Legendary Songwriter Behind Pop Hits Dies at 75

Billy Steinberg, co-writer of Madonna's 'Like a Virgin' and other iconic songs, passes away after cancer battle.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Billy Steinberg, the acclaimed lyricist behind some of the biggest pop anthems of the 1980s, including Madonna's 'Like a Virgin,' Cyndi Lauper's 'True Colors,' and the Bangles' 'Eternal Flame,' has died at the age of 75 after a long battle with cancer, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Why it matters

Steinberg's songwriting legacy spanned decades and genres, with his collaborations resulting in numerous chart-topping hits that defined the musical landscape of the 1980s. His passing marks the end of an era for pop music, as his iconic songs continue to be celebrated by fans worldwide.

The details

Steinberg rose to prominence as a songwriter in the 1980s, working closely with musical partner Tom Kelly. Together, they penned several No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100, collaborating with a wide range of artists from Whitney Houston to Heart. Prior to his songwriting success, Steinberg spent his early years helping with his family's grape-harvesting business before pursuing a career in music, fronting the band Billy Thermal.

  • Billy Steinberg died on Monday, February 17, 2026.

The players

Billy Steinberg

A legendary lyricist who co-wrote some of the biggest pop hits of the 1980s, including Madonna's 'Like a Virgin,' Cyndi Lauper's 'True Colors,' and the Bangles' 'Eternal Flame.'

Tom Kelly

Steinberg's longtime musical collaborator, with whom he co-wrote several chart-topping hits.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He and Tom had such a way of capturing the range within an emotion, from the subtlety to urgency...For 'True Colors,' there was a lot of back and forth which I know was hard for him. In the end, he said that I had really invented my own 'very exquisitely beautiful version' of the song. That really meant a lot to me. It is a special song.”

— Cyndi Lauper, Singer (Billboard)

The takeaway

Steinberg's passing marks the end of an era for pop music, as his iconic songs continue to be celebrated by fans worldwide. His collaborative songwriting process and ability to capture the nuances of human emotion left an indelible mark on the industry, cementing his legacy as one of the most influential lyricists of his generation.