuals whose artistry has left an indelible mark on the landscape of American music.
The event was much more than just an awards ceremony; it was a powerful reminder of music’s ability to unite people, shape cultures, and leave lasting legacies. The evening saw Tom Morello, a modern-day rock legend, deliver one of the evening’s most memorable moments with a sharp, witty, and politically charged remark: “It is an honor to be here at the last big awards event before they throw us all in jail.” These words, while controversial, fit seamlessly into the spirit of the evening, where bold expressions and poignant statements mixed with the pure joy of musical celebration.
But despite the occasional political commentary, the American Music Honors night was ultimately a heartfelt salute to five remarkable artists—Smokey Robinson, John Fogerty, Emmylou Harris, Joe Ely, and Tom Morello—who have shaped and continue to influence the music industry. Each inductee brought their own unique perspective and experience, offering a heartfelt reflection on their life’s work.
John Fogerty, an emblem of rock ‘n’ roll, reflected on how music had “chosen him” long before he had the words to describe it. His heartfelt words resonated deeply with the audience, illustrating his lifelong devotion to his craft: “I didn’t choose music. Music chose me. Before I could walk, before I could talk, I knew I wanted to make music.” Similarly, Emmylou Harris spoke passionately about her love for music, describing it as the passion of her life, a privilege she’s grateful to share with the world. She shared, “It has been the passion of my life, once I discovered music: once I realized that I was one of the lucky ones, blessed to be able to sing and to make music.”
For Tom Morello, known for his explosive guitar work and politically charged lyrics, the night was a celebration of both personal and professional milestones. His speech, full of fire and intensity, emphasized his ongoing journey as a musician and social activist. “I didn’t choose music,” he shared, “music chose me.” This sentiment echoed the night’s overarching theme of destiny and the power of art.
Special Tributes and Powerful Performances
The night was peppered with live performances by these musical greats, with the Disciples of Soul—led by Stevie Van Zandt—serving as the evening’s house band. Each performance was a celebration of the legends’ greatest hits, bringing to life the sounds that have defined American music for decades.
For example, Smokey Robinson’s timeless classic “Tears of a Clown” got a new lease on life, performed by Robinson alongside Van Zandt and the band. John Fogerty’s “Bad Moon Rising” saw Bruce Springsteen take the stage with him, creating an electric collaboration that left the audience in awe. Other standout performances included the hauntingly beautiful “Red Dirt Girl” by Emmylou Harris, accompanied by Patti Scialfa, and the powerhouse rendition of “Cochise” by Tom Morello and the Disciples of Soul.
Perhaps the most touching moment came when Bruce Springsteen inducted Joe Ely, a man whose health struggles prevented him from attending the event. Springsteen spoke with deep affection about Ely’s influence on the music scene, calling him a “true Texas troubadour” and reflecting on their decades-long friendship. “If the world was a fairer place, Joe Ely would have been huge! I mean huge. He had, and has got it all. He’s a great songwriter. He looks dead cool. He’s a fabulous stage performer, always with a great band. He’s got that voice, the one I wished I had. It’s got that slight southern country twang, it’s got a hint of rockabilly. It’s got the depth and emotion of Johnny Cash and it’s as deeply authentic as his Texas roots. Now, from his early classic band The Flatlanders, with Jimmie Dale Gilmore (and) Butch Hancock, he made a music unique to Texas that touched folks all around the world. He had records like Musta Notta Gotta Lotta, Love and Danger, Letter to Laredo, Love and Freedom and a dozen top-shelf others that a lot more people should have heard and gotten to love. Joe left his mark, though, on the Texas and the world music scene. He opened for The Clash in 1978. That’s incredible! As they sang on Sandinista!, ‘There ain’t no better blend than Joe Ely and his Texas men.’ Now Joe Strummer, he knew greatness when he heard it.”
Springsteen continued, “Joe is a member of the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame. He spent 2016 as the reigning Texas State Musician. He’s a writer, a poet, he’s an accomplished visual artist. He’s been my friend for 30-plus years and I take great pride to be able to call him so. He’s a sweet, sweet man. We’ve had some wonderful times together, including one post-show Irish night in the pubs and clubs of Dublin that I won’t soon forget. Nor will I say anything more about it! But I’ve been blessed to sing on his records and be onstage with Joe on occasion and the only thing I can say is: Thank God he wasn’t born in New Jersey! I would have had a lot more of my work cut out for me.”
