American Songwriter

The Heartbreaking Story Behind Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors”—and the Song She Actually Wrote About the Same Situation

Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly might not have had Gregory Natal in mind when they penned the song that would become a 1986 hit for Cyndi Lauper, “True Colors”. Nevertheless, Natal became the person ...
The Cheat Sheet

The Hidden Meaning of Cyndi Lauper’s ‘True Colors’

The bets music is honest. Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors” is one of the best pop ballads ever written. Lauper didn’t write the song, but she said it came from an earnest place in her life. The tune was ...
American Songwriter

The Iridescent Meaning Behind “True Colors” by Cyndi Lauper

Cyndi Lauper is, for the lack of a better word, an unconventional pop star and actress, but that doesn’t mean her music isn’t rich and powerful. “True Colors” is a prime example, but what was her ...
Variety

Billy Steinberg, Songwriter Who Co-Wrote Smashes Including ‘Like a Virgin,’ ‘True Colors,’ ‘Eternal Flame’ and ‘So Emotional,’ Dies at 74

His songs were also recorded by Pat Benatar, Tina Turner, Laura Branigan, Cheap Trick, REO Speedwagon, Melanie C, Susanna Hoffs, Belinda Carlisle, Bette Midler ...
Los Angeles Times

‘Like a Virgin’ songwriter Billy Steinberg dies at 75

This is read by an automated voice. Please report any issues or inconsistencies here. Billy Steinberg, who wrote the lyrics to some of the biggest pop hits of the 1980s — including Madonna’s “Like a ...