William Orbit, producer for Madonna’s Ray Of Light, dies at 69
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London-born musician William Orbit, who has won three Grammys, died at home on July 23.
PHOTO: REUTERS
- William Orbit, Grammy-winning British producer known for Madonna's Ray Of Light, died at 69 on July 23, as announced by his family.
- He helped Madonna transition to electronica and trip-hop, winning multiple Grammys and also worked with artists like Britney Spears, U2 and Blur.
- Orbit had a solo career with 12 electronic albums and was part of groups Bassomatic and Torch Song.
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LONDON – Grammy Award-winning musician and producer William Orbit, who worked with artists including Madonna, Britney Spears and U2, has died at the age of 69, his family and friends said on Aug 7.
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.
“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,” it stated.
Orbit helped Madonna move into electronica and trip-hop with the 1998 hit album, and worked with her on 2000’s Music. He also co-wrote and performed on her 1999 single Beautiful Stranger. The track – which appeared in the film Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999) – earned him another Grammy for Best Song Written for Visual Media.
Orbit was also nominated for Grammys for his work on Pink’s song Feel Good Time (2003), his own 2000 album Pieces In A Modern Style and for Record of the Year for Ray Of Light.
He also produced for Britpop band Blur, girl group All Saints and Spice Girls member Mel C, who paid tribute to Orbit on Instagram, posting that it was “such an honour to have worked with this great man”.
He also worked with Britney Spears and Will.i.am on the 2013 album Britney Jean and produced two songs that featured on U2’s compilation The Best Of 1990–2000.
Orbit had a solo career which produced 12 studio albums, largely electronic music, and was also a member of the groups Bassomatic and Torch Song. AFP
