Billy Steinberg, one of the most esteemed American lyricists and composers, has died at the age of 75 in California. He built his career on creating timeless hits for the biggest pop stars, including Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, and Whitney Houston. As reported by his attorney, the musician passed away after a long and exhausting battle with cancer at his home in Los Angeles.

Death of an outstanding hitmaker

Died on February 16, 2026 in Los Angeles after a battle with cancer, at the age of 75.

Author of global hits

Created five number-one hits on the Billboard chart, including the iconic Like a Virgin by Madonna.

Collaboration with Tom Kelly

Artists such as Whitney Houston, Cyndi Lauper, and The Bangles collaborated with the Steinberg-Kelly duo.

The world of popular music is in mourning following the news of the death of Billy Steinberg, the legendary composer who, alongside his creative partner Tom Kelly, shaped the sound of the 80s and 90s. Their collaboration resulted in as many as five songs that reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100. The most recognizable of these remains “Like a Virgin”, the song that made Madonna a pop culture icon. Steinberg died on Monday, February 16, 2026, just ten days before his 75th birthday, surrounded by family in Brentwood near Los Angeles. The composer was known primarily as a brilliant lyricist, while Kelly was responsible for the musical side. Their joint catalog includes such classics as “True Colors” (Cyndi Lauper), “Eternal Flame” (The Bangles), “So Emotional” (Whitney Houston), and “Alone” (Heart). Steinberg's career truly took off in 1981 when he met Kelly through producer Keith Olsen. Although he rarely performed on stage, his influence on the music industry was cemented by his induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. The 1980s in pop music were characterized by the professionalization of the songwriting craft, where dedicated authorial duos, such as Steinberg and Kelly or Stock Aitken Waterman, created the image and successes of solo performers. Colleagues remember him as a visionary with extraordinary lyrical sensitivity. Cyndi Lauper called him a “pure genius,” emphasizing that his words had immense emotional power. Beyond the biggest stars, Steinberg's songs were also performed by Roy Orbison, Celine Dion, and representatives of the younger generation, such as Demi Lovato. His passing symbolically closes an era in which pop hits were based on meticulously crafted textual and melodic structures that dominated the radio airwaves for decades. „Billy was a visionary lyricist, a devoted husband, and one of the most influential songwriters of his era.” — Laurie Soriano

Mentioned People

  • Billy Steinberg — American lyricist and composer, co-creator of the biggest pop hits of the 80s and 90s.
  • Tom Kelly — Musician and constant collaborator of Steinberg, co-author of many Billboard Hot 100 hits.
  • Laurie Soriano — Billy Steinberg's attorney, who officially confirmed the news of his death.