Songwriter Rod Temperton, best known for penning Michael Jackson’s mega-hit Thriller, has sadly passed away aged 66.
Jon Platt, chairman of his publisher Warner/Chappell, confirmed in a statement that Temperton died last week following a battle with cancer.
He added: ‘His funeral was private. He was often referred to as The Invisible Man.
‘His family is devastated and request total privacy at this, the saddest of sad times.’
Temperton first came to fame as the keyboardist and main songwriter for funk/disco outfit Heatwave, for whom he wrote Always & Forever and Boogie Nights. Both were top 10 hits around the world.
He went on to form a fruitful creative partnership with Jackson producer Quincy Jones, going on to pen huge hits for the late star alongside Thriller, including Off the Wall and Rock With You.
Following his success with Jackson, Temperton continued to work with Jones. Together with Lionel Ritchie, they were nominated for the Best Original Song Oscar for Miss Celie's Blues from the 1985 film The Color Purple.
He also wrote songs for and collaborated with artists including Anita Baker, Aretha Franklin, The Brothers Johnson, George Benson and Herbie Hancock.
Temperton is pictured above with Mica Paris at the Jazz Cafe, London, in 2013.
Jon Platt, chairman of his publisher Warner/Chappell, confirmed in a statement that Temperton died last week following a battle with cancer.
He added: ‘His funeral was private. He was often referred to as The Invisible Man.
‘His family is devastated and request total privacy at this, the saddest of sad times.’
Temperton first came to fame as the keyboardist and main songwriter for funk/disco outfit Heatwave, for whom he wrote Always & Forever and Boogie Nights. Both were top 10 hits around the world.
He went on to form a fruitful creative partnership with Jackson producer Quincy Jones, going on to pen huge hits for the late star alongside Thriller, including Off the Wall and Rock With You.
Following his success with Jackson, Temperton continued to work with Jones. Together with Lionel Ritchie, they were nominated for the Best Original Song Oscar for Miss Celie's Blues from the 1985 film The Color Purple.
He also wrote songs for and collaborated with artists including Anita Baker, Aretha Franklin, The Brothers Johnson, George Benson and Herbie Hancock.
Temperton is pictured above with Mica Paris at the Jazz Cafe, London, in 2013.
