Gene Simmons recently addressed the ongoing discussion about White musicians borrowing from Black artists during an appearance on the Greatest Music of All Time podcast. The KISS bassist reflected on the complex history of musical influence and cultural exchange, arguing that while accusations of theft exist, the reality is more nuanced.
Simmons recounted the story of Fats Domino and Pat Boone, noting that while Boone’s more sanitized version of Ain’t That a Shame outsold Domino’s original, the legendary Black artist didn’t hold any resentment. Instead, Domino credited Boone for his success, once stating, “You see this diamond ring here? I’ve got Mr. Boone to thank for that.”
Simmons acknowledged that figures like Little Richard were financially exploited, but he also emphasized that Black music’s widespread appeal brought it to young White audiences, leading to a cultural shift. He credited Jewish songwriters and producers like Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller for bridging the gap between Black artists and mainstream audiences, pointing to Hound Dog (originally by Big Mama Thornton) as an example.
He also expressed his personal admiration for Black artists, stating that their music had a visceral energy that White musicians often lacked. “The real stuff was Black music,” Simmons said, adding that it “made your bottom, your groin shake and move in ways that White music didn’t.”
Looking ahead, Simmons is preparing for a solo tour, set to begin on April 3 in Anaheim, California, and run through the end of May across the U.S.
