The Songwriters Hall Of Fame has announced its 2026 class, headlined by Taylor Swift. Swift, 36, becomes the youngest woman ever inducted into the hall when the ceremony takes place Thursday, June 11 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City. (Stevie Wonder, who was 32 at his 1983 induction, was the only younger inductee, excluding posthumous honorees.) The press release announcing her induction cites "All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version)," "Blank Space," "Anti-Hero," "Love Story," and "The Last Great American Dynasty" as some of her key works.
Also getting inducted this year are KISS members Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, Kenny Loggins, Alanis Morissette, Christopher "Tricky" Stewart, Walter Afanasieff, and the duo of Terry Britten and Graham Lyle. That is a very strong collection of hit-makers. Chic's Nile Rodgers, chairman of the SHOF, shared this statement:
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.
With KISS, Stanley and Simmons co-led one of the most popular and influential rock bands of all time. The SHOF cites "Rock And Roll All Nite," "I Love It Loud," "Calling Dr. Love," "Shout It Out Loud," and "Christine 16" as evidence for their inclusion.
Morissette is mainly known for her world-conquering 1995 album Jagged Little Pill, an enduringly popular work with hits that seemingly never disappear from the public sphere, but she has continued to be an eminent figure in popular music in the intervening decades. The Hall highlights "You Oughta Know," "Ironic," "Hand In My Pocket," "Thank U," and "Uninvited" from her oeuvre.
Loggins' career spans from 1970s work with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Loggins And Messina to his blockbuster solo career, including work on a number of memorable movie soundtracks like Footloose and Top Gun. Loggins also wrote for other artists like the Doobie Brothers. He's being honored for "Danny’s Song," "Footloose," "Celebrate Me Home," "Return To Pooh Corner," and "What A Fool Believes."
Afanasieff was SHOF inductee Mariah Carey's longtime songwriting partner, helping to craft some of the most enduring pop and R&B hits of the '90s and beyond. The press release points to his work on "All I Want For Christmas Is You," "My All," "Hero," "Love Will Survive," and "One Sweet Day."
Stewart is a veteran of the pop/R&B divide who has often penned hits alongside The-Dream. He's worked with a who's who of that world, including Beyoncé, Rihanna, Britney Spears, Justin Bieber, and many others. SHOF's press release cites his work on "Umbrella," "Single Ladies," "Obsessed," "Just Fine," and "Break My Soul."
Lastly, Britten and Lyle worked together on a string of 1980s hits. They're being recognized for songs like "What’s Love Got To Do With It," "We Don’t Need Another Hero," "Typical Male," "Devil Woman," and "I Should Have Known Better."
