KISS's PAUL STANLEY, GENE SIMMONS Receive ASCAP Founders Award

The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) presented rock heavyweights KISS with the prestigious ASCAP Founders Award at its 32nd annual ASCAP Pop Music Awards on April 29 in Hollywood. The exclusive, invitation-only gala took place at the Loews Hollywood Hotel in Los Angeles, California. The ASCAP Founders Award goes to ASCAP‘s pioneering songwriters who have made exceptional contributions to music by inspiring and influencing their fellow music creators. Past recipients include Sir Paul McCartney, Smokey Robinson, Patti Smith, STEELY DAN, Rod Stewart, James Taylor, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry (AEROSMITH), Tom Waits, Stevie Wonder and Neil Young.

A photo of KISS leaders Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons with the ASCAP Founders Award can be seen below.

KISS is one of the most influential rock and roll bands of all-time, selling over 100 million albums worldwide in their 40-year career. Formed in the early 1970s, KISS has achieved staggering career milestones, boasting decades of record-breaking tours around the globe. Today, the KISS “brand” has infiltrated pop culture with its unforgettable personas Starchild, Demon, Spaceman and Cat. With hits like “Strutter”, “Shout it Out Loud”, “Detroit Rock City”, “Rock And Roll All Nite”, “Christine Sixteen”, “I Was Made for Lovin’ You” and “Beth”, KISS has 28 gold albums, the most of any American rock band, and in 2014 they were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. As the band continues their 40th Anniversary World Tour with 2015 tours in Japan, South America and Australia — founding band members Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons also celebrate 40 years as members of ASCAP.

The 32nd ASCAP Pop Music Awards precede the 10th annual ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO, the only national conference dedicated to the craft and business of songwriting and composing. The EXPO takes place April 30 – May 2 at the Loews Hollywood Hotel in Los Angeles, California. Many of the biggest names in music have shared their wisdom and music at the EXPO, including Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora, Jackson Browne, Lindsey Buckingham interviewed by Sara Bareilles, Dr. Luke, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Quincy Jones, Randy Newman, Katy Perry, Tom Petty, Carly Simon, Justin Timberlake in conversation with Bill Withers and Ann and Nancy Wilson (HEART).