Taylor Swift, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley of Kiss, Tricky Stewart, Alanis Morissette, and Kenny Loggins have been announced as the new inductees of the 2026 Songwriters Hall of Fame. Swift’s influence on contemporary pop music is undeniable and is expected to bring significant attention to this year’s cohort.
Simmons and Stanley, the founding members of Kiss, are being recognized for their contributions to glam rock with hits like “Rock and Roll All Nite” and “I Love It Loud.” Other nominees this year include Kenny Loggins with songs like “Footloose” and “Danny’s Song,” Alanis Morissette known for tracks like “You Oughta Know” and “Ironic,” and Tricky Stewart, acclaimed for his work on songs like Rihanna’s “Umbrella” and Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies.”
The induction ceremony for the 2026 Songwriters Hall of Fame is scheduled for June 11 in New York City. The Hall commemorates both performers and non-performers, with this year’s non-performer category featuring the duo Terry Britten and Graham Lyle, known for Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got to Do With It.”
Walter Afanasieff, who collaborated with Mariah Carey on the hit “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” will also be inducted this year after missing out on the previous nomination. Nile Rodgers, the chairman of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, emphasized the vital role of songwriters in the music industry, highlighting their impact on recorded music and live performances.
Established in 1969, the Songwriters Hall of Fame recognizes creators of popular music, with eligibility for induction 20 years after the release of their first commercial song. Past inductees include renowned artists such as Elton John, Brian Wilson, Carole King, Paul Simon, and Neil Diamond. The 2025 class featured George Clinton, The Doobie Brothers, and Ashley Gorley, among others.