Springsteen Archives names John Mellencamp, Jackson Browne 2024 American Music honorees

They rock, and more, in the USA.

John Mellencamp, Jackson Browne, Mavis Staples and Dion DiMucci have been named recipients of the second annual American Music Honors by the Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music at Monmouth University.

Springsteen, Jon Landau, Steven Van Zandt and Darlene Love will be presenters.

The event will take place Wednesday, April 24, in the Pollak Theatre on the campus of Monmouth University in West Long Branch. Tickets go on sale at noon Tuesday, March 26, via springsteenarchives.org. Information about ticket prices is not available.

“The Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music is proud to honor these musically, culturally and politically important artists,” said Robert Santelli, founding executive director of the Springsteen Archives. “ ... John Mellencamp, Jackson Browne, Mavis Staples and Dion have contributed mightily to the American music canon and have demonstrated how the power of song can act as an agent for positive change in our country.”

Van Zandt, Sam Moore of Sam and Dave, Darlene Love, and Steve Earle were bestowed honors last year at the event, which featured musical performances by the recipients backed by Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul, who will return as the house band for the 2024 ceremony.

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Jon Stewart hosted last year, and Gov. Phil Murphy attended. Springsteen was not in attendance as he was home sick with COVID-19, but he sent in video messages.

“Monmouth University is proud to host this year’s American Music Honors and to welcome to our campus John Mellencamp, Jackson Browne, Dion and Mavis Staples,” said Monmouth University president Patrick Leahy in a statement. “These artists represent the best qualities of American music and together demonstrate why it is one of our most precious cultural resources.”

Springsteen has connections with all four recipients, some going back decades. The Boss joined Mellencamp on stage in November at the Stand Up for Heroes veterans benefit in New York City for their song “Wasted Days” from Mellencamp's 2022 album, “Strictly a One-Eyed Jack.” He then stuck around to perform four solo acoustic songs.

Springsteen and Browne have shared many stages together over the years, and in 2004 the Boss inducted Browne into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Staples, with Zac Brown, performed "My City of Ruins" at the 2013 “A MusiCares Tribute To Bruce Springsteen” in Los Angeles. Springsteen and wife Patti Scialfa play on the Dion-released songs “Angel in the Alleyways” and “Hymn to Him.”

Springsteen and the E Street Band begin their 2024 World Tour March 19 at the Footprint Center in Phoenix. The upcoming shows are either new or rescheduled dates being made up after Springsteen postponed 2023 shows due to a bout with peptic ulcer disease.

More than $600,000 was raised at last year's event for the Springsteen Archives, which preserves and promotes the legacy of Springsteen and American music — and supports music education programs in New Jersey and across the country.

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Chris Jordan, a Jersey Shore native, covers entertainment and features for the USA Today Network New Jersey. Contact him at @chrisfhjordan; cjordan@app.com

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: John Mellencamp, Jackson Browne honored by Springsteen Archives