Carli Clesmere Big news for New Jersey and music lovers everywhere. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has announced its 2026 inductees, and two legends from New Jersey are being honored in the category of Musical Influence: Queen Latifah and Celia Cruz. Both have had a huge impact on the sound and culture of music. And it doesn’t stop there: Essex County native Lauryn Hill is a nominee. This just goes to show the incredible talent that has come out of New Jersey and continues to shape the music industry. Read on to learn more about these legendary inductees and nominees from the state that keeps on giving to the world of music.
Three New Jerseyians Honored in 2026
The 2026 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees have been announced, and two incredible artists from New Jersey, Queen Latifah and Celia Cruz, are among those being honored with the prestigious Early Influence Award. This category recognizes artists whose sound and style helped shape and inspire the evolution of rock and music culture. Both Queen Latifah and Celia Cruz have made lasting contributions to the music industry, and their inclusion in this year’s list is a testament to their influence. The 2026 induction ceremony will take place on November 14, 2026, in Los Angeles, with the ceremony airing in December. This honor is a major milestone in their careers and reflects their deep impact on the music world.
Read More: 33 Famous Women From New Jersey in Honor of Women’s History Month
Another iconic artist from New Jersey, Lauryn Hill, is a nominee for the 2026 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Her nomination highlights the lasting influence she’s had on the music industry. Renowned for her groundbreaking contributions to hip-hop and soul, Lauryn Hill has shaped the sound of music for decades. Her recognition as a nominee speaks to her continued impact and legacy in the music world.
Inductee Queen Latifah: A New Jersey Icon Who Transformed Hip-Hop, Acting, and Entertainment
For Queen Latifah, this recognition feels especially full circle. Born Dana Owens in Newark, New Jersey, and raised in nearby East Orange, her roots are firmly planted in the Garden State. Her stage name, “Latifah,” meaning delicate or sensitive in Arabic, became the foundation of a presence that would go on to redefine hip hop, acting, and entertainment as a whole.
View this post on Instagram
Queen Latifah first broke onto the scene in the late 1980s with her debut album All Hail the Queen, quickly standing out for blending rap with messages of empowerment and unity. Tracks like Ladies First helped pave the way for women in hip hop, cementing her status as a voice that pushed the genre forward.
View this post on Instagram
Even with global success, Queen Latifah has always stayed connected to New Jersey. From returning to film The Equalizer to recently coming back to Newark to break ground on a new development project, her ties to the area remain strong. She also once called Jersey City home, living in Dixon Mills and embracing the local community early in her career. Her journey from Newark’s streets to Hollywood stardom proves that no matter how high she soars, Queen Latifah will always be a proud New Jersey icon, showing the world that true royalty never forgets its roots.
Some of Our Favorite Queen Latifah Songs:
- Ladies First
- U.N.I.T.Y.
- Just Another Day
- Dance for Me
- Come Into My House
Inductee Celia Cruz: The Queen of Salsa with Unstoppable Energy
Known as the Queen of Salsa, Celia Cruz became a global icon for her powerful voice, vibrant style, + unmistakable energy that helped bring Latin music to mainstream audiences. Her hits like La Vida Es Un Carnaval and Quimbara remain timeless, as her sound and stage presence set the tone for artists who followed and continue to shape music today. Though Cruz’s career took her around the world, she also had ties to Fort Lee, New Jersey, adding a local NJ connection to her global impact. Her influence is exactly what the Early Influence Award aims to recognize: artists whose work has helped evolve music and culture in a lasting way.
View this post on Instagram
Cruz’s contributions go far beyond just music; she opened doors for Latin artists in all genres, setting the stage for a new wave of Latin music appreciation in the U.S. and around the world. Through her charisma and dedication to the art of salsa, Cruz became an enduring symbol of empowerment, joy, + overall musical excellence.
View this post on Instagram
Celia Cruz passed away at her Fort Lee apartment at 2000 Linwood Avenue, on July 16, 2003, at the age of 77. Her legacy continues to be celebrated, and in May of 2025, she was honored with a Walk of Fame star at the Barrymore Film Center in Fort Lee.
Some of Our Favorite Celia Cruz Songs:
- La Vida Es Un Carnaval
- Quimbara
- La Negra Tiene Tumbao
- Ríe y Llora
- Guantanamera
Nominee Lauryn Hill: Shaping Music Across Genres
Lauryn Hill is widely regarded as one of the most influential artists of her generation, known for pushing the boundaries of genre and reshaping the music landscape. A true pioneer of melodic rap + neo-soul, Hill seamlessly blended hip-hop and R&B, creating a sound that redefined both genres.
View this post on Instagram
Born Lauryn Noelle Hill in East Orange, New Jersey, Hill grew up in a music-loving family that nurtured her talent from a young age. Her deep connection to the Garden State is evident in her current residence in the South Orange-Maplewood area. Hill’s journey to success began in high school and continued to flourish with the release of her album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. This album won five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year + Best New Artist, and sold over 20 million copies worldwide, solidifying its status as one of the most influential albums in music history.
View this post on Instagram
Hill’s music continues to resonate with new generations of listeners, inspiring countless artists with her lyrical depth, fearless authenticity, and genre-defying approach. TIME featured her as one of the most influential artists, and her impact stretches far beyond music. She remains a symbol of empowerment, individuality, and excellence in the industry. Hill’s legacy, like her sound, is timeless and limitless. As a nominee for the 2026 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Lauryn Hill’s enduring influence and unparalleled contributions to music continue to be recognized. This nomination further solidifies her place as one of the most impactful artists of her generation.
Some of Our Favorite Lauryn Hill Songs:
- Doo Wop (That Thing)
- Ex-Factor
- Everything Is Everything
- To Zion
- Lost Ones
Honoring New Jersey’s Legacy of Musical Icons
Queen Latifah, Celia Cruz, and Lauryn Hill are just a few of the many amazing musical talents New Jersey has given the world. The Garden State has always been a hotspot for legendary musicians whose influence reaches far beyond genres. Whether it’s Bruce Springsteen, Frank Sinatra, or Whitney Houston, New Jersey’s mark on music is absolutely undeniable. With both Latifah and Cruz being inducted into the 2026 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, it’s clear Jersey’s still churning out icons whose legacies will stick around for years to come. These two are great examples of the cultural mix + creativity that is present in New Jersey.
See More: MetLife Stadium to Be Renamed “New York New Jersey Stadium” for 2026 FIFA World Cup
As we celebrate their big induction, it’s a subtle reminder that icons come from all over, but New Jersey especially.
For more information on the 2026 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the inductees, visit the official website here.
Follow @thenewjerseygirl on Instagram + TikTok for the latest updates on Hoboken, Montclair, Bergen County, and more, sign up for our weekly newsletter here that shares everything you missed each week, and check out our events calendar, which has over 100+ events weekly to peruse.
