Legendary songwriter Rod Temperton has passed away at the age of 66 after a short battle with cancer.
Throughout his distinguished career, Temperton penned a host of huge international hits, including several for Michael Jackson. As such, he was often referred to as The Invisible Man.
He was credited as the sole writer of songs such as Thriller, Off The Wall, Rock With You, Give Me The Night, Sweet Freedom, Always & Forver and Boogie Nights, among a great many others.
Having started his career in music as the co-founder of disco outfit Heatwave, Temperton went on to work with some of the biggest names in music, including Quincy Jones ,Anita Baker, Aretha Franklin, The Brothers Johnson, George Benson, Herbie Hancock, James Ingram and Michael McDonald.
Earlier this year he signed a global publishing deal with Warner/Chappell, which incorporated brings his catalogue from an earlier agreement with Rondor Music Publishing, part of UMPG.
A statement from Warner/Chappell read: "Rod Temperton, British Composer and Musician, died last week at the age of 66 in London following a brief aggressive battle with cancer. His funeral was private. He was often referred to as The Invisible Man. He was the sole writer of multiple successful songs such as “Thriller”, “Off The Wall”, “Rock With You”, “Give Me The Night”, “Sweet Freedom”, “Always & Forever” and “Boogie Nights” to name just a few.
"His family is devastated and request total privacy at this, the saddest of sad times."
