Billy Steinberg, the prolific American songwriter behind some of the most enduring pop anthems of the 1980s and beyond, passed away on February 16, 2026, at his home in Brentwood, Los Angeles, at the age of 74. His lawyer, Laurie Soriano, confirmed that the cause of death was cancer. Steinberg's remarkable career spanned decades, yielding an impressive catalog of chart-topping hits that defined a generation and continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.

Born William Endfield Steinberg on February 26, 1950, in Fresno, California, he later moved to Palm Springs at age 12, where he grew up working in his father's table grape business. Despite his agricultural background, Steinberg's passion for music led him to pursue a career in songwriting. He attended Bard College in New York, where he studied literature, a foundation that undoubtedly influenced his lyrical prowess.

Steinberg achieved his greatest success through a pivotal songwriting partnership with Tom Kelly, which began in 1981. Together, they crafted five number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100, including Madonna's iconic "Like a Virgin" (1984), Cyndi Lauper's empowering "True Colors" (1986), Heart's powerful ballad "Alone" (1987), Whitney Houston's "So Emotional" (1987), and The Bangles' romantic "Eternal Flame" (1989). Their collaboration produced songs characterized by emotionally direct lyrics and memorable melodies that became pop staples.

Beyond his work with Kelly, Steinberg continued to pen hits with other collaborators. He partnered with Rick Nowels, contributing to Celine Dion's multi-platinum 1996 album "Falling Into You," which earned him a Grammy Award for Album of the Year. Later, with Josh Alexander, he co-wrote successful tracks like JoJo's "Too Little Too Late" and Demi Lovato's "Give Your Heart a Break." His enduring impact on music was recognized with his induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2011, alongside Tom Kelly.

Billy Steinberg's legacy is etched in the fabric of pop music, with his songs being covered by numerous artists and featured in films, solidifying their place as timeless classics. His ability to craft lyrics that captured universal emotions ensured his compositions transcended fleeting trends, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry. He is survived by his wife, Trina, and his sons, Ezra and Max.