Gene Simmons, co-founder of the legendary rock band KISS, made a striking revelation while testifying before the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property on Dec. 9. Speaking in support of the American Music Fairness Act, Simmons stated that Elvis Presley “never got a penny for all the times, all the millions of times, his music was played around the world.”

His testimony highlighted one of the long-standing issues in the music industry: U.S. law does not require AM/FM radio stations to pay performers for traditional radio airplay. While songwriters receive royalties, performing artists often do not — a system Simmons called outdated and unfair

The American Music Fairness Act aims to change that by ensuring that performers are compensated when their recordings are broadcast on terrestrial radio. Supporters argue it would finally align the U.S. with most other countries where such royalties are standard.

Simmons’ use of Elvis as an example underscored how even the most iconic artists in history have been affected by the current system. The hearing continues to draw attention as lawmakers consider whether it’s time for long-awaited reform.