Bruce Springsteen Archives unveils first class of American Music Honorees (slideshow)

The Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music will host its inaugural American Music Honors event April 15. But on March 8, it unveiled the first class of honorees. 

The American Music Honors will take place at Monmouth University’s Pollak Theatre in West Long Branch. Comedian and TV personality Jon Stewart will host the event. The Bruce Springsteen Archives is housed at the university. 

The 2023 honorees are: 

• Steve Earle – country/blues/rock singer-songwriter and social commentator
• Darlene Love – pop/soul singer and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee
• Sam Moore – Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and legendary soul artist of the ’60s soul duo Sam & Dave
• Stevie Van Zandt – E Street Band member, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, political activist, music educator and best-selling author

“American Music Honors aims to celebrate those artists who have demonstrated artistic excellence, creative integrity, and a longstanding commitment to the value of music in our national consciousness,” Robert Santelli, founding executive director of the Archives, said in a statement. “All of our inaugural honorees are worthy of acknowledgment and appreciation.” 

The night’s entertainment and guests will include house band Disciples of Soul as well as award presenters Bruce Springsteen, Patti Scialfa, E Street Band member Garry Tallent, and Southside Johnny Lyon of Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. 

“This event showcases the ‘American Music’ part of our name and mission,” said Patrick Leahy, Monmouth University president and chair of the Archives. “By honoring American music greats, such as those named today, and by creating dynamic education and public programs, along with major museum exhibitions, we make valuable contributions to the understanding and importance of American music in our lives.” 

Tickets go on sale to the public March 13. More information on tickets will be available on the Archives’ website. 

The Bruce Springsteen Archives houses the music and artifacts of Jersey-born Springsteen. The Center for American Music produces exhibitions and programming to promote and celebrate American music and their impact on the U.S. culture.