Patti Smith, The E Street Band, the Doors among this year's American Music Honors recipients

The fourth annual American Music Honors will be held April 18 at the Pollak Theatre on the campus of Monmouth University in Long Branch, New Jersey.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Patti Smith, The E Street Band, and the Doors will be honored at the Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music's fourth annual American Music Honors. This year's other honorees include Dionne Warwick and Dr. Dre, with the event also including a posthumous tribute to The Band.

Why it matters

The American Music Honors celebrates the legacies of influential artists who have helped define and shape American music over the decades, reflecting the creativity, risk-taking, and cultural exchange that sit at the heart of the industry.

The details

The fourth annual American Music Honors will feature Stevie Van Zandt's Disciples of Soul as the evening's house band, with Bruce Springsteen presenting Warwick and Smith with their honors. 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

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

The E Street Band

The longtime backing band of Bruce Springsteen, known for their energetic 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 lead vocals of Jim Morrison.

Dionne Warwick

An American singer, actress, and TV show host who has recorded over 60 singles as a solo artist, with many becoming top 20 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Dr. Dre

An American rapper, record producer, and entrepreneur, 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

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 continues to recognize and celebrate the enduring impact of iconic American musicians, underscoring the rich cultural legacy and creative spirit that has defined the country's music landscape for generations.