Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music to Pay Tribute to John Mellencamp, Jackson Browne, Mavis Staples, and Dion DiMucci in New Jersey

Legendary musicians were honored at the American Music Honors of the Bruce Springsteen Archives, with John Mellencamp taking the spotlight at Monmouth University’s Pollak Theater in West Long Branch. Mellencamp spoke about the influence of Springsteen and other musical icons like Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie, emphasizing the impact they had on his own career.

The ceremony celebrated musical legends such as Mavis Staples, Jackson Browne, and Dion DiMucci, with Springsteen, Steve Van Zandt, Darlene Love, and Jon Landau introducing the honorees. Mellencamp was praised by Springsteen for his musical legacy and activism, particularly for co-founding Farm Aid with Willie Nelson in 1985.

During the event, Mellencamp performed his hit song “Jack and Diane,” followed by a duet with Springsteen on “Small Town.” Browne, known for his activism and music, performed “Running on Empty” and honored Glenn Frey with a rendition of “Take It Easy.” Staples, a civil rights activist, delivered a powerful performance of “If You’re Ready (Come Go With Me).”

DiMucci, whose music became an anthem for activism, joked about starting a new group with the other musicians present. The evening concluded with an energetic performance by Springsteen and Van Zandt, joined by all the performers for a rendition of The Carter Family’s “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.”

The event raised funds for the construction of the Bruce Springsteen Archives, which will feature exhibits on Springsteen and American music history. The new building, designed by Cookfox, will be located on the campus of Monmouth University, near where Springsteen wrote his iconic song “Born to Run.”