Gene Simmons

Rock Singer

Gene Simmons is an Israeli-American musician. Also known by his stage persona The Demon, he is the bassist and co-lead singer of Kiss, the hard rock band he co-founded with Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss in the early 1970s.

Full Name

Chaim Witz

Birthday

Aug 25, 1949

deathday

AGE

BORN

Israel

BIrth SIGN

Virgo

RElationship

Married

Height

6′ 2″

Net Worth

$400M

About

Gene Simmons was born Chaim Witz on August 25, 1949, in Tirat Carmel, Israel. His parents were Holocaust survivors who moved to the United States when he was eight years old and changed their last name to Simmons. He grew up in a Jewish family in New York City and attended Sullivan County Community College in New York before dropping out to pursue music.

Simmons first rose to fame as the bassist and co-lead singer of the rock band Kiss. He is known for his outrageous live performances and theatrical makeup that has become iconic in the music industry. With Kiss, Simmons has released 24 studio albums, selling over 100 million records worldwide.

In addition to his career with Kiss, Simmons has also acted in several films and television shows including "Extract," "Wanted: Dead or Alive" and "Family Jewels." He has also written books such as "Kiss and Make-up," "Sex Money Kiss" and "Me, Inc." In 2012, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contribution to music.

Outside of his musical career, Simmons is an entrepreneur with investments in restaurants, merchandise companies, magazines and even comic books. He is also an active philanthropist who founded The Gene Simmons Charitable Fund which gives financial grants to charities focusing on children's health care and education.

Life Timeline

<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1949</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Gene Simmons is Born</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">On August 25, 1949, Gene Simmons was born in Tirat Carmel, Israel. His birth name is Chaim Witz.</p></div>

<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1966</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Moves to New York City</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">At the age of 16, Simmons moves to New York City with his mother and sister.</p></div>

<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1972</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Forms KISS with Paul Stanley</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Simmons forms the rock band KISS along with Paul Stanley, Peter Criss, and Ace Frehley.</p></div>

<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1973</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">KISS Releases Debut Album</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">KISS releases their debut album, "Kiss", which goes on to sell over two million copies.</p></div>

<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1978</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">KISS Appears on American Bandstand</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">KISS performs on the television show American Bandstand, marking their first major television appearance.</p></div>

<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1984</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">KISS Appears on MTV Music Awards</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">KISS makes a surprise appearance at the MTV Music Awards, performing alongside Madonna.</p></div>

<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2014</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Inducted into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">KISS is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Simmons is honored for his contribution to the music industry.</p></div>

Why We Love Them

<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">A.</span> He's a Great Songwriter</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Gene Simmons is one of the most iconic songwriters of all time, having written countless songs for his band KISS. His lyrics are often clever and profound, and he has been able to create an entire genre of rock music.</p></div>

<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">B.</span> He's a Charismatic Performer</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Gene Simmons is known for being a charismatic performer. He brings energy and enthusiasm to his live performances, and always puts on a great show for the audience. His stage presence is unmatched in the world of rock music.</p></div>

<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">C.</span> His Impact on Music</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Gene Simmons has had an incredible impact on music. He helped define the sound of rock and roll, and created an entirely new genre that has influenced countless musicians over the years. His legacy will live on forever in the world of music.</p></div>

Interesting Facts

<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">1.</span> Born in Israel</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Gene Simmons was born in Haifa, Israel in 1949, but moved to New York City with his mother when he was 8 years old.</p></div>

<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">2.</span> Worked at McDonald's</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Gene Simmons worked at a McDonald's restaurant while attending high school in New York City.</p></div>

<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">3.</span> Has an Artificial Tongue</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">As a result of his many onstage tongue tricks, Gene Simmons had to have an artificial tongue made out of plastic surgery.</p></div>

<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">4.</span> Holds the Most Patents by a Musician</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Gene Simmons holds the record for most patents filed by a musician, with over 30 patents to his name.</p></div>