STORY BEHIND THE SONG
Is it true that Madonna’s Ray Of Light is based on an obscure old folk song? – S.
When producer William Orbit let Madonna hear a demo of a promising new track featuring singer Christine Leach, neither realised it was actually a reworking of Sepheryn, recorded 27 years previously by Curtiss Maldoon. The first Dave Curtiss knew of the link was when he heard Madonna’s hit on the radio. He and Maldoon’s estate both earned a 15% royalties cut.