William Orbit, the Grammy-winning musician and producer behind Madonna‘s revered Ray of Light album and many other notable recordings, died in late July at the age of 69, according to his social media accounts.
“It is with profound sadness that the family and friends of William Orbit announce that William passed away at home on 23rd July 2026,” the statement read. “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 was known for his groundbreaking work in pop that incorporated elements of electronica and classical music. As a collaborator of artists like Madonna, Pink, and Blur, he left a stamp on the mainstream of the late ’90s and early 2000s.
In the wake of Orbit’s passing, here is a brief sample of some of his greatest achievements.
“Ray of Light” — Madonna
After attracting the attention of the Queen of Pop with remixes he had done of her previous work, Orbit produced Madonna’s seventh studio album, which marked a major return to the mainstream for the singer and earned several Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year and Record of the Year for the title track. Orbit ultimately collected two awards that night, for Best Pop Vocal Album and Best Dance Recording.
“Beautiful Stranger” — Madonna
The duo reunited the following year and won another Grammy, this time in Best Song Written for Visual Media, for their contribution to the Austin Power: The Spy Who Shagged Me soundtrack.
Pieces in a Modern Style
Orbit’s sixth solo album make a crossover moment on the U.K. charts. Originally released in 1995, Pieces in a Modern Style applied the producer’s signature electronic style to the works of masters like Beethoven, Vivaldi, and Händel. “Adagio for Strings,” a new spin on the piece by Samuel Barber, climbed the singles charts in 1999, eventually reaching No. 4.
“Feel Good Time” — Pink
Orbit’s return to the Grammys came with another song made for a film. “Feel Good Time” by Pink appeared on the Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle soundtrack and earned Orbit a nomination for Pop Collaboration With Vocals.
“Coffee & TV” — Blur
Aside from Madonna, Orbit’s other primary pop collaborators were likely the Britpop band Blur. The producer began working with them on their sixth studio album, 13 — resulting in hits like “Coffee & TV” and “Tender” — and also contributed a track to their follow-up, Think Tank.
“Masterpiece” — Madonna
Madonna and Orbit would reteam once again after 2008’s Music, on 2012’s MDNA. The album featured “Masterpiece,” a track on the W.E. soundtrack that won the Golden Globe for Best Original Song, but was ruled ineligible for the same award at the Oscars for playing too late in the film’s end credits.
