Cyndi Lauper leads tributes to ‘pure genius’ songwriter Billy Steinberg

February 17, 2026 – Radio 854 Music News:

🎵 Cyndi Lauper leads tributes to “pure genius” songwriter Billy Steinberg

Tributes have been pouring in from across the music world after legendary songwriter Billy Steinberg was hailed as a “pure genius” by longtime collaborator Cyndi Lauper.

Steinberg — best known for co-writing some of the biggest pop hits of the 1980s and beyond — has been celebrated by artists and fans alike for his lasting influence on modern pop songwriting. Lauper, who recorded several of his songs, shared heartfelt praise, reflecting on his ability to capture deep emotion in simple, unforgettable lyrics.

“Billy has a way of writing that goes straight to the heart,” Lauper said in a tribute message. “His songs aren’t just hits — they’re stories people live with for decades.”

A songwriter behind timeless classics

Working frequently with writing partner Tom Kelly, Steinberg penned a string of iconic tracks, including “True Colors,” famously recorded by Lauper, as well as chart-toppers like “Like a Virgin” for Madonna and “Eternal Flame” for The Bangles. His work helped define the sound of an era and continues to resonate with new generations of listeners.

Industry figures have praised Steinberg’s gift for blending vulnerability with pop sensibility — a combination that turned many of his songs into enduring anthems.

Lasting legacy

Music historians often point to Steinberg’s catalog as a blueprint for emotionally driven pop songwriting. His lyrics, whether exploring love, identity, or heartbreak, remain staples on radio playlists and streaming platforms worldwide.

As tributes continue, Lauper summed up the sentiment shared by many: “We’re lucky to have his songs — they remind us who we are.”

For fans tuning in to Radio 854, Steinberg’s music remains a reminder of pop’s golden moments — and of the songwriter whose words helped shape them.