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Celebrated British musician and prolific record producer William Orbit has died aged 69.
On a statement posted to social media today, William Orbit (born William Wainwright) was announced to have died at home on 23 July.
“We are deeply saddened by his passing,” the statement reads. “He will be greatly missed by us and by so many whose lives he touched through his music, friendship and kindness.”
No cause of death was given.
Orbit worked with a number of musicians including Madonna, Blur, U2, Britney Spears, All Saints, Beth Orton, Robbie Williams and more – with his most acclaimed work being Madonna’s ‘Ray Of Light’ and Blur’s ’13’.
Born in London on 15 December 1956, Orbit helped reshape the pop scene in the 90s and the early 2000s. His first major hit was working with Bassomatic, with the band scoring a Top 10 hit with ‘Fascinating Rhythm’.
The success of that song led him to work with Madonna, whose 1998 album ‘Ray Of Light’ is considered by many as one of her greatest LPs. It won three Grammys in 1999 and Orbit went on to work with Madonna on the albums ‘Music’ and ‘MDNA’.
Orbit would also transform Blur’s Britpop sound on their 1999 album ’13’ by bringing his electronic sound to the mix. ’13’ is considered by many fans as Blur’s greatest album.
Throughout his career, Orbit also released 12 successful solo albums, most recently ‘The Painter’ in 2022. His last credited work was with the band All Saints on their 2018 album ‘Testament’ – Orbit had previously worked with the band for their UK Number One hit ‘Pure Shores’.
RIP William Orbit 1956 – 2026