Rod Temperton, the songwriter behind “Thriller,” one of the most iconic songs of all time, has died.
BBC News reports that Temperton, who lent his pen to Michael Jackson’s “Off The Wall” and “Rock With You,” died last week in London, England at the age of 66, following a battle with cancer.
“His family is devastated and request total privacy at this, the saddest of sad times,” Jon Platt, a rep for Warner/Chappell Music Publishing said.
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In addition to Jackson, Temperton wrote and co-wrote songs for Donna Summer, Herbie Hancock, The Brothers Johnson, and many other musicians.
He got his start as the lead songwriter and keyboard player for funk/disco group Heatwave in the 1970s.
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Upon receiving word of this latest loss to the music industry, a number of artists offered their condolences via social media.
“Thank u 4 your superlative songwriting @RodTemperton. U will always Live in Me. Rest in power,” Chaka Khan tweeted.
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
See some more social media dedications to Rod Temperton below.
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
Rest In Peace to legendary songwriter and producer Rod Temperton; the star of a story we'll always tell.
— Phonte (@phontigallo) October 5, 2016
R I P to the god "Rod Tempterton"….. #LegendsNeverDie
— Glasses Malone (@gmalone) October 5, 2016
R.I.P to the legend Rod Temperton
— The Weeknd (@theweeknd) October 5, 2016
This truly makes me sad. I was just listening to #OffTheWall last night. ?? rip #RodTempertonhttps://t.co/wGruunDbP3
— Jussie Smollett (@JussieSmollett) October 5, 2016
