Gene Simmons was born on August 25, 1949. The KISS bassist and singer has been terrifying rock and roll audience with his growling voice, platform boots, metal armor and enormous tongue since the mid-1970s. Beyond his musical skill, Simmons has masterminded the KISS marketing empire. The band has branched out over its career into such realms as comic books, action figures, pinball machines and coffins. Simmons continues to travel the world with KISS, while also appearing on the hit reality show “Gene Simmons Family Jewels.”