William Orbit, the Grammy-winning producer best known for his work on Madonna’s landmark album Ray of Light, has died at the age of 69.
Orbit died on 23 July, according to a statement shared on his official social media accounts. No cause of death has been announced.
The influential producer worked with some of the biggest names in music during a career spanning more than four decades, including Blur, U2, Britney Spears, Robbie Williams, Queen and All Saints.
Family confirms William Orbit’s death
A statement published on Orbit’s social media channels confirmed the news.
“We are deeply saddened by his passing.
“He will be greatly missed by us and by so many whose lives he touched through his music, friendship and kindness.”
Orbit earned widespread acclaim for producing Madonna’s Ray of Light (1998), an album that won multiple Grammy Awards and is regarded as one of the defining pop records of its era. He also collaborated with Madonna on Music (2000) and later contributed to MDNA (2012).
Tributes paid by fellow musicians
Musicians and producers have paid tribute to Orbit following news of his death.
Former Spice Girl Melanie C, who worked with Orbit on her debut solo album Northern Star, wrote:
“Such an honour to have worked with this great man. Sending all my love xxx.”
Producer Erol Alkan also shared his condolences.
“Incredible producer. Made so many records I love. My sincerest condolences. RIP.”
Orbit believed he had created a follow-up to Ray Of Light
Just months before his death, Orbit revealed he had completed what he considered a spiritual successor to Ray of Light but said it was unlikely Madonna would ever hear it.
Writing on Facebook in March, he addressed years of fan speculation about another collaboration with the singer.
“Right. Let’s put this Madonna ROL 2.0 thing to rest here and now folks. Can get exhausting.
Is NOT going to happen.
Look, why don’t I just lay it out, cos I get asked constantly.
I have an album ready that, in my opinion, is indeed the successor to Ray Of Light. Everything about how it was made and how it sounds yells that from the first few bars.”
Orbit said he had reached out to Madonna but never received a reply.
“A week later. I speak with many close to her, including fam, but have not had a single syllable back in over two decades. There I said it.”
Despite that, he insisted there was no ill feeling between them.
“Zero zero absolute zero hard feelings. Are you kidding, I will always love that woman. For real. She made my career. But am I crying? Look at me. Crying with mirth and glee these days.”
Producer was planning a memoir
Orbit also revealed he had been writing a memoir, promising readers stories from across his career, alongside artwork and humour.
Reflecting on his outlook, he joked:
“I have transitioned now to a man for whom Fs are no longer on offer, zero f***s for the music biz.”
He ended his message by joking that another artist might eventually record the music he had originally imagined for Madonna.
“So, for the history books, she doesn’t love me any more, waaaaaaaaah.
Awww.
No icon for Billy.
Never mind, there’ll be another one along.
For my ROL 2.
And this time Billy goes full gonzo. (sic)”
It is not known how much of the book had been completed before his death.
A career that shaped modern pop music
Beyond his work with Madonna, Orbit produced and remixed music for artists including Blur, U2, Britney Spears, Robbie Williams, Queen and All Saints.
His final credited production work was on All Saints’ 2018 album Testament.
Orbit’s innovative production style helped define electronic and pop music across the 1990s and 2000s, leaving a lasting influence on artists and producers around the world.
