Songwriter Billy Steinberg's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits

Classics like 'Like a Virgin' and more from the prolific writer

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Legendary songwriter Billy Steinberg, who passed away at age 74, is being remembered for his many chart-topping hits recorded by female artists over the decades, including Madonna's iconic 'Like a Virgin' and songs for the Bangles, Heart, Whitney Houston, Cyndi Lauper, and more. Steinberg's compositions became mainstays in the Billboard Hot 100's top 40 from the 1980s to the 2010s.

Why it matters

Steinberg was one of the most successful and influential pop songwriters of his era, penning numerous timeless hits that became part of the cultural fabric. His passing marks the end of an era and the loss of a singular creative talent that helped define the sound of pop music for generations.

The details

Steinberg co-wrote 'Like a Virgin' with longtime collaborator Tom Kelly, and the song went on to rule the Billboard Hot 100 for six weeks in 1984-85, becoming Madonna's biggest career hit. Steinberg said the idea for the song came from personal experience, as he was 'saying that I may not really be a virgin — I've been battered romantically and emotionally like many people — but I'm starting a new relationship and it just feels so good it's healing all the wounds and making me feel like I've never done this before, because it's so much deeper and more profound than anything I've ever felt.'

  • Steinberg passed away on February 16, 2026 in Los Angeles at the age of 74.
  • 'Like a Virgin' ruled the Billboard Hot 100 for six weeks in 1984-85.

The players

Billy Steinberg

A legendary and prolific songwriter who penned numerous hit songs for female artists, including Madonna's 'Like a Virgin.'

Tom Kelly

Steinberg's longtime songwriting partner, with whom he co-wrote 'Like a Virgin' and other major hits.

Madonna

The iconic pop star who recorded Steinberg and Kelly's 'Like a Virgin,' which became her biggest career hit.

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What they’re saying

“The idea for that song came from personal experience. I wasn't just trying to somehow get that racy word virgin in a lyric. I was saying that I may not really be a virgin — I've been battered romantically and emotionally like many people — but I'm starting a new relationship and it just feels so good it's healing all the wounds and making me feel like I've never done this before, because it's so much deeper and more profound than anything I've ever felt.”

— Billy Steinberg (Los Angeles Times)

The takeaway

Steinberg's enduring legacy as a songwriter is a testament to his ability to craft timeless pop hits that resonated with audiences for decades. His passing marks the end of an era, but his iconic songs will continue to be celebrated and remembered as classics of the genre.