Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 04/24/2026
(LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- The New Jersey Hall of Fame has announced that leading NJ radio personality Big Joe Henry has been nominated for induction into the Hall with the Class of 2026. Big Joe Henry's weekend radio shows have been number one in the ratings for over 25 consecutive years. Henry is equally well known for his philanthropy, donating his time and talent to more than 700 charitable appearances over his 29 years on the air for Jersey 101.5.
"I can think of no finer candidate for induction into the Hall than Big Joe Henry, whose biggest feature is his heart", said Heather Andersen, CEO of the Special Olympics of New Jersey, just one of the many organizations Henry works to support.
"When I first heard about it, I figured it was a prank," said the always self-deprecating Henry. "I mean Edison, Einstein, Sinatra, Springsteen...Henry? But it is true and I just can't express how thrilled I am to even be mentioned in such extraordinary company".
His work in philanthropy has afforded him the opportunity to share the stage with NJ legends Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi, as well as the likes of the Beach Boys, Ringo Starr and Ronnie Spector, in venues from The Trump Taj Mahal to Ocean Grove Auditorium. Since 1994, he has appeared before 7,000,000 people in the State of NJ, an unprecedented feat for a radio personality.
"My friend Big Joe has been a big part of helping us raise millions for New Jersey charities through our Hope concerts. He continues to support New Jersey musicians and their music.," said rock legend Bobby Bandiera. "Big Joe Henry is a legend on and off the radio."
He served as Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Rock and Roll Music Fund, and been involved in the raising of over $70,000,000 for New Jersey based charities. In December of 2005, Big Joe spear headed a toy drive for the children affected by the devastation of Katrina, collecting over 80,000 toys from the people of New Jersey and personally distributing them in the Gulf Coast with the help of New Jersey 101.5.
Proceeds from his best-selling cookbook "Big Joe Henry's Big Jersey Cookbook" went to help support the Foodbank of Monmouth and Ocean counties, now known as Fulfill. "There is no one who works harder to promote New Jersey and to help its people than Joe Henry", said Kevin Burke, Major (ret.), NJ State Police and Co-Founder and Chairman of the Polar Bear Plunge for Special Olympics of New Jersey, “If I could vote twice for him, I would do so."
Henry's voice and image have been in hundreds of radio and television commercials for McDonalds, American Express, Ford and many other global advertisers. He narrated the Award winning film "Asbury Park: Riot, Redemption, Rock and Roll" with Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Van Zandt, Southside Johnny and other notable New Jersey musicians, released in June of 2019 to 1400 theaters in the U.S. and 30 other countries.
He also appeared in the film "This Is The Year" starring David Henrie (Executive Producer Selena Gomez) and hosted the premiere film pre-show available in 46 countries with interviews of cast and other social influencers.
The New Jersey Hall of Fame honors individuals from the state of New Jersey who have made contributions to society and the world beyond. Inductees include an extraordinary array of athletes, artists, politicians and leaders from Alexander Hamilton to Walt Whitman, Albert Einstein to Meryl Streep. The Hall allows the public to pick the top two nominees in each category. To see a complete list of this year's candidates and vote for your favorite nominee go here. If you would like to support Big Joe Henry, he is nominated in the category of Arts and Letters. Voting is open until May 5, 2026.
"It is the honor of a lifetime," said Henry. "I am truly blessed."
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