William Orbit, producer behind Madonna’s Ray of Light, dies aged 69
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William Orbit, the Grammy-winning British producer best known for shaping Madonna’s 1998 album Ray of Light, has died aged 69. His family said he died at home on 23 July and requested privacy; no cause of death was disclosed. His production helped bring electronic, trip-hop and techno influences into mainstream pop.
Born William Mark Wainwright in London’s East End in 1956, Orbit was also a musician, with UK chart success for his 1999 dance version of Barber’s Adagio for Strings. Ray of Light was one of Madonna’s most successful albums, achieving multiplatinum sales and three Grammy wins; Orbit also produced Blur’s 13 and worked with U2, Britney Spears, Pink, No Doubt and Robbie Williams.
- William Orbit has died aged 69.
- He produced Madonna’s acclaimed Ray of Light.
- No cause of death was disclosed.
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William Orbit was a British musician and record producer whose work helped bring electronic dance music sounds into mainstream pop. A producer helps shape how a song or album sounds, working with performers on arrangements, recording and production choices.
He became widely known for producing Madonna’s 1998 album Ray of Light, which mixed pop songs with electronic and trip-hop influences. The album was a major commercial and critical success, and its sound influenced later pop music.
Orbit also recorded music in his own name, including a dance version of Barber’s Adagio for Strings that became a UK hit. During his career he worked with a range of major artists, including Blur, U2, Britney Spears and Robbie Williams.
More coverage
- Billboard — William Orbit, Producer for Madonna & More, Dead at 69
- Stereogum — William Orbit Dead At 69
- Consequence — William Orbit, Madonna and Blur Producer, Dead at 69
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Originally published by Deadline as “William Orbit Dies: Grammy-Winning Producer Of Madonna’s ‘Ray Of Light’ Was 69”.