Grammy-winning songwriter Billy Steinberg, known for co-writing Madonna’s iconic hit “Like a Virgin,” has died at the age of 75, according to reports.
Steinberg passed away in Los Angeles following a cancer diagnosis, his lawyer confirmed to the BBC. The prolific songwriter’s work spanned decades and included hits for a diverse range of artists, cementing his place as a key figure in pop music history.
His family described him as a “visionary lyricist, devoted husband, loving father, and one of the most influential songwriters of his era.” They reflected on his ability to transform personal experiences into universal anthems, stating, “his lyrics often began as deeply personal reflections, transformed into anthems in which millions found themselves.”
Beyond Madonna, Steinberg’s songwriting credits include songs performed by Whitney Houston, Roy Orbison, Celine Dion, Demi Lovato, and The Bangles. His family noted that while he received numerous industry accolades, including a Grammy Award for Celine Dion’s 1996 album Falling Into You, “what mattered most was not recognition, but connection – the magic of hearing a crowd sing back something that once lived only in his notebook.”
Born William Steinberg, he began his collaborative songwriting journey with vocalist and songwriter Tom Kelly in the early 1980s. The duo formed a short-lived rock band called i-Ten before achieving their breakthrough with “Like a Virgin” in 1984, which topped the US Billboard Hot 100 and became the title track for Madonna’s second album.
Steinberg and Kelly continued their successful partnership, co-writing other chart-topping songs such as Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors” (1986), Whitney Houston’s “So Emotional” (1987), and “I Touch Myself” by the Divinyls (1990). The news of Steinberg’s passing comes as the music world reflects on the legacy of influential songwriters and their contributions to the soundtrack of generations.
France 24 first reported the news on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
The BBC also confirmed the details of his death.
