Following the passing of Billy Steinberg, Cyndi Lauper has led tributes to acclaimed songwriter who died at the age of 75.
Following a protracted battle with cancer, a representative for Steinberg’s family confirmed Billy’s passing at his home in Brentwood, California, and news of his death has prompted an outpouring of affection for the writer responsible for some of the most defining pop songs over the last forty years.
Alongside a throwback photo of the pair, Lauper, who shared a close creative bond with Steinberg, posted a heartfelt message for the man who co-wrote her 1986 classic, ‘True Colors,’ with longtime collaborator Tom Kelly, a song that became one of the most enduring tracks of her career. The trio’s partnership also produced ‘I Drove All Night,’ which Lauper released in 1989 prior to the versions recorded by Roy Orbison and Celine Dion.
Taking to Instagram Cyndi said “I’m so sorry to hear that my friend Billy Steinberg has passed away.” “He was such a nice guy and very supportive. My thoughts are with his family, loved ones, and Tom during this sad time.”
In an interview with Billboard, Lauper remembered Steinberg as “pure genius,” recalling the creative back-and-forth that shaped ‘True Colors’ into the version she ultimately released.
In addition to his work with Cyndi Lauper, Steinberg helped craft major pop hits of the ’80s and ’90s with Kelly, including ‘Like a Virgin’ by Madonna The Bangles’ ‘Eternal Flame,’ Whitney Houston’s ‘So Emotional,’ The Divinyls’ ‘I Touch Myself,’ and The Pretenders’ ‘I’ll Stand by You.’
Cementing their legacy as one of pop’s most influential writing duos, Steinberg and Kelly were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2011.
After Kelly stepped back from songwriting in the ’90s, Billy teamed up with newer writers, including Josh Alexander and Ruth-Anne Cunningham, co-penning mid-2000s chart staples ‘Too Little Too Late’ for JoJo and ‘Over It’ for Katharine McPhee.
Billy Steinberg is survived by his wife, Trina, his sons Ezra and Max, and his stepchildren, Raul and Carolina.
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Author: Saul Goode
Photo: RealTVfilms