For more than five decades, The B-52s have been one of popular music’s most distinctive and influential bands in the world… Their unmistakable blend of new wave, rock and pop produced enduring hits including “Rock Lobster,” “Love Shack” and “Roam,” helping the band sell more than 20 million records worldwide while earning multiple Grammy Award nominations.
While the band is known for getting together in Athens, Georgia, two of the founding members, Fred Schneider and Kate Pierson, share deep New Jersey roots. Schneider was born in Newark and raised in Oceanport. Pierson was born in Jersey City and raised in Weehawken and Rutherford.
On Friday, July 10, The Count Basie Center for the Arts honored Schneider and Pierson by welcoming them onto its Walk of Fame. Adam Philipson, President and CEO of the Count Basie Center for the Arts says he’s thrilled to honor Kate and Fred outside the historic theater in Red Bank for their important impact on music and culture.
Red Bank Mayor Billy Portman shared some of his personal love for The B-52s.
Meanwhile, one of the first radio personalities to play the band is Rich Robinson who says the B-52s have always been very special to him.
The guests of honor then came to the podium.
You might not know that both Fred Schneider and Kate Pierson are jazz fans. You can hear my entire conversation with them below:
New Jersey-based band Dramara was also welcomed onto the Walk of Fameand The B-52s and Dramara are performing on Saturday at ParkStage in Freehold.
