Rod Temperton, the songwriter best known for penning a number of Michael Jackson's most famous hits, has passed away after a battle with cancer. Tempterton was 66 years old. âRod Temperton, British Composer and Musician, died last week at the age of 66 in London following a brief aggressive battle with cancer," said Chairman & CEO of Warner/Chappell Jon Platt said in a statement. âHis 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.â
Temperton was an unseen force behind the musical success of Michael Jackson, writing hits like "Thriller," "Rock With You," "Off the Wall," "Sweet Freedom," "Burn This Disco Out," and "Boogie Nights." Aside from Jackson, he also contributed songwriting to the careers of Aretha Franklin, Anita Baker, Quincy Jones and more. He first rose to fame as the keyboardist and singer for the band Heatwave.
Fans and colleagues took to social media to mourn his loss.
Rest in peace, Mr. Temperton.
