New Jersey Hall of Fame Announces 2026 Inductees

Written By Mike Greenblatt
Photo credits_ Cassidy Meyers SZA Headshot

SZA
Photo credit: Cassidy Meyers

The class of 2026 has been announced, showcasing, according to NJHOF Chairman Jon F. Hanson, “the diverse talent, resilience, and spirit of achievement that define the great state of New Jersey. Each inductee, through their creativity, leadership, and pursuit of excellence, has made impactful contributions that continue to inspire future generations."

To which Governor Sherrill adds, "as our nation celebrates 250 years of independence, New Jersey is proud to honor a remarkable group of individuals whose achievements reflect the talent, innovation, and determination that define the Garden State. The New Jersey Hall of Fame's Class of 2026 has made a lasting impact in their fields and serves as an inspiration to future generations. I congratulate this outstanding class of inductees and thank them for their contributions to New Jersey and beyond."

The inductees will be honored at the 18th Annual NJHOF Induction Ceremony on September 24, 2026, hosted by Danny DeVito at the recently-completed Dream Live Performing Arts Center at American Dream. General Admission ticket sales for the event will be announced at a later date.

The New Jersey Hall of Fame Class of 2026 is:

Arts & Letters
Big Joe Henry, “Livin’ Large and Lovin’ Life” New Jersey radio personality and philanthropist

Education, Research, Engineering & Science
Geraldine R. Dodge*, author, philanthropist, and benefactor of the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation

Thomas M. Eastwick, Founder and President of Eastwick College and the HoHoKus School of Trade and Technical Sciences

Enterprise
James E. Burke*, Former CEO of Johnson & Johnson 

Robert C. Garrett, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health, New Jersey’s largest health network

Christopher J. Paladino, President of New Brunswick Development Corporation (DEVCO)

Performing Arts & Entertainment
The Rascals, American rock band known for top-chart hits including “Groovin”

SZA, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and Academy Award nominee

Public Service
Donald Milford Payne Sr.*, New Jersey’s first African American elected to Congress

Governor Christine Todd Whitman, writer, former Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and New Jersey’s 50th Governor 

Sports
Dr. John J. McMullen*, Former owner of the New Jersey Devils and Houston Astros

Lawrence Taylor, Former New York Giants linebacker for 13 seasons

Unsung Hero
Tom Weatherall, President & CEO of Make-A-Wish® New Jersey 

*Being honored posthumously.

The 13 inductees were chosen from 60 nominees after a public vote. The Hall of Fame reserves the right to announce other inductees at a later time.

Mike Greenblatt

MIKE GREENBLATT has been writing for Goldmine magazine and New Jersey's Aquarian Weekly for more than 35 years. His writing subjects fill the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

He's interviewed Joe Cocker, Graham Nash, David Crosby, Carlos Santana, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Johnny Cash, and members of The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. He was 18 when he attended Woodstock in 1969.

In addition to writing about music, Greenblatt has worked on publicity campaigns for The Animals, Pat Benatar, Johnny Winter, Tommy James and Richard Branson, among others. He is currently the editor of The Jersey Sound.

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