Bruce Springsteen made a surprise appearance at Steven Van Zandt’s inaugural TeachRock Teachers Hall of Fame Gala in New Jersey on Saturday, and the room of 1,500 guests completely lost it. Pete Davidson emceed the night, while Jon Bon Jovi inducted Van Zandt into the Count Basie Center Walk of Fame and Kool&the Gang were among the stars in attendance.
The emotional highlight came courtesy of Tom Morello, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award while his late mother Mary Morello was honored. Mary was an educator and activist who founded Parents for Rock and Rap in 1987, and she passed away this year at 102, leaving behind a legacy of fighting music censorship.
The whole evening was a fundraiser for TeachRock, Van Zandt’s education organization that brings music into classrooms. Star power, a genuine cause, and a surprise Boss appearance? That’s a Jersey night for the books.
So we have to ask: which teacher made the biggest difference in your life? Tell us in the comments.
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.