NJ Rock Band, Singer To Be Inducted Into Count Basie Center Walk Of Fame

RED BANK, NJ — A New Jersey rock band and a famous singer are set to become the next inductees of the Count Basie Center Walk of Fame, the Basie recently announced.

On Friday, the Smithereens and Darlene Love will be inducted into the Walk of Fame and will host performances at the Basie Center the same day.

While tickets for The Smithereens’ Friday performance have sold out, tickets still remain for their performance on Thursday, as well as Darlene Love’s performance on Friday.

Love and The Smithereens are the third and fourth inductees of the Walk of Fame, following Jon Bon Jovi and William “Count” Basie’s inductions in September.

“The Walk of Fame is a permanent way to honor the artists who have left their mark on the Basie Center and the world, while creating a legacy that will inspire generations to come,” Jeremy Grunin, Chair of the Basie Center Board of Trustees, previously said.

• Read More: NJ Rock Star Inducted Into Count Basie Center Walk Of Fame

Known for their hit songs such as “A Girl Like You” and “Behind The Wall Of Sleep,” The Smithereens were founded in New Jersey in 1980, and have been creating “electrifying, original rock’n’roll for 45 years.”

Founded by guitarist Jim Babjak, drummer Dennis Diken and bassist Mike Mesaros, the three grew up together in Carteret while the band’s founding lead singer, the late Pat DiNizio, hailed from Scotch Plains.

After years of performances throughout the Garden State, DiNizio passed away in 2017.

Since his passing, the surviving members said they have decided to persevere and carry on their shared musical legacy and now use guest vocalists to continue to entertain fans around the world.

“The Smithereens are honored to be inducted onto the Count Basie Center for the Arts ‘Walk of Fame,’ along with the legendary Darlene Love,” the band said in an online statement.

Alongside The Smithereens, singer and actress Darlene Love will also be a Basie Center Walk of Fame inductee.

Known for songs such as “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” and “Hungry Heart,” Love has played at various NJ music venues over the years and even sang “A Fine Fine Boy” with the Boss of the Garden State himself, Bruce Springsteen.

In 2011, she was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame by Bette Midler and continues to sing for and entertain audiences around the world today.

“Excited for this!!” Love said of her Basie Center Walk of Fame induction in an online post.

The recent installation of the Walk of Fame is part of the Count Basie Center’s “Centennial Celebration,” a 16-month-long event that will commemorate the Basie’s century-long presence in Red Bank and impact throughout the Garden State.

According to Basie Center officials, the Walk of Fame aims to honor area artists whose early performances on the Basie Center stage gave way to worldwide fame and recognition.

To learn more about the Walk of Fame or Love and the Smithereens’ induction ceremony, you can click here.

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• Count Basie Center For The Arts Announces 16-Month ‘Centennial Celebration’