Paul Stanley

Paul Stanley (born January 20, 1952) is an American musician, co-founder and frontman of the rock band KISS. Explore his biography, career, songwriting, persona “Starchild,” and enduring influence.

Introduction

Paul Stanley (born Stanley Bert Eisen on January 20, 1952) is a vocalist, guitarist, songwriter, painter, and one of the founding pillars of American rock. As the Starchild persona in KISS, he helped shape the visual theatricality and sound of glam rock and stadium rock from the 1970s onward. His artistic drive, resilience, and showmanship have made him an enduring icon in rock music.

Early Life & Background

Stanley Bert Eisen was born in New York City, and raised in Manhattan and Queens.

From an early age, music was central to his life. He learned guitar, sang harmonies, and was influenced by doo-wop, rock & roll, and early rock icons.

He attended the High School of Music & Art in New York, graduating around 1970, just as his musical ambitions were becoming serious.

Musical Career & Achievements

Formation of KISS & Early Years

In the early 1970s, Stanley joined Wicked Lester (with Gene Simmons) before that band disbanded. KISS in 1973.

Stanley legally changed his name from Stanley Eisen to Paul Stanley, partly for marketing and partly because he disliked his birth name. Starchild,” identified by the star over his right eye and an emphasis on romance, stardom, and charisma.

Through KISS, Stanley co-wrote or co-led vocals on many of the band's signature hits.

Solo Work & Side Projects

Stanley released a self-titled solo album in 1978 (as part of the simultaneous solo releases by each KISS member). Live to Win in 2006.

In 2015, he formed Paul Stanley’s Soul Station, a tribute/side project exploring rhythm & blues and soul influences. Their first album Now and Then came out in 2021.

Stanley has also performed in theatre: notably, in 1999 he played the Phantom in a production of The Phantom of the Opera in Toronto.

He is also a painter and visual artist; his interest in visual design has been integral to KISS’s aesthetic.

Style, Voice & Influence

Stanley is known for a high register, including falsetto singing.

He has used various guitars (Ibanez, Gibson, Washburn) and has signature models.

KISS (with Stanley) was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.

Personal Life

Stanley has been married twice. His first marriage was to actress Pamela Bowen; they had a son Evan Shane (born 1994). That marriage ended in divorce. Erin Sutton. Together, they have three children: Colin Michael, Sarah Brianna, and Emily Grace.

He resides in Beverly Hills, California.

Because of his ear defect, Stanley is an ambassador for organizations assisting people with facial or hearing differences.

He has had some health challenges tied to touring (e.g. hip issues, vocal cord surgeries) over his career.

Legacy & Impact

Paul Stanley helped define the grand theatrical rock show. His blend of showmanship, visual storytelling, catchy songwriting, and musical sophistication has influenced countless rock frontmen and bands.

Under his leadership, KISS transcended being merely a rock band to becoming a cultural brand—merchandising, theatricality, and fan loyalty were central to their success.

His willingness to explore side genres (soul, theatre, visual art) shows his creative breadth beyond the rock persona.

Stanley’s story of overcoming a physical challenge (his ear condition) and bullying in youth, while building confidence and performance prowess, resonates for many aspiring artists facing adversity.