Today we remember William Orbit, whose family recently announced that he passed away on July 23, 2026, at the age of 69.

Although most fans associate Orbit with Ray of Light, his history with Madonna actually began years earlier. He first worked with her on remixes for Justify My Love in 1990 and Erotica in 1992. Those collaborations introduced Madonna to his signature electronic sound and eventually led to one of the most celebrated creative partnerships of her career.

In 1998, Orbit co-produced the Grammy Award-winning Ray of Light, helping shape the sound of songs including Frozen, Ray of Light, The Power of Good-Bye, Nothing Really Matters, and Drowned World / Substitute for Love. The album marked a bold new chapter for Madonna and remains one of the defining records of her career.

The pair reunited on Music, Beautiful Stranger, and later MDNA, where Orbit also co-produced the Golden Globe-winning Masterpiece.

Beyond Madonna, William Orbit worked with an incredible range of artists throughout his career, but for many fans, his name will always be synonymous with the sound of Ray of Light.

Thank you, William, for the music, the innovation, and for helping create one of Madonna’s most unforgettable eras. Rest in peace.