The Man Whose Bad Break-Up Gave Madonna Her Breakthrough Hit Like A Virgin
Madonna’s iconic performance of Like a Virgin in a wedding dress at the 1984 MTV Awards marked a pivotal moment in pop culture. This song, co-written by Grammy-winning songwriter Billy Steinberg, became a landmark hit that defined an era. Steinberg, who passed away recently at the age of 75, was described by his family as a visionary lyricist, devoted husband, and loving father.
Billy Steinberg: A Master of Songwriting
– Collaborative Genius: Alongside co-writer Tom Kelly, Steinberg crafted a series of unforgettable tracks during the 1980s and 90s, including:
– Cyndi Lauper’s True Colors
– Whitney Houston’s So Emotional
– The Bangles’ Eternal Flame
– I Drove All Night (performed by Lauper and Roy Orbison)
– The Pretenders’ I’ll Stand By You
– Personal Inspiration: Steinberg’s songwriting was deeply personal. He once reflected that his lyrics often began as deeply personal reflections, transforming into anthems in which millions found themselves. This was particularly true for Like a Virgin, which turned his own heartache into something monumental.
The Song’s Journey to Stardom
– Inspiration from Heartbreak: Steinberg explained, I had been in a difficult relationship. It was difficult to free myself from it. His new joy inspired the lyrics, beginning with the line, I made it through the wilderness, somehow I made it through.
– Transforming a Ballad: After giving the lyrics to Kelly, they initially attempted to create a ballad. However, it wasn’t until they adjusted the style to embrace Motown influences and Kelly’s falsetto that the song truly came to life. They recorded a demo, but the initial response from record companies was tepid.
– Overcoming Doubts: Some people even asked us to change the title; I knew that compared to most mainstream pop lyrics, the title and theme might seem a bit jolting, Steinberg recounted. Despite this resistance, he remained committed to the song’s original concept.
The Launching Pad for a Star
– The Breakthrough Moment: After some hesitation from record executives, Steinberg and Kelly finally presented the song to Michael Ostin at Warner Bros Records, who was immediately captivated and recognized its potential for a rising star—Madonna.
– Initial Resistance: Surprisingly, Madonna herself didn’t initially warm to the demo, calling it really stupid. However, as time passed, the melody became ingrained in her mind. It’s weird because I couldn’t get it out of my head… I thought, ‘This could be really cool,’ she later admitted.
– Massive Success: Produced by Nile Rodgers, Like a Virgin topped the US charts for six weeks in 1984 and went on to sell over two million copies. Critics, however, were divided over its sexual and religious undertones, contributing to the ongoing discourse around the song.
The Legacy of Like a Virgin
– Cultural Impact: Rolling Stone later ranked Like a Virgin fifth among Madonna’s greatest tracks. The song, noted for its combination of sweetness and suggestiveness, solidified her status as a provocative pop icon, especially after her memorable performance at the MTV Awards.
– A Humbling Encounter: Ironically, despite their monumental contribution to her career, Steinberg and Kelly didn’t meet Madonna for years. Their encounter came at a 50th birthday party for her manager, where Steinberg approached her, only to receive a curt response that left him crestfallen.
Billy Steinberg’s Enduring Influence
– A Career of Hits: Following Like a Virgin, Steinberg and Kelly became highly sought-after songwriters, creating hits for various artists, including Tina Turner and Demi Lovato.
– Recognition and Awards: Steinberg was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2011, recognizing his status as one of the most successful songwriters with classics that resonate through time. His family noted, Billy Steinberg’s life was a testament to the enduring power of a well-written song.
Steinberg’s passing in Los Angeles—following a cancer diagnosis—marks the end of an era. His legacy, encapsulated in songs that evoke raw emotion and connection, will continue to inspire future generations. He is survived by his wife Trina, two sons, and two stepchildren, leaving behind a rich musical heritage that forever changed the landscape of pop music.