'A Place In Its History': NJ Music Icons Inducted Into Basie Center Walk Of Fame

RED BANK, NJ — A new set of New Jersey music icons has officially been inducted into the Basie Center Walk of Fame.

On Friday, the Count Basie Center for the Arts inducted Fred Schneider and Kate Pierson of The B-52s and Dramarama into the Walk of Fame during a special ceremony outside the historic venue in Red Bank.

The induction came ahead of the bands’ concert at ParkStage in Freehold on Saturday, where Dramarama was also honored before its performance.

Launched in 2025 as part of the Basie Center’s Centennial Celebration, the Walk of Fame is a permanent tribute to artists who "have performed on the historic stage, made an indelible impact on culture, and whose contributions reflect the enduring power of the arts."

“The Walk of Fame was created to preserve the history of this institution and to permanently honor the artists who have helped shape it, said Adam Philipson, President & CEO of the Count Basie Center for the Arts.

“Fred and Kate of the B-52s and Dramarama represent exactly what this Walk of Fame is about — extraordinary artists with deep New Jersey roots whose work has reached audiences around the world,” Philipson continued. “We are thrilled that their names are forever part of this venue’s history, and we hope their stories inspire the next generation of artists to imagine what’s possible.”

Schneider, who grew up in Oceanport, and Pierson, who was born in Weehawken and raised in Rutherford, are founding members of The B-52s, the band widely known as “the world’s greatest party band.”

Over nearly five decades, The B-52s have earned three Grammy nominations, placed eight songs on the Billboard Hot 100 and sold more than 20 million albums.

Their unmistakable blend of new wave, rock and pop produced enduring hits including “Rock Lobster,” “Love Shack” and “Roam,” and continues to influence artists across New Jersey and beyond.

“I was raised in Oceanport, and I would come to Red Bank all the time,” Schneider said. “I’ve seen Red Bank change…changing for the better. It’s a real honor to be here.”

Pierson added that it seems like their band “is half as old as this whole theater.”

“Fred and I are proud to be from New Jersey...” she said. “It’s old theaters like this, and record stores, and DJs, and students that keep the love of music going, the genuine love of music.”

Formed in Wayne, Dramarama was also inducted into the Walk of Fame and emerged as one of New Jersey’s most distinctive and influential alternative rock bands.

Across nine albums and nearly five decades, Dramarama has built an enduring following while remaining deeply connected to its New Jersey roots.

“Though we’ve known about this for a few weeks, we still can’t believe it!” said John Easdale, lead vocalist and founding member of Dramarama. “For Dramarama to be included among the wildly influential artists on the Walk of Fame is something we wouldn’t have thought possible.”

“The Count Basie Center is not just a glorious venue — it’s a force that celebrates and brings together the community in the state that we love. For us to now have a place in its history is truly an honor,” he continued. “Much appreciation to everyone at the Basie and to everyone who supports and helps to make the New Jersey music scene the unique and incredible thing that it is.”

Jeremy Grunin, Chair of the Count Basie Center Board of Trustees, added that the arts “are essential to strong, healthy communities because they bring people together, create a sense of belonging and connect us to one another.”

“For 100 years, the Basie Center has been a place where those connections happen,” Grunin continued. “Honoring Fred, Kate and Dramarama on our Walk of Fame is a celebration of extraordinary New Jersey artists, and a reminder of the power the arts have to shape a community and become part of its story.”

Friday’s ceremony also included remarks from Red Bank Mayor Billy Portman and Assemblywoman Margie Donlon.

Pierson, Schneider and Dramarama now join William "Count" Basie, Jon Bon Jovi, the Smithereens and Darlene Love as official inductees of the Walk of Fame.

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