LL Cool J earned a 2026 Songwriters Hall of Fame nomination, honoring his trailblazing Hip-Hop legacy alongside Taylor Swift, Pink, and Kenny Loggins.

LL Cool J has been nominated for the distinguished Songwriters Hall of Fame, becoming a member of an eclectic group of music legends vying for induction into the 2026 class.

The Queens rap legend will carry Hip-Hop illustration to the poll, marking one other milestone within the style’s rising recognition inside conventional music establishments.

LL’s nomination acknowledges his pioneering position in bringing rap music to mainstream audiences in the course of the Eighties and his continued affect on the tradition.

Taylor Swift has earned her first nomination. The pop celebrity, who turned eligible this yr after reaching the required 20-year mark since her first industrial launch. Swift’s nomination acknowledges her evolution from nation songwriter to international pop phenomenon.

Kenny Loggins, the smooth rock icon behind “Footloose” and “Danger Zone,” joins the performer-songwriter class alongside Pink, whose anthemic pop-rock compositions have outlined a technology of empowerment music.

Sarah McLachlan, recognized for her ethereal ballads and for founding the Lilith Fair competition, additionally earned recognition for her songwriting contributions.

Kiss members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley’s inclusion carries specific poignancy, coming simply days after the demise of unique guitarist Ace Frehley on October 16. The glam rock pioneers’ nomination honors their theatrical method to songwriting and efficiency.

R&B will get recognition by Christopher “Tricky” Stewart, the producer behind Rihanna’s “Umbrella” and Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies.”

Several nominees are making return appearances after earlier unsuccessful bids. Walter Afanasieff, who co-wrote Mariah Carey’s vacation traditional “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” will get one other shot at induction alongside The Guess Who duo and nation songwriter Bob McDill.

Established in 1969, the Songwriters Hall of Fame requires a 20-year ready interval from an artist’s first industrial launch earlier than eligibility.

Previous inductees embrace Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Carole King and extra not too long ago, George Clinton and The Doobie Brothers within the 2025 class.

The 2026 inductees shall be introduced in early 2026, with the ceremony sometimes held in New York City.

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