Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley have added another major honor to their careers, earning induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame during a ceremony in New York City.
The KISS co-founders were formally inducted during the Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Gala, held at the New York Marriott Marquis on June 11. They were recognized alongside fellow inductees Walter Afanasieff, Terry Britten and Graham Lyle, Kenny Loggins, Alanis Morissette, Christopher “Tricky” Stewart and Taylor Swift.
The event featured presentations and performances from a wide range of artists and entertainers, including Dallas Austin, Tamar Braxton, Kylie Cantrall, Brandi Carlile, Billy Corgan, Madison Cunningham, Taylor Dayne, Gavin DeGraw, Steve Miller, Jeremy Renner, Nile Rodgers, Johnny Rzeznik, Sheléa, SistaStrings and Sombr.
The latest recognition adds to a list of honors already earned by Simmons and Stanley. The pair have previously been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and were recognized at the Kennedy Center Honors this past year.
According to the announcement, those accomplishments place Simmons and Stanley among a small group of musicians who have received all four distinctions.
“To be acknowledged by my peers, by people that I respect, the legacy that so many of these great songwriters have left in their music, is humbling,” Stanley said. “I am in a group of people who I hold in incredible esteem.”
Stanley also reflected on the lasting role of songwriting in an artist’s career.
“We didn’t get here overnight. Smoke bombs and lasers will only get you so far…at the end of the day, it’s only music that’s going to carry you,” he said.
Simmons echoed those thoughts during the celebration.
“It’s unbelievable,” Simmons said. “In the same way that we were inspired by the people who are our heroes, it’s humbling to think that part of our legacy are the people who will carry on after us.”
An official video from the Songwriters Hall of Fame induction is now available through KISSOnline for KISS Army members.
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