SZA, The Rascals, and Lawrence Taylor to Join New Jersey Hall of Fame
The New Jersey Hall of Fame has announced its Class of 2026 inductees, honoring prominent figures in arts, entertainment, sports, public service, and more. Among the distinguished honorees are recording artist SZA, iconic rock band The Rascals, and former New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor.
This prestigious honor will be awarded to the select group at the 18th Annual NJHOF Induction Ceremony, set for September 24, 2026. The event will be hosted by the well-known actor Danny DeVito and will take place at the newly-constructed Dream Live Performing Arts Center at American Dream.
Jon F. Hanson, the chairman of the NJHOF, expressed his admiration for the Class of 2026, highlighting their diverse talents, resilience, and noteworthy accomplishments that embody the essence of New Jersey. Each inductee is recognized for their creativity, leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence, serving as an inspiration for future generations.
The New Jersey Hall of Fame Class of 2026 spans various categories to honor individuals from different fields. The Arts & Letters category features Big Joe Henry, a beloved radio personality and philanthropist, while the Education, Research, Engineering & Science group includes influential figures like Geraldine R. Dodge and Thomas M. Eastwick. The Enterprise category pays tribute to leaders such as former Johnson & Johnson CEO James E. Burke and Robert C. Garrett, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health.
In the Performing Arts & Entertainment segment, The Rascals, a renowned American rock band with hit songs like “Groovin” join the ranks alongside SZA, a Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and Academy Award nominee. The Public Service sector recognizes trailblazers like Donald Milford Payne Sr., New Jersey’s first African American elected to Congress, and Governor Christine Todd Whitman, a notable writer and environmental advocate.
The Sports category features Dr. John J. McMullen, former owner of the New Jersey Devils and Houston Astros, and Lawrence Taylor, an esteemed former linebacker for the New York Giants. Tom Weatherall, President & CEO of Make-A-Wish® New Jersey, is honored as the Unsung Hero for his exceptional contributions to the community.
The 13 distinguished inductees were selected from a pool of 60 nominees after a public voting process. The New Jersey Hall of Fame celebrates individuals who have made remarkable impacts on society, the state of New Jersey, and beyond. Since its inception in 2008, the NJHOF has hosted ceremonies recognizing over 260 notable figures for their outstanding achievements.
As the anticipation builds for the upcoming induction ceremony, details regarding General Admission ticket sales will be announced at a later date. For more information about this prestigious event, interested individuals can visit the official website of the New Jersey Hall of Fame.