In brief
Pop superstar Madonna mourns the passing of long‑time collaborator William Orbit, who died at 69 in July. In an Instagram post, she called Orbit a “magic button” that opened a galaxy of unrealised dreams and credited him for pushing her into new artistic territories. Orbit’s work on the 1998 album Ray of Light earned three Grammys and remains a cornerstone of Madonna’s legacy. Despite newer collaborators, Madonna says the magical time with Orbit will never be forgotten.
Madonna pays tribute to William Orbit
Pop legend Madonna opened Instagram on Saturday to remember her long‑time collaborator, the late William Orbit, who passed away this July at the age of 69.
Orbit, a British producer whose work spans pop, electronic and indie music, helped shape the 1998 album Ray of Light, a record that earned three Grammys and is still seen as a pivotal moment in Madonna’s career.
In a moving post, the singer praised Orbit as a “magic button” that “pressed a galaxy of unrealised dreams” and credited him for inspiring her to create songs that transcended conventional lyricism.
Orbit’s legacy will live on through the timeless tracks they produced together, while Madonna reflected on their friendship and the “otherworldly” influence he had on her music.
