guyoseary Rest in peace, William Orbit. 💔🕊️
It was completely by chance that our paths crossed in 1997.
I had signed Swedish artist Ebba Forsberg to Maverick Records and reached out to William about remixing one of her songs with a more electronic feel. Instead of responding to the remix idea, William sent me some of his own new music.
A month later, 👑 @madonna was preparing to go into the studio with another producer when, days before they were to begin, plans changed and she needed a new producer ASAP.
I recalled the music @williamorbit sent me and suggested she meet him.
It’s not common for an artist of Madonna’s stature to take a chance on a producer who didn’t already have a long list of major hits , or in Williams case not even one. But that’s one of the many incredible things that has always made Madonna the visionary that she is. She looks for brilliance, not resumes.
I asked William to come to New York. I met him outside Madonna’s apartment before their meeting. He was carrying a small brown paper bag.
I asked what was inside.
He said: “My music.”
We sat down with Madonna, and William began pulling cassette after cassette from that little brown bag, playing songs, rewinding and fast-forwarding through ideas. Nothing was labeled. It was unconventional, a little chaotic, and yet it was clear Madonna + William would make something very special.
They did.
“Ray of Light” was born..
It remains one of the defining albums of Madonna’s career and, in my opinion, one of the great albums of all time. It was a genuine artistic reinvention, critically acclaimed, enormously successful and ultimately recognized at the Grammys with 4 wins, including Best Pop Album.
A few years later @maverick released William’s beautiful “Pieces in a Modern Style”
The video clip is from my 25th birthday during the Ray of Light sessions. William is sitting in the chair, almost hiding in the background.
And to think, it all began with a remix that never happened and some music William decided, for whatever reason, to send my way.
It was meant to be ☀️
Sending my love, thoughts and prayers to William’s family, friends and everyone who loved him. 🙏🏽💔🕊️
gracieabrams
prguitarman
gamechangershow
2087
yousharknotpass
