Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Inducts Its Creative Team

But how has LIMEHOF become a thriving force that celebrates the musical and entertainment history of Long Island, honors artists through inductions, offers rich educational programs and scholarships and maintains a permanent museum?

It all started in the summer of 2003 when Norm Prusslin, a faculty member and administrator at Stony Brook University, read an editorial in a local music magazine written by Richard L’Hommedieu, who had just returned from the Georgia Music Hall of Fame which had opened in 1996. L’Hommedieu asked why Long Island didn’t have such a music hall of fame to recognize its many performers.

Prusslin agreed and emailed an introduction of himself to L’Hommedieu. The two organized a meeting in the Dean’s suite in the Student Activities Center at Stony Brook University. Invited to this meeting were people whom they thought would be able to contribute to this organization including concert promoter Jim Faith.

In 2004, this idea blossomed and the Long Island Music Hall of Fame was born.

About 15 years ago, Ernie Canadeo, the founder and Chairman of The EGC Group, one of NY’s largest integrated advertising and digital marketing companies, came onboard at LIMEHOF. Canadeo brought with him vast expertise in growing companies. Canadeo has been LIMEHOF’s chairman for almost a decade and played a pivotal role in securing LIMEHOF’s permanent home in Stony Brook Village. He continues to guide its growth and recognition as a world-class Hall of Fame Museum.

Kevin O’Callaghan, an acclaimed artist, designer and educator at the School of Visual Arts, joined in 2022 when LIMEHOF found its permanent home. O’Callaghan serves as the lead creative designer for LIMEHOF’s exhibits. To date, O’Callaghan has been the driving creative force for the three major exhibits curated thus far. The inaugural exhibit Long Island’s Legendary Club Scene: 1960s-1980s was launched November 2022, then in November 2023 their successful Billy Joel: My Life, A Piano Man’s Journey opened and presently Everybody Loves Raymond: Celebrating 30 Years opened November 2025.

The master of ceremonies for the evening was Larry “The Duck” Dunn, former DJ at 92.7 FM WLIR and presently on air personality on Sirius XM. Dunn acknowledged those who helped LIMEHOF along the way including Gloria Rocchio, President of Ward Melville Heritage Organization, who gave LIMEHOF a permanent home on Nov. 25, 2022, in the former Ward Melville Educational and Cultural Center, a stately 8,800-square foot colonial style building anchoring Stony Brook Village.

Dunn said, “If it wasn’t for you, we wouldn’t have this building.” Dunn started the inductions with a quote from Bob Marley.

“To know where you’re going, you gotta remember where you came from and that’s why we’re here tonight,” he said. “They say that all glory is fleeting but no, all glory is forever for four great inductees tonight. The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame has been serving Long Island as we celebrate the music and the heritage of the arts of Nassau, Suffolk, Queens and Brooklyn but we come here also for the kids, the educators of note, for the arts, the music programs, that’s what we do. And we come here tonight in the spirit of community. We came here for a purpose, to bring this museum to life.”

With that, Dunn asked the inductees to stand and be acknowledged.

Videos celebrating the four inductees highlighted their career accomplishments and contributions to the creation of and ongoing efforts in making LIMEHOF a world class organization.

Co-founder Norm Prusslin, who served as a board member and as the board’s first vice chair, was inducted by long-time friend and former member of Blue Oyster Cult, Albert Bouchard.

Dunn introduced the next inductee, Jim Faith by saying, “This is the house that Jim built.” Faith went from musician to concert promoter of Jim Faith Presents. Then the historic call from friend and professor Norm Prusslin started the journey that created the Long Island Music Hall of Fame. Faith was inducted by Alan Inkles, director of Staller Center for the Arts.

“We knew that we had a more impressive music history than any place else in the United States.” Faith said in his acceptance speech. “The greatest privilege in life is getting to create something bigger than yourself with a life of its own. I’m honored to be on this stage with three others who helped to make this a reality.”

Dunn next introduced Ernie Canadeo.

“You’re an innovator, you’re a leader, you are chairman, you’re probably the best revenue generator I’ve ever seen.”

Canadeo was inducted by Richie Cannata, saxophonist for Billy Joel, and by his two sons Christopher and Jonathan.

Canadeo’s LIMEHOF journey began in 2006 then he became chairman in 2015. In 2022, he signed the lease on their present home in Stony Brook and the name and mission of the organization expanded to include entertainment. Canadeo has been the driving force behind the Hall of Fame, ensuring the organization’s long term success and financial sustainability.

“The Grammys named us one of the top 10 music halls of fame to visit in the country,” Canadeo said. “We’re receiving national press and we will continue growing as we cultivate the next generation of musicians and performers, our future hall of famers. We continue to award thousands of dollars in scholarships every year, that’s part of our mission. We have accomplished a lot and we will continue to celebrate and promote Long Island’s music and entertainment heritage for decades to come.”

Kevin O’Callaghan upstaged everyone with a bright red outfit trimmed in feathers, originally made for Elton John by Johnny Viccachi. O’Callaghan said, “I’ve owned it for about 25 years and I’ve only worn it once before. It’s from his Medusa tour.”

Celebrating Kevin O’Callaghan on video were Joe Butler, founding member of The Lovin’ Spoonful, Dee Snider of Twisted Sister and comedian Ray Romano. Snider said, “I can’t think of anybody more deserving of this award than you. You are a genius.”

Romano said, “Thank you for what you did with the Everybody Loves Raymond exhibit. You’re preserving our legacy. You are a true artist.” A touching moment was when O’Callaghan’s former students thanked him for the rewarding learning experiences he brought to them. O’Callaghan said, “I was so flattered to be asked to be in this. Thank you. We’re thinking about what’s next, which is exciting to be so successful that you can think about that. To be given an empty pallet and be asked to create is every artist’s dream come true.”

Canadeo expressed final thoughts on the night.

“Being inducted is unbelievably gratifying,”he said. “This building catapulted us. We have stars and major musicians coming here. I dare anyone find any place in the world that has as much music and entertainment talent in as many genres as LI, there is none. And I think we are finally being recognized for that.”

LIMEHOF has accomplished so much with their legacy inductees at the helm and with a future that looks so bright, there is no limit to what their next exciting chapter will hold.