Taylor Swift, Alanis Morissette, Kenny Loggins, Christopher “Tricky” Stewart, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons of Kiss, Terry Britten & Graham Lyle and Walter Afanasieff are members of the Songwriters Hall of Fame’s 2026 class, the organization announced on CBS Mornings Wednesday.
Swift is the youngest person ever to be inducted into the institution.
ONLY ON CBS MORNINGS: Taylor Swift, Gene Simmons & Paul Stanley, Alanis Morissette, Kenny Loggins, Christopher “Tricky” Stewart, Terry Britten & Graham Lyle and Walter Afanasieff are members of the Songwriters Hall of Fame’s 2026 class.@anthonymasoncbs introduces the inductees,… pic.twitter.com/WEYPk8PsB3
— CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) January 21, 2026
Key songs in each 2026 inductee’s catalog include:
Walter Afanasieff
- All I Want For Christmas Is You * My All * Hero * Love Will Survive * One Sweet Day *
Terry Britten and Graham Lyle
- What’s Love Got To Do With It * We Don’t Need Another Hero * Typical Male * Devil Woman * I Should Have Known Better *
Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons of Kiss
- Rock and Roll All Nite * I Love It Loud * Calling Dr. Love * Shout It Out Loud * Christine 16*
Kenny Loggins
- Danny’s Song * Footloose * Celebrate Me Home * Return to Pooh Corner * What A Fool Believes *
Alanis Morissette
- You Oughta Know * Ironic * Hand in My Pocket * Thank U * Uninvited *
Christopher “Tricky” Stewart
- Umbrella * Single Ladies * Obsessed * Just Fine * Break My Soul *
Taylor Swift
- All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version) * Blank Space * Anti-Hero * Love Story * The Last Great American Dynasty *
The ceremony is slated for Thursday, June 11 at its longtime home of the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City, and will not be open to the general public. Additional special award honorees will be announced in the coming weeks.
SHOF Chairman Nile Rodgers said, “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.”
The complete list of 2026 Songwriters Hall of Fame nominees, announced in October, comprised: Taylor Swift, LL Cool J, Kenny Loggins, Pink, Sarah McLachlan and Talking Heads’ David Byrne, along with Charlotte Caffey, Kathy Valentine and Jane Wiedlin of the Go-Go’s, Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings of the Guess Who, Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell of America and Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of Kiss.
In the performer-songwriter category are Richard Carpenter of the Carpenters (“Top Of The World,” “Yesterday Once More” and “Goodbye To Love”), Harry Wayne Casey, aka KC of KC and the Sunshine Band (five Hot 100 No. 1 singles, including “Rock Your Baby,” “That’s The Way (I Like It)” and “(Shake Shake Shake) Shake Your Booty”) and singer-guitarist Boz Scaggs.
The non-performing songwriter category includes disco titan Pete Bellotte (known for his work with Donna Summer on “Hot Stuff,” “I Feel Love” and “Love To Love You Baby”), Swedish pop producer Andreas Carlsson (Backstreet Boys’ “I Want It That Way,” NSYNC’s “Bye Bye Bye,” Katy Perry’s “Waking Up In Vegas”) and Steve Kipner (Olivia Newton-John’s “Physical,” Christina Aguilera’s “Genie In A Bottle”), along with longtime Madonna collaborator Patrick Leonard (“Like A Prayer,” “Live To Tell”), Vini Poncia (several Ringo Starr hits and the Ronettes’ “Do I Love You?,”), Martin Page (Starships’ “We Built This City”), Kenny Nolan (Labelle’s “Lady Marmalade”) and the duo Terry Britten and Graham Lyle (Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got To Do With It”).
The complete list of nominees appears below, followed by a selective list of their most significant songs.
A songwriter with a notable catalog of songs qualifies for induction 20 years after the first commercial release of a song. Eligible voting members have until midnight Eastern on Dec. 4 to turn in ballots with their choices of up to three nominees from the songwriter category and up to three from the performing-songwriter category.
Established in 1969, Songwriters Hall of Fame inductees include Elton John and Bernie Taupin, Brian Wilson, James Taylor, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Carole King, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Lionel Richie, Bill Withers, Neil Diamond, Phil Collins, R.E.M., Steely Dan, Dean Pitchford, Hillary Lindsey and many more.
