William Orbit: Madonna and Blur producer dies aged 69

Acclaimed British music producer William Orbit, known for his work with acts including Madonna, Blur, All Saints and U2, has died at the age of 69.

A statement released on Friday by Orbit's family and friends "with profound sadness" said he died at home on 23 July. No cause of death was given.

"He will be greatly missed by us and by so many whose lives he touched through his music, friendship and kindness," the statement said.

North London-born Orbit, who real name was William Wainwright, helped to reinvigorate Madonna's career in 1998 with the album Ray of Light, which blended electronic dance music and ambient techno with pop and trip-hop.

It went on to win three Grammy Awards and remains, for many people, the Queen of Pop's greatest record.

The pair combined again to great effect the following year on Madonna's number two UK chart hit Beautiful Stranger, which he co-wrote and played on.

The track, which earned them another Grammy, also featured on the soundtrack to the second Austin Powers movie, The Spy Who Shagged Me.

In 2000, Orbit worked on Madonna's album Music, as well as releasing his own Grammy-nominated solo LP, Pieces In A Modern Style - a critically acclaimed electronic-classical crossover record.

With Blur, Orbit produced the 1999 album 13, which saw the Britpop band take a darker lyrical turn, providing hit singles such as Tender, Coffee & TV and No Distance Left To Run.

He later worked on their track Sweet Song from 2003's Think Thank.

His collaboration with another pop star Pink titled Feel Good Time brought more success, reaching number three in the UK.

His other credits included All Saints' chart-topping album Saints & Sinners and U2's 2002 single Electrical Storm, which was featured on a compilation album by the Irish band.