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The entrepreneur, producer and author was born Oct. 4, 1957 and turns 60 on Wednesday.
Simmons cofounded the hip-hop music label Def Jam Recordings and created the clothing fashion lines Phat Farm, Argyleculture and Tantris.
He promoted stars like the Beastie Boys, Public Enemy and LL Cool J. His younger brother is Joseph "Run" Simmons of Run-DMC.
He is the Chairman and CEO of Rush Communications, which includes over 10 businesses and three non-profits.
He and business partner Stan Lathan have produced television hits HBO's "Def Comedy Jam" and "Def Poetry Jam."
He is a philanthropist and activist, and advocates Ahimsa and veganism, animal rights and is a supporter of Farm Sanctuary to end animal cruelty.
His latest volunteer endeavor has been in Flint, Michigan, assisting with the area's water crisis.
Simmons was born and raised in Queens and lived in Alpine with his wife model Kimora Lee. They have two daughters and divorced in 2002.
He currently has a development deal with HBO and lives in Los Angeles.
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