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Travolta, Latifah, Bennett Set For Induction Into NJ Hall Of Fame

NEWARK, NJ (WCBS 880/AP) -- Some of the Garden State's greatest will be honored Sunday evening as the newest inductees into New Jersey's Hall of Fame.

This year's inductees are a who's who of luminaries from entertainment, sports and the arts. The list includes actors John Travolta and Queen Latifah, singer Tony Bennett, business magnate Martha Stewart and World War II hero John Basilone.

Hall of Fame coordinator Don Smith says most of these stars grew up in New Jersey like so many others, in the same communities with modest means.

"And they are pursuing the dream and we wanted to inspire young people with positive role models," said Smith.

WCBS 880's Levon Putney reports: Red Carpet Will Be Shining With Stars

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He says the Hall of Fame's aiming to open its first center and mobile unit next year.

Among others scheduled to be inducted Sunday at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center are football greats Franco Harris and Joe Theisman, former Gov. Brendan Byrne, novelist Mary Higgins Clark and jazz great Bucky Pizzarelli.

The hall honors New Jerseyans who have made their mark in the fields of history, entertainment, enterprise and sports. There's also a general category for educators, military leaders and politicians.

Previous inductees include Bruce Springsteen, Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison and Yogi Berra.

Who would you would you like to see in the New Jersey Hall of Fame? Let us know in our comments section below..

(TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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