NEW YORK (AP) — Taylor Swift, Kenny Loggins, LL Cool J, Pink, Sarah McLachlan and Speaking Heads’ David Byrne are among the many spectacular record of nominees for the 2026 Songwriters Corridor of Fame class, an eclectic mixture of pop, hip-hop, people and rock innovators.
Additionally on the poll are Charlotte Caffey, Kathy Valentine and Jane M. Wiedlin of The Go-Go’s, Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings of The Guess Who, Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell of America and Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of the glam rock band Kiss.
Information of Simmons and Stanley’s inclusion comes days after the loss of life of Ace Frehley, Kiss’ authentic lead guitarist and founding member. Frehley, 74, died Oct. 16 in New Jersey.
Rounding out the performer-songwriter class is Richard Carpenter of The Carpenters (notable hits embody “Goodbye To Love,” “Top Of The World” and “Yesterday Once More”), Harry Wayne Casey, higher often called KC of KC and the Sunshine Band (“Rock Your Baby,” “That’s The Way (I Like It)” and “(Shake Shake Shake) Shake Your Booty”) and guitarist Boz Scaggs.
The Corridor yearly inducts performers and non-performers alike. The latter class’s nominees this 12 months embody disco songwriter Pete Bellotte (recognized for his work with Donna Summer time on “Hot Stuff,” “I Feel Love” and “Love To Love You Baby”), Swedish pop producer of the legendary Cheiron Studios, Andreas Carlsson (Backstreet Boys’ “I Want It That Way,” NSYNC’s “Bye Bye Bye,” Katy Perry’s “Waking Up In Vegas”) and Steve Kipner (Olivia Newton-John’s “Physical,” Christina Aguilera’s “Genie In A Bottle.”)
The record additionally contains longtime Madonna collaborator Patrick Leonard (“Like A Prayer,” “Live To Tell”), Vini Poncia (The Ronettes’ “Do I Love You?,”), Martin Page (Starships’ “We Built This City”), Kenny Nolan (Labelle’s “Girl Marmalade”) and the duo Terry Britten and Graham Lyle (Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got To Do With It.”)
Eligible voting members have till midnight Jap on Dec. 4 to show in ballots with their decisions of as much as three nominees from the songwriter class and as much as three from the performing-songwriter class.
Representing nation songwriters are Jeffrey Steele (Rascal Flatts’ “What Hurts The Most,” Tim McGraw’s “The Cowboy In Me”), Don Williams’ “Good Ole Boys Like Me”) and Larry Weiss (Glen Campbell’s “Rhinestone Cowboy,” Jeff Beck’s “Hi Ho Silver Lining.”)
R&B-pop songwriters are additionally prevalent this 12 months with Tom Snow (The Pointer Sisters’ “He’s So Shy,” Deniece Williams’ “Let’s Hear it for the Boy”) and Christopher “Tricky” Stewart (Rihanna’s “Umbrella,” Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies” and “Break My Soul.”)
A couple of performers are getting one other shot at entry. Walter Afanasieff, who helped Mariah Carey along with her smash “All I Want for Christmas Is You” and who was beforehand nominated within the 2025 Songwriters Corridor of Fame class, is up for induction once more this 12 months.
The Guess Who’s Bachman and Cummings — in addition to Bob McDill, recognized for nation classics like Dan Seals’ “Everything That Glitters (Is Not Gold)” — are additionally returning nominees.
The Songwriters Corridor of Fame was established in 1969 to honor these creating the favored music. A songwriter with a notable catalog of songs qualifies for induction 20 years after the primary business launch of a tune.
Some already within the corridor embody Elton John and Bernie Taupin, Brian Wilson, James Taylor, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Carole King, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora, Lionel Richie, Invoice Withers, Neil Diamond, Phil Collins, R.E.M., Steely Dan, Dean Pitchford, Hillary Lindsey and Timbaland.
The 2025 class included George Clinton, The Doobie Brothers, Ashley Gorley, Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, The Seaside Boys’ Mike Love and Tony Macaulay.
The 2026 inductees might be introduced in early 2026.
