William Orbit, the British music producer and musician who helped shape Madonna’s acclaimed Ray of Light album, has died aged 69, according to music-news.com.
His family and friends confirmed that Orbit died at home on July 23, with no cause of death disclosed.
Orbit, whose real name was William Mark Wainwright, was born in London on December 15, 1956. He became one of the most influential producers in electronic and pop music, working with artists including Madonna, Pink, U2, Britney Spears, Blur and All Saints.
His most celebrated project was Madonna’s 1998 album Ray of Light. Orbit’s production helped give the record its distinctive electronic sound, while songs including “Ray of Light”, “Frozen” and “The Power of Goodbye” became major international hits. The album won several Grammy Awards, including Best Pop Album.
Orbit also worked with Blur on their 1999 album 13, which featured “Tender” and “Coffee & TV”. His collaborations with All Saints produced the successful singles “Pure Shores” and “Black Coffee”.
He contributed to film soundtracks including Youngblood, Heat and Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, and released albums as a solo artist. His final album, The Painter, was issued in 2022 and featured Beth Orton, Katie Melua and Georgia.
Artists and producers paid tribute after news of his death was announced. Melanie C, who worked with Orbit on her debut album Northern Star, called him “a great man,” while producer Ferry Corsten described him as “one of music’s true visionaries”.
In March, Orbit dismissed speculation that he would produce a follow-up to Ray of Light. He said he had completed an album he regarded as its successor, but that Madonna had not responded to his approach.
The family and Orbit’s close friends have asked for privacy.
Orbit’s work on Ray of Light helped establish electronic music as a major force in mainstream pop during the late 1990s, influencing the sound of subsequent albums and collaborations.
•Featured image: William Orbit/Getty Images