Taylor Swift, Kenny Loggins, LL Cool J, Pink, Sarah McLachlan, and David Byrne of Talking Heads are among the shining stars nominated for the 2026 Songwriters Hall of Fame, demonstrating an impressive range of talent across pop, hip-hop, folk, and rock genres. Joining this illustrious group are renowned members of The Go-Go’s—Charlotte Caffey, Kathy Valentine, and Jane M. Wiedlin—as well as rock icons Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings from The Guess Who, along with Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell of America, and the famous Kiss duo, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley.
The nomination of Simmons and Stanley comes on the heels of the recent passing of Ace Frehley, the founding guitarist of Kiss, who passed away at 74 on October 16. This poignant moment in music history adds to the significance of their nomination. The performer-songwriter category also includes Richard Carpenter of The Carpenters, celebrated for timeless classics like “Goodbye To Love” and “Top Of The World,” and Harry Wayne Casey, better known as KC from KC and the Sunshine Band, famous for hits such as “Rock Your Baby.” Additionally, guitarist Boz Scaggs completes this year’s list of performer nominees.
In the non-performer songwriter category, notable figures include disco songwriter Pete Bellotte, celebrated for his collaborations with Donna Summer on hits like “Hot Stuff,” and Swedish pop producer Andreas Carlsson, recognized for his work with chart-toppers like the Backstreet Boys and NSYNC. Other nominees in this category are Patrick Leonard, Vini Poncia, Martin Page, Kenny Nolan, and the influential duo Terry Britten and Graham Lyle, known for crafting numerous pop hits over the years.
Voting members eligible to vote have until midnight Eastern on December 4 to cast their ballots, allowing them to select up to three nominees from both the songwriter and performer-songwriter categories. This year’s nominations underscore the lasting impact of esteemed artists and the dynamic evolution of music, cultivating a hopeful outlook for the future of songwriting and creativity. The diverse pool of nominees not only exemplifies a rich tapestry of musical talent but also resonates with audiences, continuing to inspire and connect generations.