Billy Steinberg, the Grammy-winning songwriter behind some of the most iconic pop songs of the 1980s and beyond, including Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” and Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors,” died on , in Los Angeles. He was 75.
The news was confirmed by his lawyer, as reported by the BBC and followed a battle with cancer. Steinberg’s family described him as a “visionary lyricist, devoted husband, loving father, and one of the most influential songwriters of his era.”
Born William Endfield Steinberg on , in Palm Springs, California, Steinberg’s career spanned four decades, leaving an indelible mark on the pop landscape. He first gained recognition through his collaboration with vocalist and songwriter Tom Kelly, beginning in the early 1980s. Together, they formed a formidable songwriting duo, contributing to a string of chart-topping hits that defined a generation.
Their breakthrough arrived in 1984 with “Like a Virgin,” a song that catapulted Madonna to superstardom and became the title track of her second album. According to reports, Madonna didn’t meet Steinberg and Kelly until after the song’s success. The song spent six weeks at number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, solidifying its place in pop culture history.
The Steinberg-Kelly partnership continued to deliver hit after hit. They co-wrote Cyndi Lauper’s anthemic “True Colors” in 1986, a song that remains a staple of radio and a powerful expression of acceptance. Whitney Houston’s “So Emotional” (1987) and The Bangles’ “Eternal Flame” (1989) further cemented their reputation as hitmakers. The duo also penned “I Touch Myself” by the Divinyls in 1990, a song that continues to resonate with audiences today.
Steinberg’s talent extended beyond these signature songs. He also co-wrote “Alone,” famously covered by Heart in 1987, and “I Drove All Night,” which has been recorded by numerous artists, including Roy Orbison and Cyndi Lauper. Later in his career, after Kelly retired from music in the 1990s, Steinberg continued to collaborate with other songwriters, demonstrating his adaptability and enduring creativity.
He teamed with Rick Nowels and Marie-Claire D’Ubaldo to write “Falling Into You,” which became a hit for Celine Dion in 1996 and contributed to her album of the same name winning a Grammy Award. Steinberg also worked with Josh Alexander on songs like “All About Us” by t.A.T.u. (2005), “Too Little Too Late” by JoJo (2006), “Over It” by Katharine McPhee (2007), and “Give Your Heart a Break” by Demi Lovato (2012), showcasing his ability to remain relevant in a constantly evolving music industry.
Steinberg’s family emphasized that his lyrics often stemmed from deeply personal reflections, which he then transformed into universal anthems. “His lyrics often began as deeply personal reflections, transformed into anthems in which millions found themselves,” they said in a statement. “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.”
While Steinberg received numerous industry accolades throughout his career, including a Grammy, his family noted that connection with audiences mattered most to him. “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.”
Steinberg’s early musical journey included forming a short-lived rock band called i-Ten with Tom Kelly. Before their songwriting partnership took off, Steinberg’s songs were covered by artists like Linda Ronstadt and Pat Benatar, signaling his early potential. He met Kelly at a party in the summer of 1982, and the two quickly recognized a shared creative synergy.
Billy Steinberg’s passing marks the end of an era in pop songwriting. His contributions to the music industry are immeasurable, and his songs will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come. He leaves behind a legacy of hits that have shaped the sound of popular music and touched the lives of millions.
