Swift, Cool J, Loggins & Byrne Nominated for Songwriters Hall of Fame/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The 2026 Songwriters Hall of Fame nominees include major names like Taylor Swift, LL Cool J, Kenny Loggins, and David Byrne. The eclectic list honors pop, rock, hip-hop, and country legends, as well as behind-the-scenes hitmakers. Inductees will be announced in early 2026 after members vote by December 4.
2026 Songwriters Hall of Fame – Quick Looks
- Big names nominated: Taylor Swift, LL Cool J, Pink, and Kenny Loggins lead the list.
- Diverse genres: Includes rock, pop, country, hip-hop, disco, and R&B songwriters.
- David Byrne, The Go-Go’s: Talking Heads’ Byrne and Go-Go’s members also up for honors.
- Legacy spotlight: Nomination of Kiss founders follows Ace Frehley’s recent passing.
- Behind-the-scenes icons: Steve Kipner, Patrick Leonard, and Tricky Stewart recognized.
- Country greats featured: Jeffrey Steele and Larry Weiss add Southern flavor to the list.
- Voting open: Eligible members must submit ballots by Dec. 4, 2025.
- Hall established 1969: Celebrates songwriters with lasting catalogs 20+ years post-debut.
Deep Look: Taylor Swift, LL Cool J, and David Byrne Lead 2026 Songwriters Hall of Fame Nominees
NEW YORK — The 2026 Songwriters Hall of Fame nominees have been revealed, and the list reads like a greatest-hits collection across decades and genres. Taylor Swift, LL Cool J, Kenny Loggins, and David Byrne are among the celebrated artists in line for induction, as the organization continues to honor creators behind music’s most iconic moments.
The diverse roster includes performer-songwriters, pop producers, R&B hitmakers, country legends, and rock pioneers, each with catalogs spanning decades of musical influence. Inductees will be announced in early 2026, with voting open through Dec. 4 for eligible members of the Hall.
Performer-Songwriter Nominees
Among the performer-songwriters, Taylor Swift’s nomination highlights a career that’s redefined pop and storytelling, while LL Cool J’s inclusion reflects hip-hop’s increasingly recognized legacy within the songwriting canon. Other nominees in this category include:
- Kenny Loggins – known for ’80s hits like Danger Zone and Footloose
- David Byrne – Talking Heads’ frontman and genre-blending visionary
- Pink – celebrated for emotional pop-rock anthems like Just Like a Pill
- Sarah McLachlan – iconic for Angel and founding Lilith Fair
- The Go-Go’s members – Charlotte Caffey, Kathy Valentine, and Jane Wiedlin
- Richard Carpenter – Half of The Carpenters, behind hits like Top of the World
- Harry Wayne Casey (KC of KC and the Sunshine Band) – Disco-era staple
- Boz Scaggs – Guitar-driven pop-funk legend
- Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell of America
- Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings of The Guess Who
- Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of Kiss
A Bittersweet Moment for Kiss Fans
The timing of Kiss’ co-founders’ nomination is bittersweet. Just days earlier, Ace Frehley, the band’s original lead guitarist, passed away at age 74 in New Jersey. While not included on the nominee list, his presence looms large over this year’s announcement.
Non-Performer and Industry Veterans
Behind many hit records are the names few fans know but every artist depends on. This year’s non-performer category includes:
- Pete Bellotte – Donna Summer’s disco-era partner (Hot Stuff, I Feel Love)
- Andreas Carlsson – Cheiron Studios hitmaker (Bye Bye Bye, I Want It That Way)
- Steve Kipner – Pop architect behind Genie in a Bottle and Physical
- Patrick Leonard – Madonna’s longtime co-writer (Like a Prayer)
- Martin Page – We Built This City, King of Wishful Thinking
- Kenny Nolan – Co-wrote Labelle’s Lady Marmalade
- Terry Britten & Graham Lyle – Known for What’s Love Got To Do With It
- Vini Poncia – Helped craft Ronettes classic Do I Love You?
Country & R&B Standouts
Country and R&B also have strong representation, including:
- Jeffrey Steele – Penned Rascal Flatts’ What Hurts The Most
- Larry Weiss – Behind Glen Campbell’s Rhinestone Cowboy
- Bob McDill – Returning nominee, wrote Dan Seals’ Everything That Glitters
- Tom Snow – Wrote hits for Deniece Williams and the Pointer Sisters
- Christopher “Tricky” Stewart – Known for Beyoncé’s Single Ladies and Rihanna’s Umbrella
Returning Nominees & Hall Legacy
Several previous nominees return for another shot, including Walter Afanasieff, co-writer of Mariah Carey’s perennial holiday smash All I Want for Christmas Is You, and previously nominated songwriting duos like Bachman & Cummings.
The Songwriters Hall of Fame, founded in 1969, only considers nominees whose first significant commercial release happened 20+ years ago, ensuring honorees have stood the test of time. Past inductees include Carole King, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Steely Dan, Bruce Springsteen, Timbaland, and The Beach Boys’ Mike Love.
The 2025 class welcomed icons like George Clinton, Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, Ashley Gorley, and Tony Macaulay.
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