New York (AP) 鈥� Kiss’ Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, Christopher 鈥淭ricky鈥� Stewart, Alanis Morissette and Kenny Loggins make up the 2026 inductees.
Swift’s songwriting has undeniably shaped contemporary pop music trends 鈥� and she’ll no doubt bring extra attention to this year’s new class.
Kiss founders Simmons and Stanley will also be recognized for their glam rock classics 鈥淩ock and Roll All Nite鈥� and 鈥淚 Love It Loud.鈥�
In addition to Swift, Simmons and Stanley, nominees this year include the soft rock legend Loggins (鈥淔ootloose,鈥� 鈥淒anny’s Song鈥�), (鈥淵ou Oughta Know,鈥� 鈥淚ronic鈥�) and the game-changing R&B songwriter, producer and rapper Christopher 鈥淭ricky鈥� Stewart, best known for work like 鈥淯尘产谤别濒濒补,鈥� 鈥淪ingle Ladies鈥� and 鈥淏reak My Soul.鈥�
The 2026 Songwriters Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held June 11 in New York City.
The Hall annually inducts performers and nonperformers alike. This year, the latter category includes the duo Terry Britten and Graham Lyle (Tina Turner鈥檚 鈥淲hat鈥檚 Love Got To Do With It.鈥�)
It’s also not uncommon for performers to gain entry after multiple nominations. Walter Afanasieff, who helped with her smash 鈥淎ll I Want for Christmas Is You,鈥� was previously nominated in the 2025 Songwriters Hall of Fame class. He didn’t make the cut then, but this year, will be inducted.
鈥淭he 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,鈥� Songwriters Hall of Fame chairman said in a statement. 鈥淭his year鈥檚 lineup not only showcases iconic songs but also celebrates unity across various genres.鈥�
The Songwriters Hall of Fame was established in 1969 to honor those creating popular music. A songwriter with a notable catalog of songs qualifies for induction 20 years after the first commercial release of a song.
Some already in the hall include Elton John and Bernie Taupin, Brian Wilson, James Taylor, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Carole King, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora, Lionel Richie, Bill Withers, Neil Diamond, Phil Collins, R.E.M., Steely Dan, Dean Pitchford, Hillary Lindsey and .
included George Clinton, The Doobie Brothers, Ashley Gorley, Rodney 鈥淒arkchild鈥� Jerkins, The Beach Boys鈥� Mike Love and Tony Macaulay.
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