William Orbit Dies at 69 as Family Pays Tribute
The Grammy-winning William Orbit passed away at his home on 23 July, his family and friends announced in a statement written in the caption of Billie Eilish’s Instagram post.
“We’re totally heartbroken and devastated by this news; we lost one amazing and brilliant artist. We’re not going to be able to forget William because many people will miss his music and his kindness and his friendship that he showed us.” “At this really sad moment, we would appreciate it if the media, fans, and the public would allow some time for the family and the close friends to grieve privately.”
William Orbit’s Greatest Music Collaborations Revealed
William Orbit contributed to the making of one of Madonna’s best-selling albums “Ray of Light” from her 1998 discography. This album marks a change in her music style as well from pop to an electronic and trip-hop-influenced sound. This album also gave her some of her most loved tracks, including Frozen and The Power of Goodbye, besides her song Ray of Light. Together with her, he did Beautiful Stranger (the single off the second Austin Powers movie) and Music (her next album, released in 2000).
For Blur, he is considered the brain behind their 1999 album 13, a dark lyrical change in direction from the band. Some of the singles that broke through were Tender and Coffee & TV. Orbit brought his unique atmospheric sound to All Saints, helping them in Pure Shores and Black Coffee, both hit singles released in 2000, besides working on Spice Girl Mel C’s 1999 debut solo album entitled Northern Star.
Out of his personal music works, he was recognized for his electronic rendering of Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings and the trance remix that came out in 1999.
William Hailed as ‘A True Visionary’
On Instagram, DJ Ferry Corsten, who created the trance track, also gave his heartfelt tributes, saying, “William was a true visionary. ” It was a privilege for me to have worked with him on giving a new twist to the Barber’s Adagio for Strings. In 1999, it marked a new chapter in my career and gave me access to many doors in electronic music. For years and years, I’ve been thinking about the great trust he reposed in me and the inspiration that he gave me. William, please rest in peace. Your music will always be remembered in the hearts of many.”
“All Saints’ songstress Shaznay Lewis shared a broken heart. Mel C commented on her being lucky to have worked with this great man. Sending all my love.”
William Orbit’s Music Legacy Honored by Fellow Artists
Besides his 12 solo albums, mostly composed in electronic music, Orbit also played an important role in the bands Bassomatic and Torch Song.
Another artist, Sonique, whose fame came from 2000 when ‘It Feels So Good’ became her biggest hit, had already collaborated with Bassomatic in the 90s. She recaptured in a few lines the essence of that collaboration for us: “He was one of the first guys I ever worked with. It really upsets me to hear of it.” Sending all my love to his family. RIP, my friend.”
A further compliment was given by singer Katy B, who remarked, “I remember visiting William’s studio long ago. I was very nervous, whereas he was quite friendly and humble and showed real interest in my thoughts and music. I still recall feeling very comfortable.”
What great talent and such a significant loss of him. What an incredible legacy he leaves behind and such a deep loss for others.
Darren Emerson Pays Tribute to Orbit
Musical DJ and producer Darren Emerson, the ex-member of the famous music group Underworld, revealed, the other day during a radio program, his very unhappy reaction when he came to know of the fact that Orbital had passed away. In addition, he reflected on a time when William Orbit posed a question to him as to whether his rendition of Madonna’s song Frozen, if performed on the National Lottery show by a guest, would be considered a cool move or it would be cool not to do it.
“I was like, ‘Haha, well, he probably should do it. And anyway, I can almost guarantee that it won’t be a bad choice, especially since that piece of music, the ones he made together with Madonna, is just awesome,” says Emerson. “That was a delightful job collaborating with a legendary artist of this caliber. I will miss you very much; you will be sorely missed, mate, and your songs will shine through to eternity!”
William Orbit’s Grammy-Winning Career
Orbit was part of a team that Britney Spears & William were also a part of in a 2013 recording named After the Rain Came the Sun, or Britney Jean, which also went on for one last remix in 2014. In the version of the solo Freddie Mercury record There Must Be More to Life Than This, Michael Jackson, with an archival vocal track, appears, and there is also the band Queen. Orbit has won two Grammy Awards for the album Ray Of Light: best pop album and best dance recording, and a third Grammy Award for the song Beautiful Stranger, which was a composition for a movie or television. Besides these, he was also nominated for a Grammy for the Pink single Feel Good Time as well as for his Pieces In A Modern Style album released in 2000 and, furthermore, for the Record of the Year category for Ray Of Light.
