Billy Steinberg, the celebrated songwriter behind some of the most defining pop hits of the 1980s and 1990s, passed away Monday, February 16, in Los Angeles following a battle with cancer. He was 75.
His attorney, Laurie Soriano, confirmed that Steinberg died at his Brentwood home. His family remembered him as “a visionary lyricist, devoted husband, loving father, and one of the most influential songwriters of his era.”
Working closely with longtime collaborator Tom Kelly, Steinberg built an extraordinary catalog of hits that shaped radio and pop culture. Together, they earned five No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100, including Madonna’s “Like a Virgin,” Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors,” Whitney Houston’s “So Emotional,” the Bangles’ “Eternal Flame,” and Heart’s “Alone.”
“Like a Virgin,” which debuted in 1984, held the No. 1 spot for six weeks and remains one of the era’s most recognizable tracks. The song showcased Steinberg’s ability to turn deeply personal experiences into universal pop moments. Many of his lyrics stemmed from his own romantic life, striking a chord with millions who heard their own emotions reflected in his writing.
Beyond his chart-toppers, Steinberg co-wrote numerous other major hits that became hallmarks of 1980s and 1990s pop music. He penned the Pretenders’ “I’ll Stand by You,” the Divinyls’ “I Touch Myself,” and “I Drove All Night,” later recorded by both Lauper and Roy Orbison.
Born in Fresno, California, in 1950, Steinberg moved to Palm Springs as a child, where his father operated a table grape farm in the Coachella Valley — the same region that inspired the name of Billy Thermal, referencing the town of Thermal where the vineyards were based. He studied literature at Bard College, and his academic background in the literary arts helped shape his songwriting style. His strong storytelling and vivid imagery distinguished his lyrics amid an era dominated by synthesizer-heavy pop.
Before breaking through as a songwriter, Steinberg started the band Billy Thermal in the late 1970s. Although the group never released a full album, their material caught the attention of major artists. Linda Ronstadt recorded their song “How Do I Make You” in 1980, giving Steinberg his first mainstream success.
Steinberg met Tom Kelly in 1981 through producer Keith Olsen. Their collaboration clicked immediately: Steinberg focused on lyrics, while Kelly wrote music. They formed the group i-Ten and released the 1983 album “Taking a Cold Look.” Though the record did not achieve commercial success, it included an early version of “Alone,” which later became a blockbuster hit for Heart.
Their big break arrived when Warner Bros. A&R executive Michael Ostin connected Steinberg and Kelly’s “Like a Virgin” with Madonna. The song’s 1984 success propelled the pair into the top ranks of pop songwriters for more than a decade.
Lauper, who recorded several of Steinberg’s songs, paid tribute online after learning of his passing. “I’m so sorry to hear that my friend Billy Steinberg has passed away,” she wrote. “He was such a nice guy and very supportive. My thoughts are with his family, loved ones, and Tom during this sad time.”
After Kelly retired in the mid-1990s, Steinberg continued writing with new collaborators, shifting his style to suit contemporary artists. He first teamed with Rick Nowels in the late ’90s, showcasing his adaptability across evolving pop trends. Beginning in 2004, he also formed a productive partnership with Josh Alexander.
With Alexander, Steinberg co-wrote JoJo’s “Too Little Too Late” and Demi Lovato’s “Give Your Heart a Break,” proving he could still connect with younger audiences while retaining the emotional honesty that defined his earlier work. His songs continued to chart well into the 2000s and beyond.
Steinberg’s collaborations with Celine Dion became especially meaningful later in his career. He co-wrote and produced the title track “Falling Into You” for her 1996 album, which went on to win the 1997 Grammy Award for Album of the Year. Although the recognition represented a major industry honor, those close to him said he valued emotional connection with listeners more than awards.
His creative process usually began with lyrics, which he would then shape with his musical partners. This method allowed him to keep storytelling and emotion at the forefront, even as pop music became increasingly technological and production-driven.
The Songwriters Hall of Fame inducted him in 2011, honoring his remarkable contributions to pop music. The award also recognized Kelly, highlighting the enduring influence of their partnership.
In March 2025, Steinberg signed a global publishing agreement with Sony Music Publishing, reaffirming his relevance and creativity even as he faced illness. His son Ezra also signed with the company, continuing the family’s songwriting legacy.
In their statement, Steinberg’s family noted that “his lyrics often began as deeply personal reflections, transformed into anthems in which millions found themselves.” They added: “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.”
His career spanned generations and crossed genres, with his music performed by both iconic artists and rising stars, highlighting the broad appeal of his songwriting voice.
Steinberg’s ability to express complex emotions in accessible language made his songs especially powerful. Whether he wrote about love, heartbreak, longing, or devotion, his lyrics felt both deeply personal and universally relatable—an achievement that explains their lasting impact.
He is survived by his wife, Trina, and his sons Ezra and Max. His influence on popular music remains embedded in the cultural landscape, with his songs continuing to receive airplay, streaming attention, and reinterpretations by new generations of performers.
