Taylor Swift, Kenny Loggins, LL Cool J, Pink, Sarah McLachlan, and David Byrne of Talking Heads headline the nominees for the 2026 Songwriters Hall of Fame, showcasing a diverse array of talents from pop, hip-hop, folk, and rock genres. Other nominees include the iconic members of The Go-Go’s—Charlotte Caffey, Kathy Valentine, and Jane M. Wiedlin—as well as rock legends Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings from The Guess Who, Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell of America, and the well-known duo from Kiss, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley.
The inclusion of Simmons and Stanley comes shortly after the passing of Ace Frehley, Kiss’s founding guitarist, who died on October 16 at the age of 74. Additional nominees in the performer-songwriter category are Richard Carpenter of The Carpenters, recognized for timeless hits including “Goodbye To Love” and “Top Of The World,” and Harry Wayne Casey, known as KC from KC and the Sunshine Band, famous for tracks like “Rock Your Baby.” Guitarist Boz Scaggs rounds out this year’s performer nominations.
In the non-performer songwriter category, this year’s ballot features significant figures like disco songwriter Pete Bellotte, who collaborated with Donna Summer on classics like “Hot Stuff,” and Swedish pop producer Andreas Carlsson, esteemed for his work with major acts like the Backstreet Boys and NSYNC. Other nominees include Patrick Leonard, Vini Poncia, Martin Page, Kenny Nolan, and the duo Terry Britten and Graham Lyle, known for their contributions to pop hits throughout the years.
Eligible voting members have until midnight Eastern on December 4 to submit ballots, allowing them to choose up to three nominees from the songwriter category and three from the performer-songwriter category. This year’s nominations highlight not only the timeless contributions of established artists but also the evolving landscape of music, reinforcing a hopeful narrative about the future of songwriting and creativity. With such a rich pool of nominees, it’s a celebration of a vibrant music culture that continues to inspire and connect across generations.