Two members of KISS to enter Songwriters Hall of Fame

Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, the founding members of KISS, will be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2026, as per Blabbermouth.

Stanley and Simmons will be the most recent inductees of the Songwriters Hall of Fame at the organization’s 2026 induction and awards ceremony, joining fellow musical icons Walter Afanasieff, Terry Britten and Graham Lyle, Kenny Loggins, Alanis Morissette, Christopher “Tricky” Stewart, and Taylor Swift. The public will not be able to attend the star-studded event, which is scheduled for Thursday, June 11 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City. Soon, more recipients of special awards will be revealed.

The music industry is built upon the incredible talent of songwriters who create unforgettable songs. Without their artistry, there would be no recorded music, concert experiences, or engaged fans. Everything originates from the song and its creator. We take great pride in our ongoing commitment to recognizing some of the most culturally significant composers in history. This year’s lineup not only showcases iconic songs but also celebrates unity across various genres. These songwriters have profoundly impacted the lives of billions of listeners worldwide, and it is our privilege to honor their contributions. – Nile Rodgers, Songwriters Hall Of Fame chairman

The Songwriters Hall of Fame (SHOF), which was founded in 1969, is an essential link between the history and future of music. While the organization’s outreach to the music community develops the next generation of troubadours, the Hall honors and celebrates musical pioneers. Twenty years after a song’s initial commercial release, a songwriter with a noteworthy song collection is eligible for inclusion. On January 21, the Songwriters Hall of Fame website and “CBS Mornings” both announced Stanley and Simmons’ induction.

On January 21, both the Songwriters Hall of Fame website and “CBS Mornings” announced Stanley and Simmons’ induction.

The KISS songs “Rock And Roll All Nite,” “I Love It Loud,” “Calling Dr. Love,” “Shout It Out Loud,” and “Christine Sixteen” were recognized by the Songwriters Hall of Fame as important pieces in Stanley and Simmons’s collection.

In 1970, the first class of songwriters was admitted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

In 2014, Simmons, Stanley, and the rest of KISS‘s original lineup were admitted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

KISS was awarded the Kennedy Center Honors in December 2025.