Grammy-winning producer William Orbit passes away at 69

William Orbit, a Grammy-winning musician and producer famed for shaping Madonna’s “Ray of Light,” died at his home on 23 July 2026, aged 69, according to a family statement posted on Instagram. The announcement asked for respect for the family’s privacy during this period of mourning. Orbit’s résumé included work with artists such as All Saints, Blur, Beth Orton, Pink and U2, as well as remix successes like Ferry Corsten’s version of “Barber’s Adagio for Strings.”

He earned three Grammys for his contributions to “Ray of Light,” covering best pop album, best dance recording, and best song written for visual media. Earlier in his career he co-founded the band Torch Song, launched Guerilla Studios, and started Guerilla Records, supporting acts from the Cocteau Twins to Sting. His solo output continued into the 2020s, with albums “The Painter” (2022) and “WFO” (2024) released shortly before his death.