Gene Simmons — rocker (kiss) with roots in the -
Gene Simmons (born Chaim Witz) is the co-founder, bassist, and co-lead vocalist of KISS — one of the highest-grossing rock acts in history, known for their face paint, pyrotechnics, and theatrical excess. Off stage he is one of rock's most relentless entrepreneurs, licensing the KISS brand across thousands of products.
Tracing the roots — Hungary (Rus roots)
His mother Flora Klein survived the Holocaust in Hungary — her family had roots in the Russian Empire sphere. Simmons has spoken movingly about her survival and how it shaped his ferocious drive: every day above ground is a gift, and you'd better use it. The immigrant hunger to build something indestructible runs through every KISS product ever made.
A career defined by ambition
"If you want to know about me, know that I am the son of a Holocaust survivor. That is everything."