Springsteen makes N.J. Hall of Fame

TRENTON, N.J., May 4 (UPI) -- Rock singer Bruce Springsteen is among the New Jersey luminaries chosen as inaugural inductees for the state's Hall of Fame, hall officials say.

Hall officials have tabbed the "Born to Run" singer as one of the first members of the state's prestigious listing, along with singer Frank Sinatra and German-born physicist Albert Einstein, who lived out his last days in New Jersey, the New York Post reported Sunday.

Red Cross founder Clara Barton and famed Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi have also been selected, along with former New York Yankees player and coach Yogi Berra.

"I think anything you get inducted to you feel good about," the former Yankee great said of his honor.

Noted inventor Thomas Edison, who died in New Jersey in 1831, also made the cut of venerable one-time residents. Astronaut Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin and former U.S. Sen. Bill Bradley were also among the first inductees.

The Post said writer Toni Morrison, U.S. Army Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, actress Meryl Streep and 19th century Underground Railroad activist Harriet Tubman were also among the reported new hall members.