Springsteen concluded his tribute with a heartfelt message: “But anyway, be blessed and well, Joe. Joe couldn’t be here tonight. He’s struggling with his health, but we love him and we need him and all I can say is, welcome to the American Music Honors, buddy.”
Joe Ely, though unable to attend due to health issues, shared his gratitude through a special message: “Joe wants you to know how grateful he is to be honored by the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music. There is a special lifetime friendship with Bruce and his band and also with many of Joe’s friends who are all committed to the healing power of music. ‘To be able to perform and to be in the presence of the energy of the people and the music is a gift. … To be included is an honor beyond what any words can express.’ Joe brings it full circle and says this: ‘In 1954, when I was 7, my father took me to a local Pontiac dealership in Amarillo, Texas, to hear a piano-playing singer from Ferriday, Louisiana. He was set up on the back of a flatbed truck. His name was Jerry Lee Lewis. I’ll never forget that vision of my childhood. You could hardly see across the street with the dust blowing, and there’s this madman up there pounding on a piano. The wind was blowing so hard that it would blow the microphone over. Jerry Lee would be singing and the microphone would go thump. Somebody would run over and pick it up and it would fall over again. It was like a vision from hell, but it was so wonderful because it seemed like it fit with the wind and the static electricity. I always look back at that moment as the very beginning, the spark that made me consider doing this as my life, the spark that started it all.’”
A Show of Unity and Resilience
Throughout the evening, the speeches, performances, and moments of recognition underscored the power of music to bring people together. From Bruce Springsteen’s emotional introduction to Joe Ely, to Morello’s electrifying performance of “The Ghost of Tom Joad,” the evening was a celebration of not only individual achievement but also the shared love for the art form that unites us all.
The event was also a powerful reminder of the ongoing importance of music as a tool for healing and cultural preservation. Robert Santelli, the executive director of the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music, made an impassioned speech about the critical role of institutions that support and preserve musical heritage, especially in a time when cultural institutions face unprecedented challenges. “At a time when the nation’s culture is under attack, we stand firm in our commitment to promote artistic freedom,” he declared, making it clear that the mission of the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music is to ensure that the voices of musical greats like those honored at the event continue to be heard and celebrated for generations to come.
Setlist Highlights: A Musical Journey
The night was packed with musical history, as the Disciples of Soul helped honor the inductees with some of their most iconic hits:
- “Settle for Love” – Joe Ely’s timeless track was beautifully covered by the Disciples of Soul.
- “Love Hurts” – A classic song famously sung by Emmylou Harris and Gram Parsons, this performance brought both nostalgia and emotion.
- “Born on the Bayou” – A Creedence Clearwater Revival classic, performed with energy by John Fogerty and the band.
- “Cochise” – A song co-written by Tom Morello and performed by the legendary Audioslave, now reinterpreted live for the audience.
- “I Second That Emotion” – A hit from Smokey Robinson, showcasing his legendary songwriting and vocal prowess.
New Jersey: The Heart of Music and Culture
New Jersey has long been a central hub for music, from its rich history in jazz and rock to its contemporary influence on the industry. Events like the American Music Honors not only spotlight the state’s musical heritage but also elevate its cultural role as a place where creativity thrives.
The Pollak Theatre at Monmouth University, with its intimate setting and historic significance, served as the perfect backdrop for this tribute to music’s power to unite and inspire. As the evening drew to a close with a rousing rendition of Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land” featuring all the performers, the event was a testament to the enduring spirit of music and its role in shaping the American experience.
For anyone passionate about music, culture, and the legacy of artists who have defined our times, the American Music Honors provided a night to remember. From unforgettable performances to emotional speeches, this event celebrated not only the honorees but also the transformative power of music that continues to shape and define New Jersey and the world.
Stay tuned for more updates and future events as the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music continues to honor and preserve the incredible musical heritage of New Jersey and beyond.
