Music producer William Orbit, famous for work with Madonna, dies at 69

British music producer William Orbit, best known for his work with artists including Madonna, Blur and All Saints, has died aged 69.

The Grammy winner died at home on 23 July, his family and friends announced in a statement on his Instagram page

"We are deeply saddened by his passing," the statement said. "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."

Orbit produced Madonna's 1998 album Ray Of Light, a move into electronica and trip-hop for the US singer, which included hits such as Frozen and The Power Of Goodbye, as well as the titular track. He also worked with the star on her 1999 single Beautiful Stranger, from the second Austin Powers film, and her next album, Music, in 2000.

For Blur, he produced the 1999 album 13, which saw the band take a darker lyrical turn and produced hit singles such as Tender and Coffee & TV.

Orbit also took his ethereal sound to All Saints, to chart-toppers Pure Shores and Black Coffee in 2000, and worked on Spice Girl Mel C's 1999 debut solo album, Northern Star.

Of his solo output, he was best known for his electronic version of Samuel Barber's Adagio for Strings, and the trance remix released in 1999.

'A true visionary'

Ferry Corsten, the DJ behind the trance version, was among those paying tribute on Instagram, writing: "William was a true visionary.

"I had the privilege of working with him on Barber's Adagio For Strings in 1999 - a moment that changed my career and opened many doors in electronic music. I'll always be grateful for his trust and inspiration. Rest in peace, William. Your music will live on forever."

All Saints songwriter Shaznay Lewis shared a broken heart emoji, while Mel C wrote: "Such an honour to have worked with this great man. Sending all my love."

Orbit produced 12 solo studio albums in total, largely of electronic music, and was also a member of the groups Bassomatic and Torch Song.

Singer Sonique, best known for her 2000 chart-topper It Feels So Good, collaborated with Bassomatic in the 1990s. "He was one of the first people I ever worked with," she wrote. "I am so sad to hear this. Sending all my love to his family. RIP my friend."

Singer Katy B also paid tribute, saying: "I remember going to William's studio many years ago, I was so nervous but he was so warm and unassuming and genuinely curious about me and my music I still remember how welcome I felt . What an amazing legacy and major loss."

DJ and producer Darren Emerson, formerly of Underworld, said he was "absolutely gutted" to hear of Orbit's death, and recalled a story of Orbit asking him whether he should perform Frozen with Madonna on the National Lottery programme, or if it was "uncool".

"I just laughed and told him that maybe it was better he did and that I very much doubted it would be a bad thing to do... especially as the music he made with Madonna was amazing," Emerson said. "It was a pleasure to work with one of the best producers I've known. You'll be sadly missed mate, and your music will always shine bright."

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Orbit also worked with Britney Spears and Will.i.am on the 2013 album Britney Jean, and produced a 2014 version of the Freddie Mercury solo track There Must Be More to Life Than This, which featured Michael Jackson using archive vocals, and Queen.

His awards included two Grammys for Ray Of Light - best pop album and best dance recording - and one for best song written for visual media for Beautiful Stranger.

He was also nominated for Grammys for his work on Pink's song Feel Good Time, as well as his own 2000 album Pieces In A Modern Style, and for record of the year for Ray Of Light.

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