Imagine a state without an official song to call its own—a cultural void waiting to be filled. That’s the reality for New Jersey, the only state in the nation still searching for its musical identity. But here’s where it gets interesting: Dr. Rich Lee, a journalism professor at St. Bonaventure University, is reigniting a decades-long campaign to change that—and he’s got his heart set on none other than Bruce Springsteen’s Born to Run as the anthem for the Garden State. But is this the right choice, or is there room for debate?
Lee’s passion for this cause dates back to the 1980s, when he was a young journalist covering the rock and roll scene. It was during this time that he first championed the idea, inspired by a playful moment on WPLJ-FM. Disc jockey Carol Miller introduced Born to Run with a cheeky remark: “Everyone, please rise for the New Jersey state anthem.” What started as a joke quickly gained momentum, with listeners and even lawmakers taking the idea seriously. Assemblyman Richard F. Visotcky of Garfield went so far as to introduce a bill to make it official. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can a single song truly capture the essence of an entire state?
Fast forward over 40 years, and Lee’s conviction is stronger than ever. He’s not just relying on nostalgia—he’s done his homework. Through extensive research and interviews with key figures like Carol Miller and Robert Visotcky (the son of the original Assemblyman), Lee has built a compelling case. His findings will be unveiled this Friday at 1:45 p.m. at the Mid-Atlantic Popular & American Culture conference in Philadelphia, where he’ll be joined by Conor Amendola, a Media Studies major who assisted with the research. And this is the part most people miss: The song’s lyrics, with their vivid imagery of freedom and rebellion, could become an enduring symbol of New Jersey’s spirit.
But will the state legislature listen? If Lee succeeds, lines like “Sprung from cages out on Highway 9, chrome wheeled, fuel injected and steppin’ out over the line” could become as iconic as the state’s flag or motto. Here’s the question for you: Does *Born to Run deserve this honor, or should New Jersey look elsewhere for its anthem?*
Peter Candia, Food + Drink Editor at New Jersey Digest, brings a unique perspective to this story. A Culinary Institute of America graduate turned writer, Peter’s love for New Jersey’s culture—from its food to its politics and music—makes him a fitting commentator on this debate. What do you think? Is *Born to Run the perfect choice, or is there another song that better represents the Garden State? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!*
