Legendary Songwriter Billy Steinberg Dies at 74

Steinberg penned iconic hits like Madonna's 'Like a Virgin' and Cyndi Lauper's 'True Colors'

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Billy Steinberg, the acclaimed songwriter behind some of the biggest pop hits of the 1980s, including Madonna's 'Like a Virgin' and Cyndi Lauper's 'True Colors', has died at the age of 74. Steinberg's lawyer confirmed that he passed away at his home in Brentwood, California due to cancer.

Why it matters

Steinberg's songwriting legacy left an indelible mark on the music industry, with his ability to craft catchy, memorable lyrics that resonated with audiences worldwide. His passing marks the end of an era for 80s pop music and the loss of a true icon in the world of songwriting.

The details

A native of Palm Springs, California, Steinberg first got into music as a performer with the groups Billy Thermal and i-Ten, the latter of which he formed with fellow songwriter Tom Kelly. Together, Steinberg and Kelly wrote some of the biggest hits of the decade, including Madonna's 'Like a Virgin', Cyndi Lauper's 'True Colors', Whitney Houston's 'So Emotional', and the Bangles' 'Eternal Flame'. Steinberg also penned other hits like the Pretenders' 'I'll Stand by You' and the Divinyls' 'I Touch Myself'.

  • Steinberg died on Monday, February 16, 2026 at his home in Brentwood, California.
  • Steinberg and his songwriting partner Tom Kelly wrote 'Like a Virgin' in 1984, which spent six weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The players

Billy Steinberg

A legendary songwriter who penned some of the biggest pop hits of the 1980s, including Madonna's 'Like a Virgin', Cyndi Lauper's 'True Colors', and Whitney Houston's 'So Emotional'. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2011.

Tom Kelly

Steinberg's longtime songwriting partner, with whom he co-wrote several #1 hits in the 1980s.

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What they’re saying

“Billy Steinberg's songwriting legacy will live on through the countless iconic hits he created. He was a true master of his craft.”

— Laurie Soriano, Steinberg's Lawyer

What’s next

Steinberg's family and friends are expected to hold a memorial service to celebrate his life and musical achievements in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Billy Steinberg's passing marks the end of an era for 80s pop music, but his timeless songs will continue to be celebrated and enjoyed by fans around the world for generations to come. His ability to craft unforgettable lyrics that resonated with audiences is a true testament to his songwriting genius.