Patti Smith, The E Street Band, the Doors Among This Year's American Music Honors Recipients

The annual event celebrates the legacies of influential American musicians.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Patti Smith, The E Street Band, and the Doors will be honored at the fourth annual American Music Honors hosted by the Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music. Other honorees include Dionne Warwick and Dr. Dre, with a posthumous tribute to The Band. The event will feature performances by Stevie Van Zandt's Disciples of Soul and presentations by Bruce Springsteen, Van Zandt, producer Jimmy Iovine, and Springsteen's manager Jon Landau.

Why it matters

The American Music Honors celebrates the artists who have shaped and defined American popular music, recognizing their significant contributions to the country's musical heritage and cultural landscape.

The details

The fourth annual American Music Honors will take place on April 18 at the Pollak Theatre on the campus of Monmouth University in Long Branch, New Jersey. The event will feature Stevie Van Zandt's Disciples of Soul as the house band, with Bruce Springsteen presenting the honors to Dionne Warwick and Patti Smith. Other presenters include Van Zandt for the Doors, producer Jimmy Iovine for Dr. Dre, and Springsteen's manager Jon Landau for The E Street Band.

  • The fourth annual American Music Honors will be held on April 18, 2026.
  • Tickets for the event will go on sale on March 18, 2026.

The players

Patti Smith

A pioneering American singer-songwriter, poet, and visual artist who was a leading figure of the 1970s punk rock movement.

The E Street Band

The long-time backing band of Bruce Springsteen, known for their dynamic live performances and contributions to Springsteen's acclaimed albums.

The Doors

An American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1965, known for their psychedelic sound and the charismatic frontman Jim Morrison.

Dionne Warwick

An American singer, actress, and TV show host who has recorded over 60 singles that reached the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Dr. Dre

An American rapper, record producer, and entrepreneur who is considered one of the most influential figures in hip-hop history.

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What they’re saying

“The artists we're honoring this year didn't just shape popular music—they helped define it. Their work reflects the creativity, risk-taking, and cultural exchange that sit at the heart of American music, and it's a privilege to celebrate their legacies.”

— Robert Santelli, Founding Executive Director of the Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music (sanilacbroadcasting.com)

What’s next

Tickets for the fourth annual American Music Honors will go on sale to the public on March 18, 2026.

The takeaway

The American Music Honors recognizes the enduring impact and influence of some of the most iconic American musicians, celebrating their contributions to the country's rich musical heritage and cultural identity.