Taylor Swift Makes History as Youngest-Ever Woman to Be Inducted Into Songwriters Hall of Fame at Age 36
- - Taylor Swift Makes History as Youngest-Ever Woman to Be Inducted Into Songwriters Hall of Fame at Age 36
Ilana KaplanJanuary 22, 2026 at 4:11 AM
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Kevin Mazur/TAS24/Getty
Taylor Swift in May 2024 in Paris -
Taylor Swift has made history as the youngest woman to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame
The pop megastar joins the 2026 class alongside Alanis Morissette, KISS’ Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, Kenny Loggins and more
The Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Gala will take place on June 11 in New York City
Taylor Swift made history once again!
On Wednesday, Jan. 21, it was announced that the pop megastar will be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, making her the youngest-ever woman to ever receive the honor at the age of 36. (Per the Songwriters Hall of Fame website, Stevie Wonder became the youngest inductee at the age of 32 in 1983.)
Also being inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame 2026 class are Walter Afanasieff, Terry Britten and Graham Lyle, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons of KISS, Kenny Loggins, Alanis Morissette and Christopher “Tricky” Stewart.
Songwriters Hall of Fame (4)
Alanis Morissette; Gene Simmons; Paul Stanley; Kenny Loggins
“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," said Songwriters Hall of Fame chairman Nile Rodgers in a press release statement.
He continued, "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."
Rodgers, 73, noted that "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," he concluded.
In October 2025, it was announced that the 2026 class of nominees included LL Cool J, David Byrne, Sarah McLachlan, Loggins, P!nk, Simmons and Stanley of KISS, Charlotte Caffey, Kathy Valentine and Jane Wiedlin of the Go-Go's, Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings of the Guess Who and Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell of America.
The Songwriters Hall of Fame inducts both non-performers and performers alike each year. The former's category features Donna Summer collaborator Pete Bellotte, Backstreet Boys and Katy Perry collaborator Andreas Carlsson and Christina Aguilera and Olivia Newton-John collaborator Steve Kipner.
Madonna's longtime collaborator Patrick Leonard is also featured in this category, as well as Vini Poncia (The Ronettes’ “Do I Love You?,”), Kenny Nolan (Labelle’s “Lady Marmalade”), Martin Page (Starships’ “We Built This City”) and the duo Terry Britten and Graham Lyle (Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got To Do With It.”)
The performer-songwriter category includes The Carpenters' Richard Carpenter, KC and the Sunshine Band's Harry Wayne Casey and Boz Scaggs.
The 2026 Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Gala will take place at the Marriott Marquis Hotel on June 11 in New York City and will not be open to the general public. Additional special award honorees will be announced soon.
See below for the key songs each inductee's catalog:
Walter Afanasieff
All I Want For Christmas Is You * My All * Hero * Love Will Survive * One Sweet Day *
Terry Britten and Graham Lyle
What’s Love Got To Do With It * We Don’t Need Another Hero * Typical Male * Devil Woman * I Should Have Known Better *
Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons of KISS
Rock and Roll All Nite * I Love It Loud * Calling Dr. Love * Shout It Out Loud * Christine 16*
Kenny Loggins
Danny’s Song * Footloose * Celebrate Me Home * Return to Pooh Corner * What A Fool Believes *
Alanis Morissette
You Oughta Know * Ironic * Hand in My Pocket * Thank U * Uninvited *
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
