Famous Songwriter Billy Steinberg Dies at 75

Billy Steinberg, the songwriter behind famous songs like 'Like a Virgin' and 'True Colors,' has passed away at age 75. He wrote many hit songs for popular singers. His family and friends remember him as a great writer.
By Newsroom | Music, Obituaries |

A Master of Melodies and Meaning

Billy Steinberg, a highly respected songwriter known for penning chart-topping hits such as Madonna's "Like a Virgin" and Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors," has passed away at the age of 75. His death, confirmed by his lawyer, occurred in Los Angeles following a battle with cancer. Steinberg's talent for crafting memorable lyrics and enduring melodies left a significant mark on popular music, with his works becoming anthems for generations.

Billy Steinberg dead: Grammy-winning Like A Virgin hitmaker dies after cancer battle - 1

Career Highlights and Enduring Impact

Steinberg's songwriting career spanned several decades, beginning in the late 1960s while he was studying at Bard College. He went on to achieve widespread recognition for his collaborations, most notably with his writing partner Tom Kelly. Together, they were responsible for five singles that reached the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the 1980s.

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Billy Steinberg dead: Grammy-winning Like A Virgin hitmaker dies after cancer battle - 2

Beyond his most famous contributions, Steinberg co-wrote a vast catalog of songs for a diverse range of artists, including:

Billy Steinberg dead: Grammy-winning Like A Virgin hitmaker dies after cancer battle - 3

  • Madonna: "Like a Virgin"

  • Cyndi Lauper: "True Colors"

  • The Bangles: "Eternal Flame"

  • Whitney Houston: "So Emotional"

  • Demi Lovato: "Give Your Heart a Break"

  • JoJo: "Too Little Too Late"

His ability to capture complex emotions and translate them into accessible lyrics earned him critical acclaim and an induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2011.

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Personal Reflections and Tributes

Family members remembered Steinberg as a "visionary lyricist, devoted husband, loving father, and one of the most influential songwriters of his era." This sentiment was echoed by Cyndi Lauper, who described him as a "great lyricist and a wonderful collaborator," praising his skill in expressing the "range within an emotion." Fans have also shared their appreciation, noting how his "songwriting brilliance gave us timeless hits" that "shaped pop culture and helped define an era."

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Steinberg's personal life included his wife, Trina, and sons Ezra and Max. He also had a connection to viticulture, having worked on his father's vineyards in Palm Springs, where he would reportedly write lyrics while driving.

The Creative Process

Steinberg's approach to songwriting was described as a "stream of consciousness" style. While he often worked with collaborators, he was not a fan of large group songwriting sessions, preferring a more focused creative environment. His process could yield remarkable results, such as the song "True Colors," which was reportedly written in a mere 15 minutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was Billy Steinberg?
Billy Steinberg was a famous songwriter who wrote many popular songs for singers like Madonna and Cyndi Lauper. He died at the age of 75.
Q: What famous songs did he write?
He wrote 'Like a Virgin,' 'True Colors,' 'Eternal Flame,' and many other hit songs.
Q: How did he die?
He died from cancer.
Q: When did he die?
He died recently at age 75.