Billy Steinberg, the acclaimed songwriter responsible for some of the most iconic pop hits of the 1980s and 1990s, died on Monday, February 16, 2026, in Los Angeles after battling cancer. He was 75.
According to his attorney, Laurie Soriano, Steinberg passed away at his Brentwood residence. His family honored him as “a visionary lyricist, devoted husband, loving father, and one of the most influential songwriters of his era.”
Teaming up extensively with his longtime collaborator Tom Kelly, Steinberg built an impressive collection of hits that helped define pop radio and culture. The pair scored 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,” released in 1984, topped the charts for six weeks and remains one of the most recognizable songs of its decade. The track demonstrated Steinberg’s gift for turning intimate, personal experiences into universal pop statements. Many of his lyrics drew from his own romantic history, resonating with listeners who recognized their own emotions in his words.
In addition to his chart-toppers, Steinberg co-wrote many other major hits that defined 1980s and 1990s pop. 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 during childhood, where his father managed a table grape farm in the Coachella Valley—a region that later inspired the name of his early band Billy Thermal, referencing the town of Thermal where the vineyards were located. He studied literature at Bard College, and his background in literary studies helped shape his songwriting approach. His strong narratives and striking imagery set his lyrics apart in an era dominated by synth-driven pop.
Before establishing himself as a songwriter, Steinberg launched the band Billy Thermal in the late 1970s. Although the group never released a full album, their songs captured the attention of major artists. Linda Ronstadt recorded their track “How Do I Make You” in 1980, giving Steinberg his first major hit.
Steinberg met Tom Kelly in 1981 through producer Keith Olsen. Their partnership formed quickly: Steinberg concentrated on lyrics, while Kelly composed the music. They created the group i-Ten and released the 1983 album “Taking a Cold Look.” Though commercially unsuccessful, it featured an early version of “Alone,” which later became a massive hit for Heart.
Their major breakthrough came when Warner Bros. A&R executive Michael Ostin connected Madonna with Steinberg and Kelly’s “Like a Virgin.” Its 1984 success launched the duo into the upper ranks of pop songwriters for more than a decade.
Lauper, who recorded several Steinberg compositions, shared an online tribute after learning of his death. “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.”
When Kelly retired in the mid-1990s, Steinberg continued writing with new collaborators, adjusting his style for contemporary artists. He first partnered with Rick Nowels in the late ’90s, demonstrating his ability to evolve with shifting pop trends. Beginning in 2004, he also formed a successful writing 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 that he could continue connecting with younger listeners while maintaining the emotional sincerity that defined his earlier work. His songs continued to appear on the charts 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 marked a major professional milestone, those close to him said he valued emotional connection with audiences more than accolades.
His creative work typically began with lyrics, which he later developed alongside musical collaborators. This approach allowed him to prioritize storytelling and emotional depth even as pop music became increasingly driven by technology and production.
The Songwriters Hall of Fame inducted him in 2011, celebrating his outstanding contributions to pop music. The honor also recognized Kelly, underscoring the lasting impact of their songwriting partnership.
In March 2025, Steinberg signed a global publishing agreement with Sony Music Publishing, reaffirming his continued creative vitality even while facing illness. His son Ezra signed with the company as well, carrying forward the family’s songwriting tradition.
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 multiple generations and genres, with his work performed by legendary artists and emerging talents alike, illustrating the wide-ranging appeal of his songwriting voice.
Steinberg’s ability to convey complex emotions in straightforward language made his songs especially impactful. Whether writing about love, heartbreak, longing, or devotion, his lyrics felt intimate yet widely relatable—one of the key reasons they have endured.
He is survived by his wife, Trina, and his sons Ezra and Max. His influence on popular music remains deeply embedded in culture, with his songs continuing to receive radio play, streaming attention, and reinterpretation by new generations of performers.
