Middletown street to be renamed in honor of Van Zandts
A street in Middletown is getting a show business rename.
Wilson Avenue in Middletown will be ceremonially renamed Van Zandt Way in honor of half brothers Steven Van Zandt, a musician and actor, and Billy Van Zandt, a screenwriter and actor. The Van Zandts grew up at 263 Wilson Ave.
A ceremony will take place 11 a.m. Friday, April 26, at the corner of Wilson and Cherry Tree Farm Road. The Van Zandts will be in attendance, as well as journalist Brian Williams; Middletown Mayor Tony Perry; Steve Edwards, president of the New Jersey Hall of Fame; and Gary Taffett, New Jersey Hall of Fame board member.
“It’s a wonderful reminder to Middletown residents and all people who see the sign that if you dream, work hard and develop your craft and never give up ... you too can reach the pinnacle of your chosen profession,” Edwards said.
Steven Van Zandt, 73, is a member of the E Street Band and founder of Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. He’s considered an architect of the Sound of Asbury Park, a merging of rock and R&B that is recognized around the world.
He starred on TV’s “The Sopranos,” and his 1985 song “Sun City” helped focus the music world on the injustice of the apartheid system in South Africa. His TeachRock learning aid, which uses music history in teaching lessons, is used across the country.
Billy Van Zandt, 66, and late writing partner Jane Milmore, wrote TV episodes of “Newhart,” “Martin,” “The Hughleys,” “Suddenly Susan,” “Daddy Dearest” and many more. The pair wrote plays, and Billy acted in “Jaws 2” and “Star Trek: The Motion Picture.”
Billy’s parents were Mary and William Brewster Van Zandt; Mary was Steven’s mom and William was his step-father. The renaming of the street is an initiative by Middletown Township and the New Jersey Hall of Fame.
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Chris Jordan, a Jersey Shore native, covers entertainment and features for the USA Today Network New Jersey. Contact him at @chrisfhjordan; cjordan@app.com