William Orbit, Producer for Madonna, Blur, and Britney Spears, Dies at 69
The Grammy-winning producer helped shape Madonna’s 1998 album "Ray of Light," which sold more than 16 million copies worldwide, according to reports.
- Grammy-Winning producer William Orbit, born William Mark Wainwright, died at home on July 23, 2026, at age 69. His family announced the passing in a statement posted to his Instagram account on Friday, August 7.
- Orbit rose to prominence producing Madonna's 1998 album 'Ray of Light,' which reinvented the singer through spiritual dance music. The partnership yielded hit singles including 'Frozen,' selling more than 16 million copies worldwide.
- Beyond his work with Madonna, Orbit produced records for Blur, All Saints, Britney Spears, Pink, and Beth Orton. He found solo success with his 'Strange Cargo' albums and his 2003 collaboration with Pink, 'Feel Good Time.'
- Musicians expressed grief over the loss of the 'unassuming' producer. Katy B said, 'I remember going to William's studio many years ago,' while Melanie C noted it was 'such an honour to have worked with this great man.'
- Orbit remained active as a solo musician throughout his career, most recently releasing the albums 'The Painter' in 2022 and 'WFO' in 2024. His influence spans decades through an extensive discography of solo and collaborative work.
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William Orbit, award-winning producer to Madonna, Britney, Blur, dies aged 69
The London-born musician, who won two of his three Grammys for production work on Madonna's 1998 album 'Ray Of Light', died at home on July 23, according to their statement posted on his Instagram page.
Star producer William Orbit passed away at the end of July 2026. Now William Orbit is being paid tribute by world star Madonna, who warmly highlights their extraordinary collaboration.
Madonna reinvented herself in 1998 with the album »Ray of Light«. Without William Orbit this would probably not have been possible - the producer pressed magical buttons on her, the artist now writes in an obituary.
Singer remembers moments with the dead musician this Friday
Madonna's Tribute to Late Producer William Orbit Comes 5 Months After He Said She Ignored His Plan for "Ray of Light" Sequel: "I'm writing a book"
Madonna has finally posted a tribute to late producer and collaborator William Orbit. She mentions his “crooked teeth.” See below. Madonna fails to note Orbit’s scathing post from March 17th of this year, when he said she ignored his plan to make a sequel to their “Ray of Light” album. She wouldn’t even speak to […] The post Madonna’s Tribute to Late Producer William Orbit Comes 5 Months After He Said She Ignored His Plan for “Ray of Light” Sequ…
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