Billy Steinberg: Songwriter of ‘Like a Virgin’ & ‘True Colors’ Dies

Billy Steinberg, the prolific songwriter behind some of pop music’s most enduring anthems – including Madonna’s “Like a Virgin,” Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors,” and The Bangles’ “Eternal Flame” – died on February 16, 2026, in California. He was 75.

The news was confirmed by his attorney, Laurie Soriano, and has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the music industry. Steinberg’s passing marks the end of an era for a songwriter whose work defined the sound of the 1980s and 90s, and continued to resonate through subsequent generations.

Born William Endfield Steinberg on February 26, 1950, in Palm Springs, California, Steinberg found his greatest success through a partnership with Tom Kelly. Together, they formed a remarkably potent songwriting team, with Steinberg focusing primarily on lyrics and Kelly on music. Their collaborative process yielded a string of hits that became cultural touchstones.

Their breakthrough arrived in 1984 with “Like a Virgin,” a song that catapulted Madonna to superstardom and irrevocably altered the landscape of pop music. The track, the title song of Madonna’s second album, topped the US Billboard Hot 100 and established Steinberg and Kelly as forces to be reckoned with in the industry.

The duo didn’t stop there. They followed “Like a Virgin” with a string of equally impactful songs, including Cyndi Lauper’s emotionally resonant ballad “True Colors” (1986), Whitney Houston’s energetic “So Emotional” (1987), and the Divinyls’ empowering anthem “I Touch Myself” (1990). Their catalog also includes hits for Heart (“Alone”), Linda Ronstadt (“How Do I Make You”), Roy Orbison and Cyndi Lauper (“I Drove All Night”), and The Pretenders (“I’ll Stand by You”).

Steinberg’s ability to tap into universal emotions and craft lyrics that resonated with millions was a key element of his success. As his family noted in a statement, “his lyrics often began as deeply personal reflections, transformed into anthems in which millions found themselves.” This ability to translate personal experience into broadly relatable themes proved to be a hallmark of his songwriting.

The Songwriters Hall of Fame, where Steinberg was inducted in 2011 alongside Kelly, recognized him as one of the “most successful songwriters” whose songs have become “enduring classics.” This recognition underscored the lasting impact of his work on popular culture.

Following Kelly’s retirement from music in the 1990s, Steinberg continued to write and collaborate with other songwriters, demonstrating his adaptability and continued relevance. He co-wrote songs with Rick Nowels and Marie-Claire D’Ubaldo, including material for Celine Dion’s critically acclaimed and Grammy Award-winning 1996 album, “Falling Into You.” He also worked with Josh Alexander on tracks for artists like t.A.T.u. (“All About Us”), JoJo (“Too Little Too Late”), Katharine McPhee (“Over It”), and Demi Lovato (“Give Your Heart a Break”).

Steinberg’s family emphasized that, despite the numerous accolades he received throughout his four-decade career, his greatest satisfaction came from the connection his music fostered with audiences. “Billy Steinberg’s life was a testament to the enduring power of a well-written song – and to the idea that honesty, when set to music, can outlive us all,” they said. “Yet those closest to him knew that what mattered most was not recognition, but connection – the magic of hearing a crowd sing back something that once lived only in his notebook.”

He is survived by his wife, Trina, two sons, and two stepchildren. His legacy, however, will live on through the countless songs that continue to move and inspire listeners around the world.

Steinberg’s passing serves as a reminder of the power of songwriting to shape culture and connect people through shared emotional experiences. His contributions to the pop music landscape are undeniable, and his work will undoubtedly continue to be celebrated for generations to come.