Written by: Alex Green

Photo by Geoff Tischman

Southside Johnny will be inducted into the New Jersey Hall Of Fame.

The ceremony is set to take place in Asbury Park in October.

Born in Neptune, New Jersey and raised in Ocean Park, Southside Johnny (born John Lyon), is one of the most influential musicians to hail from the Garden State. Long considered to be the Grandfather of the New Jersey Sound, Southside Johnny is one of the most beloved and cherished personalities in New Jersey history.  A soulful confluence of R&B, rock and roll and the blues, Southside Johnny And The Asbury Jukes have long been considered to be one of the best live bands around.

“I’d rather be in the New Jersey Hall of Fame than in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, because at least I know the people care about me here,” Southside Johnny said in a press release. “I just wish it came with a check.”

Other inductees at the ceremony will be Martha Stewart, Jason Alexander (“Seinfeld”), author George R. R. Martin (“Game Of Thrones”) and The Smithereens.

See the full list of inductees below.

The New Jersey Hall of Fame Inductees, October, 2019

ARTS AND LETTERS: Peter Benchley, George R.R. Martin, Jerry Izenberg, Timothy White

ENTERPRISE: J. Fletcher Creamer Sr., F.M. Kirby II, Tim McLoone, Arthur F. Ryan, Mary Roebling, Martha Stewart

PERFORMING ARTS: Southside Johnny, The Smithereens, Jason Alexander

PUBLIC SERVICE: Victor Parsonnet, Elizabeth Allen