At the time she began working with Orbit, Madonna said she was beginning a new chapter, and Orbit stayed by her side with his “genius way of hearing music”.

“The studio was often church-like and I would sit in silence, waiting for your ideas to explode out of your keyboard or your guitar and then I would run with them,” she wrote. “I miss those days.”

In addition to Ray of Light, Orbit also worked with Madonna on her 2000 album Music and produced several tracks for her 2012 album work MDNA.

The London-born producer was also renowned and sought-after for his production work, collaborating with artists from across the music world including Blur, Pink, U2, All Saints, Robbie Williams and Britney Spears.

“You were so otherworldly. So singular,” Madonna wrote in her tribute.

The pop star said even though she worked with other producers over the years, she never forgot Orbit and “the magical time we spent together”.

“I was so lucky to have known you and fallen down the rabbit hole with you.”