William Orbit, 'Ray of Light' producer and electronic music pioneer, dead at 69
The British producer who shaped Madonna's landmark 1998 album and worked with Blur, U2, and Britney Spears died on July 23.
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William Orbit, the Grammy-winning British music producer whose work defined electronic pop in the 1990s and early 2000s, died on July 23 at age 69. His family announced his death Friday without disclosing the cause.
"It is with immense sadness that the family and friends of William Orbit announce his death on July 23, 2026, at his home," his family said in a statement posted on his Instagram account. "He will be deeply missed by us and by all those whose lives he touched through his music, his friendship and his kindness."
Born in London on December 15, 1956, Orbit helped redraw the landscape of pop music across two decades. He is most remembered for producing Madonna's seventh studio album "Ray of Light" in 1998—a landmark fusion of pop and electronic music that won two Grammy Awards for Best Pop Album and Best Dance Recording. He reunited with Madonna on her 2000 album "Music" and co-wrote her single "Beautiful Stranger," earning a third Grammy.
His production credits span generations of artists. He produced Blur's 1997 album 13, collaborated with U2, and worked with Britney Spears. In 1999, he produced Mel C's debut solo album "Northern Vedette". As recently as 2018, he produced "After All," a track from the British girl group All Saints' fifth album, "Testament".
Orbit maintained a prolific solo career alongside his production work. His most recent album, "The Painter", was released in 2022.
Mel C, the former Spice Girl who worked with him, posted a tribute on Instagram: "What an honor to have worked with this great man. I send him all my love."
By the numbers
When did William Orbit die?
William Orbit died on July 23, 2026, at age 69 at his home.
What was William Orbit's most famous production work?
William Orbit produced Madonna's seventh studio album 'Ray of Light' in 1998, a landmark fusion of pop and electronic music that won Grammy Awards for Best Pop Album and Best Dance Recording.
What other major artists did William Orbit work with?
William Orbit produced Blur's 1997 album 13, collaborated with U2, worked with Britney Spears, produced Mel C's 1999 debut solo album 'Northern Vedette', and produced 'After All' from All Saints' 2018 album 'Testament'.
