Taylor Swift, along with Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley from Kiss, Tricky Stewart, Alanis Morissette, and Kenny Loggins have been announced as the 2026 inductees into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Swift’s songwriting has had a significant impact on contemporary pop music, bringing added attention to this year’s new class.
The founders of Kiss, Simmons and Stanley, known for their glam rock classics “Rock and Roll All Nite” and “I Love It Loud,” will also be honored. Other nominees this year include soft-rock legend Kenny Loggins (“Footloose,” “Danny’s Song”), alt-rock icon Alanis Morissette (“You Oughta Know,” “Ironic”), and R&B songwriter and producer Tricky Stewart, recognized for hits like Rihanna’s “Umbrella,” Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies,” and “Break My Soul.”
The induction ceremony for the 2026 Songwriters Hall of Fame will take place on June 11 in New York City. The Hall recognizes 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.”
It is common for performers to be inducted after multiple nominations, as seen with Walter Afanasieff, who co-wrote Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Although previously nominated in 2025, Afanasieff will now be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Chairman of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Nile Rodgers, emphasized the importance of songwriters in the music industry, stating that everything in music originates from the song and its creator. The 2026 lineup not only highlights iconic songs but also celebrates unity across different genres.
Established in 1969, the Songwriters Hall of Fame recognizes those who have made significant contributions to popular music. Inductees must have a notable catalogue of songs and are eligible for induction 20 years after the release of their first commercial song. Past inductees include Elton John, Brian Wilson, Carole King, Paul Simon, and many others. The 2025 class featured artists like George Clinton, The Doobie Brothers, and Rodney Jerkins.
