It's difficult to think of an out-of-state or international mega-act that hasn't performed in New Jersey.
New Jersey is a great place for music. Frankly, I'd say there's hardly room for debate.
Certainly, the list of chart-topping musicians who hail from the Garden State is a long one. And, I'd venture to say there's nary an out-of-state or international mega-act that hasn't performed here. Bands and solo acts have packed venues ranging from high school auditoriums to football stadiums.
We from the Garden State are steeped in the traditions of Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen. We've been told about girl groups from the '60s like the Angels and the Shirelles and solo acts like Lesley Gore and Connie Francis. And we've reveled in the innovations of performers and producers like George Clinton and Les Paul. Here are a handful of lesser-known facts about pop music in New Jersey:
Mark Stein, founding member of Vanilla Fudge, was a Bayonne native. * The first live performance of "Rock Around the Clock" by Bill Haley and his Comets took place at the HofBrau Hotel in Wildwood in 1954.
* Donald Fagan of Steely Dan was born in Passaic in 1948 and later attended South Brunswick High School.
* Paul Simon was born in Newark, as was Ice T (Tracy Marrow)
* Joe Walsh attended Montclair High School, where he played oboe in the school band.
MORE: Vintage photos around New Jersey
* Country superstar Clint Black was born in Long Branch; Wyclef Jean was born in South Orange.
* Kate Pierson, one of the founding members of the B-52s, was born in Weehawken.
This gallery offers a humble sampling of some of the pop, rock and soul talent to take the stage in the Garden State. Be sure to click on the captions button to read more about these vintage photos.
Can't get enough? Here's a link to last year's gallery.
Greg Hatala may be reached at ghatala@starledger.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregHatala. Find The Star-Ledger on Facebook.