Billy Steinberg, the prolific songwriter behind some of pop music’s most enduring anthems – including Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” and Heart’s “Alone” – has died, his lawyer confirmed. He was 75 years traditional. Steinberg passed away in Los Angeles following a battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy of chart-topping hits and a profound influence on the sound of the 1980s and 90s.
Steinberg’s family remembered him as a “visionary lyricist, devoted husband, loving father, and one of the most influential songwriters of his era,” in a statement. They noted that his lyrics, often rooted in personal experience, resonated with millions, demonstrating “the enduring power of a well-written song — and to the idea that honesty, when set to music, can outlive us all.” Steinberg’s collaborative spirit, particularly his partnership with composer Tom Kelly, fueled a remarkable run of success that defined a generation of pop music.
Often working in tandem with Kelly, who focused on the music, Steinberg crafted lyrics for a string of classics. Together, they penned five songs that reached the Number One spot on the Billboard Hot 100: Madonna’s “Like a Virgin,” Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors,” Whitney Houston’s “So Emotional,” the Bangles’ “Eternal Flame,” and Heart’s “Alone.” These songs, and many others, cemented their place in music history.
The impact of Steinberg’s work was immediately felt within the music community. Cyndi Lauper shared her sorrow on Instagram, writing, “I’m so sorry to hear that my friend Billy Steinberg has passed away. He was such a nice guy and very supportive. My thoughts are with his family, loved ones, and Tom during this sad time.”
From New Wave Roots to Pop Dominance
Even as Steinberg achieved widespread recognition for his songwriting prowess, his musical journey began as the frontman of a new wave band, Billy Thermal, in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The band recorded an album that remained unreleased, but their demos caught the attention of Linda Ronstadt, who recorded their song “How Do I Create You” in 1980. The track peaked at Number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking an early success for Steinberg.
The following year, Steinberg joined forces with Kelly, forming the band i-Ten and releasing the album Taking a Cold Look in 1983. Though the album didn’t achieve commercial success, it contained an early version of “Alone,” which would later become a signature hit for Heart in 1987. This collaboration proved pivotal, launching Steinberg and Kelly into a period of extraordinary songwriting achievement.
The ‘Like a Virgin’ Breakthrough
The turning point in Steinberg and Kelly’s career arrived in 1984 with Madonna’s release of “Like a Virgin.” Steinberg recalled in an interview on his website that the lyrics were inspired by his own evolving relationships. “At that time I was very happy to be involved in a new relationship with a woman I had met and I was relieved to have extricated myself from a very difficult relationship and I think that inspired the lyrics,” he said. He also remembered recognizing the song’s potential, stating, “I was aware that I was writing a song lyric when I wrote, ‘Like a virgin.’ I remember there was a little spark when I put that down. I said to myself, ‘That’s a good hook!’”
Despite initial hesitation from some artists, the song found its perfect champion in Madonna. Steinberg recounted how they presented the song to Michael Ostin, a top A&R representative at Warner Records, who immediately recognized its potential for the rising star. Steinberg even playfully suggested to Ostin that Madonna should wear a wedding dress in the music video. “Like a Virgin” became a cultural phenomenon, propelling both Madonna and Steinberg and Kelly to international stardom.
A Legacy of Hit Songs
The success of “Like a Virgin” ignited a remarkable run for the songwriting duo. Beyond their five Number One hits, Steinberg and Kelly contributed to the success of artists like the Divinyls (“I Touch Myself”), the Pretenders (“I’ll Stand By You”), and Tina Turner (“Look Me in the Heart”). Their song “I Drove All Night,” initially penned for Roy Orbison, became a Top 10 hit for Lauper in 1989. Orbison later recorded his own version in 1992, reaching Number Seven on the U.K. Singles chart, and Celine Dion released a successful rendition in 2003.
Following Kelly’s retirement in the 1990s, Steinberg continued to thrive, collaborating with a new generation of songwriters. He co-wrote songs with Rick Nowels for artists like Melanie C (“I Turn To You”) and Celine Dion (“Falling Into You”), the latter earning him a Grammy Award when Dion’s album Falling Into You won Album of the Year in 1997. He later partnered with producer Josh Alexander, crafting hits for Jojo (“Too Little Too Late”), The Veronicas (“When It All Falls Apart”), t.A.T.u. (“All About Us”), and Demi Lovato (“Give Your Heart a Break”).
Steinberg’s contributions to the world of music were formally recognized in 2011 with his induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. His songs continue to resonate with audiences today, a testament to his enduring talent and the power of his lyrics.
As the music world mourns the loss of Billy Steinberg, his legacy as a master songwriter and architect of pop music’s golden age will undoubtedly endure. The impact of his work will continue to be felt for generations to come, inspiring future songwriters and captivating listeners worldwide. Share your favorite Billy Steinberg-penned song in the comments below.