Electronic producer William Orbit has died at the age of 69, prompting tributes from artists and collaborators including All Saints, Melanie C, Fatboy Slim, Blur associates and leading DJs. His death matters because Orbit helped shape several influential pop and electronic records, with admirers praising his inventive, unconventional approach to production.

Orbit, born William Wainwright, reportedly died at home on 23 July; no cause of death was given. He was best known for work including Madonna’s ‘Ray Of Light’, Blur’s ‘13’ and All Saints’ 2000 hit ‘Pure Shores’, as well as collaborations with artists such as U2, Britney Spears and Ricky Martin. Fellow producers and DJs described him as a trailblazer, a gentleman and a creative force whose sounds were ahead of their time.