Most people don't know the name Rod Temperton. But they know his songs!
To be sure, the composer wrote songs like Off The Wall, Rock With You, Thriller, and so many more for Michael Jackson. But as if that wasn't enough to make a career full and prosper, he also wrote for Aretha Franklin, George Benson, Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock, and many more legends.
Jon Platt, chairman of music publisher Warner/Chappell, where the artist had signed his catalogue, said Temperton "died in London last week at the age of 66 following a brief aggressive battle with cancer".
Rod Temperton had started his career joining the Disco band Heatwave, for which he wrote songs like Boogie Nights, and Always and Forever which became big hits in the 70's. In 1978, Quincy Jones asked him to write for Michael Jackson, and history was made.
R.I.P Mr. Temperton!
Listen to this fascinating discussion on how Quincy Jones and Rod Temperton wrote Beat It and Thriller: