Grammy-winning music producer William Orbit has died at the age of 69.
On Friday afternoon, a statement was posted on his verified social media pages, which read: “It is with profound sadness that the family and friends of William Orbit announce that William passed away at home on 23 July 2026.
“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. We kindly ask that the privacy of William’s family and close friends is respected during this difficult time.”
No cause of death has been provided.
The British musician – whose legal name was William Wainwright – became an established figure on the electronic music scene in the late 1980s and 90s.
His mainstream breakthrough came when he and Madonna collaborated on her Ray Of Light album, still considered a highlight of her discography almost 30 years on from its original reason.
William co-produced some of Madonna’s biggest hits of the 90s and 2000s, including the UK number ones Frozen and American Pie, as well as Ray Of Light, Nothing Really Matters, Drowned World/Substitute For Love, The Power Of Good-Bye and Beautiful Stranger.
He won three Grammys for his collaborations with the Queen of Pop, in addition to an Album Of The Year nomination for Ray Of Light, and reunited with her in the 2010s on her album MDNA.
Following the success of the Ray Of Light album, he also produced hit singles for All Saints (Pure Shores and Black Coffee), Pink (Feel Good Time) and Blur (Coffee & TV), in addition to collaborations with Robbie Williams and Britney Spears.
In his lifetime, he also helmed 12 of his own solo studio albums, with his 1999 effort Pieces In The Modern Style peaking at number two in the UK.
