The annual New Jersey Hall of Fame induction ceremony, which was held Sunday night, was jam packed with great performances not only from special guest but also from the inductees themselves. The non-profit organization gives honors to New Jersey residents who have made big contributions to society and the world beyond. Individuals who have distinguished themselves in different fields such as music, books, movies, sports, business, and public service, are inducted into the Hall of Fame and permanently honored in the organization's museum.
A memorable performance
The 47-year old inductee and Haitian rapper Wycleaf Jean, who lived in New Jersey since he was nine, performed a stunning rendition of Bob Marley's "No Woman No Cry." The performance received a roaring applause from the audience, which was then followed by a touching moment when Jean was officially inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame. Jean told the story of how his father brought them to America and taught them the values of being immigrants and to work with pride.
The night was then closed with another great performance by Jean's fellow inductee Tommy James, who performed his own song "Mony Mony," which rocked the entire venue. James also performed an acoustic set during the event.
A family affair
Being inducted into the state's Hall of Fame is, of course, a big honor, which is why most of the inductees brought with them all their loved ones to share in the special moment. TV personality Kelly Ripa was ushered to the stage by her father Joe, while newswoman Connie Chung was brought on stage by her husband, talk show host Maury Povich.
Mystery writer Carol Higgins Clark, who is a second generation Hall of Fame member after her bestselling novelist mother Mary Higgins Clark, was inducted by in turn by her own mother during the ceremony.
Other inductees that were part of the 2016 class included the Basketball Hall of Famer Carol Blazejowski, "Goodfellas" star Liotta, and the founder of New York Waterway, Arthur Imperatore Sr.
A Jersey boy through and through
Among the inductees was an athlete that lived his entire life in New Jersey, the former heavyweight boxer, Chuck "the Bayonne Bleeder" Wepner. Wepner was actually the inspiration for Sylvester Stallone's "Rocky" movies. Wepner actually went toe-to-toe with Muhammad Ali himself for 15 rounds in a title fight back in 1975.
Honoring the fallen
Posthumously inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame were Alfred Koeppe, the former COO of Bell Atlantic, peace activist Mildred Lisette, and war hero Philip Kearny.
