Legendary Pop Songwriter Billy Steinberg Passes Away at 74

The music world mourns the loss of legendary pop songwriter Billy Steinberg, who has passed away at the age of 74. His remarkable talent contributed to numerous iconic hits across multiple decades, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Steinberg died recently after a courageous battle with cancer, as reported by Billboard.

Early Life and Career

Billy Steinberg was born William Endfield Steinberg in Fresno, California. He spent his formative years in Fresno and Palm Springs. After attending Bard College, he fronted a band called Billy Thermal. Although the band did not achieve commercial success, one of their songs, “How Do I Make You,” was covered by Linda Ronstadt, reaching the top ten in 1980.

Songwriting Partnership

Steinberg quickly emerged as a prominent songwriter after forming a partnership with Tom Kelly. Their collaboration produced countless hits, with Steinberg focusing on lyrics while Kelly crafted the music. The duo also recorded together as i-10 but made a more significant impact writing for established artists.

Major Hits

• Madonna’s “Like A Virgin” – First #1 hit in 1984
• Heart’s cover of “Alone” – Reached #1 in 1987
• Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors” – Chart-topping success
• Whitney Houston’s “So Emotional” – Another hit from the duo
• Bangles’ “Eternal Flame” – Co-written with Susanna Hoffs

This list only scratches the surface of their achievements. Other notable songs include:

• Pat Benatar’s “Sex As A Weapon”
• The Bangles’ “In Your Room”
• Cyndi Lauper’s “I Drove All Night”
• Divinyls’ “I Touch Myself”
• The Pretenders’ “I’ll Stand By You”

Later Career

While Tom Kelly stepped back from songwriting in the 1990s, Steinberg continued to thrive. He collaborated with Rick Nowels, co-writing Celine Dion’s 1996 hit “Falling Into You.” In the 2000s, Steinberg teamed up with producer Josh Alexander on popular tracks, including JoJo’s “Too Little Too Late” and T.A.T.u.’s “All About Us.”

Legacy

Steinberg’s songwriting legacy spans several eras, showcasing his extraordinary capability to create powerful pop anthems. In 2011, he and Kelly were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, solidifying their contributions to music history.

As fans and fellow artists reflect on his prolific career, Billy Steinberg’s influence will continue to resonate in the world of pop music for years to come.