Kiss duo Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons to be inducted into Songwriters Hall of Fame

Paul Stanley (right) and Gene Simmons (X @PaulStanleyLive)

JAKARTA - Two leaders of the legendary rock band Kiss, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, have officially been selected to enter the 2026 Songwriters Hall of Fame (SHOF) honor roll.

This news was announced via the organization's official website on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 morning local time.

Stanley and Simmons will be joined by a host of other cross-generational music icons, from Alanis Morissette, Taylor Swift, Kenny Loggins, Walter Afanasieff, Christopher "Tricky" Stewart, to songwriting duo Terry Britten and Graham Lyle.

The SHOF award is scheduled to be presented at an annual gala to be held in New York City on June 11. Although it is a historic moment for rock fans, the event is closed to the public.

The Songwriters Hall of Fame is an institution founded in 1969 as a form of appreciation for songwriters who have made a significant contribution at least 20 years after their first commercial release.

In this election, SHOF highlighted some of Kiss' monumental works, such as "Rock And Roll All Nite", "I Love It Loud", "Calling Dr. Love", "Shout It Out Loud", and "Christine Sixteen" as key catalogs that led Stanley and Simmons to that position.

In this case, the Chairman of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Nile Rodgers, emphasized how crucial the role of songwriters is in the global music ecosystem.

"The music industry is built on the incredible talent of songwriters who create unforgettable songs. Without their art, there would be no recorded music, concert experiences, or engaged fans. It all comes from the song and its creator," Rodgers said, quoted by Blabbermouth, Thursday, January 22.

"We are extremely proud of 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 genres," he continued. "These songwriters have had a profound impact on the lives of billions of listeners around the world, and it is a privilege for us to honor their contributions."

The SHOF award complements the series of prestigious awards that have been won by the duo that is synonymous with makeup. Previously, Stanley and Simmons were inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame with the original Kiss members in 2014, and received the Kennedy Center Honors last December.

Kiss themselves have officially ended their stage journey through the farewell concert "End Of The Road" which was closed magnificently at Madison Square Garden, New York, in December 2023.

Although they are no longer touring, Stanley and Simmons still hold an important role in the development of Kiss' future projects with Swedish company Pophouse Entertainment, including plans for a biopic and avatar performances.