Rod Temperton, the English songwriter that penned Michael Jackson hits like "Thriller" and "Rock With You," has died following a battle with cancer. He was 66 years old.
The news of the musician's passing last week was delivered today (October 5) in a message from Jon Platt, chairman & CEO of Warner/Chappell, the songwriter's publishers. Platt confirmed that Temperton had died in London, and that a private funeral was held.
"His family is devastated and request total privacy at this, the saddest of sad times," he said.
Temperton was born in Cleethorpes, North East Lincolnshire, and began his music career in the 1970s, joining Heatwave after answering a wanted ad in an issue of Melody Maker. The keyboardist would write hits including "Boogie Nights," "Always & Forever" and "Groove Line" before leaving the project in 1978.
Around that time, he was recruited by Quincy Jones to work on Michael Jackson's Off the Wall. Temperton provided the boogie-heavy title track, as well as "Rock With You" and "Burn This Disco Out."
He'd partner with Jackson and Jones again on 1983's Thriller, providing the collection with the ultra creepy fan-favourite title track, as well as "Baby Be Mine" and "The Lady in My Life."
Throughout his career, Temperton also connected with the likes of Aretha Franklin, Donna Summer, Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock, Rufus & Chaka Khan, and the Carpenters. Additionally, Temperton received two Academy Award nominations in 1986 for his work on The Color Purple: Best Original Score and Best Original Song ("Miss Celie's Blues").
Below, you'll find a few online tributes to the late songwriter, as well as videos of some of his greatest hits.
The news of the musician's passing last week was delivered today (October 5) in a message from Jon Platt, chairman & CEO of Warner/Chappell, the songwriter's publishers. Platt confirmed that Temperton had died in London, and that a private funeral was held.
"His family is devastated and request total privacy at this, the saddest of sad times," he said.
Temperton was born in Cleethorpes, North East Lincolnshire, and began his music career in the 1970s, joining Heatwave after answering a wanted ad in an issue of Melody Maker. The keyboardist would write hits including "Boogie Nights," "Always & Forever" and "Groove Line" before leaving the project in 1978.
Around that time, he was recruited by Quincy Jones to work on Michael Jackson's Off the Wall. Temperton provided the boogie-heavy title track, as well as "Rock With You" and "Burn This Disco Out."
He'd partner with Jackson and Jones again on 1983's Thriller, providing the collection with the ultra creepy fan-favourite title track, as well as "Baby Be Mine" and "The Lady in My Life."
Throughout his career, Temperton also connected with the likes of Aretha Franklin, Donna Summer, Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock, Rufus & Chaka Khan, and the Carpenters. Additionally, Temperton received two Academy Award nominations in 1986 for his work on The Color Purple: Best Original Score and Best Original Song ("Miss Celie's Blues").
Below, you'll find a few online tributes to the late songwriter, as well as videos of some of his greatest hits.
R.I.P to the legend Rod Temperton
— The Weeknd (@theweeknd) October 5, 2016
My dear Rod, #RIP you will be missed. My heartfelt condolences go out to your family. "Always and Forever," Nile Rodgers https://t.co/DlwjXk8C32
— Nile Rodgers (@nilerodgers) October 5, 2016
so devastated to hear that Rod Temperton has passed away. a wonderful man & one of my favourite songwriters ever. thank you for the magic x
— Mark Ronson (@MarkRonson) October 5, 2016
Thank u 4 your superlative songwriting @RodTemperton. U will always Live in Me. Rest in power. https://t.co/uVcYuBzCcG
— Chaka Khan (@ChakaKhan) October 5, 2016
Sad to hear about the passing of Rod Temperton, a great British songwriter who gave us so much great music. R.I.P
— Boy George (@BoyGeorge) October 5, 2016
