Would you really though?
If your best argument is our # 4 is better than your #4, you've conceded the point.
But if Bon Jovi really offends you can stick in any of: Paul Simon, Count Basie, Diane Warwick, or Frankie Valli as the number 4 hitter for Jersey.
We should set some parameters like you need to have developed as a musician / band in the state taking credit. Something like that. I’m a Jersey music guy, but Paul Simon is a New Yorker. I’d throw in Sugar Hill Gang, By Nature, Queen Latifah for those that may mock Jovi (which I don’t).
NJ’s musics scene was great in the 80s (my youth). There were so many bands and venues to play. It incubated success. That’s why you have so many solid NJ bands like Blues Traveler, the Smithereens, and others that grew up in NJ but the band is claimed by another state. Also, NJ artists showed NJ pride despite the state generally getting mocked.
I’m not sure any state’s music development scene is like that anymore. Austin and Nashville have great scenes (and I hate Country), but those artists go there, they aren’t born there. Many artists are now found through auditions by labels or agents, and bands don’t seem to start young. I don’t think you have the same garage band (we were always basement bands) local scenes. Plus, it’s hard to make money when your songs can be streamed a million times and you make $1,500.
