Legendary Artists Honored at 2025 American Music Honors in New Jersey

WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. — The 2025 American Music Honors will celebrate a powerhouse lineup of legendary artists, including Smokey Robinson, John Fogerty, Tom Morello, Emmylou Harris, and Joe Ely, for their indelible impact on American music. The event, hosted by the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music, will take place on April 26 at Monmouth University‘s Pollak Theatre.

“This year’s honorees represent a cross-section of American music,” said Robert Santelli, founding executive director of the Bruce Springsteen Archives. “Rock, Americana, soul, and country are all represented by some of the most important artists from each genre. We are most excited to honor them and welcome them into the American Music Center family.”

Smokey Robinson, the Motown icon and former frontman of The Miracles, helped define the sound of Motown with hits like “Shop Around,” which became the label’s first million-selling record in 1960. His solo career continued to thrive, with tracks like “Being with You” and “Cruisin'” becoming chart-topping classics.

John Fogerty, the voice behind Creedence Clearwater Revival, holds the record for the most No. 2 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 without reaching No. 1, including “Proud Mary” and “Bad Moon Rising.” His solo work, such as the 2013 album *Wrote a Song for Everyone*, further cemented his legacy.

Tom Morello, renowned as the guitarist for Rage Against the Machine, has left a lasting mark on rock music. The band’s albums *Evil Empire* (1996) and *The Battle of Los Angeles* (1999) both debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, solidifying their influence.

Emmylou Harris, a country and Americana icon, has earned multiple No. 1 albums on the Top Country Albums chart, including *Luxury Liner* in 1977. Her 1976 hit “Together Again” also topped the Hot Country Songs chart.

Joe Ely, a pioneer in progressive country music, has consistently charted with albums like *Musta Notta Gotta Lotta* (1981) and *Twistin’ in the Wind* (1998). His work continues to resonate within the genre.

Monmouth University President Dr. Patrick Leahy expressed pride in hosting the event, calling it “one of the most exciting music events in New Jersey.” Tickets for the American Music Honors go on sale March 25.