Rod Temperton 1983
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Born | 9 October 1949 |
Died | 1 October 2016 | Age 66 London |
Rodney Lynn Temperton (born 15 October 1947) composer, producer and musician from Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire, England, wrote the iconic title track for the
best-selling album ever Thriller by Michael Jackson.

The album also holds the record for the most weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart:
37 weeks – Thriller, Michael Jackson, 2/26/1983.
He also wrote 'Rock With You' and 'Off the Wall'.
Career
Rod's career started as keyboard player with Heatwave also writing their hits including 'Boogie Nights', 'The Groove Line' and 'Always & Forever'.
His songwriting skills were noticed by Quincy Jones who hired him to write songs. It is reported that Quincy was surprised Rod was 'white'.
Other Temperton penned songs
George Benson - 'Give Me The Night', 'Love X Love'.
Michael McDonald - 'Sweet Freedom'.
Patti Austin & James Ingram - 'Baby Come To Me'.
James Ingram & Michael McDonald - 'Yah Mo Be There'.
Quincy Jones - 'Razzamatazz'
Michael McDonald - 'Sweet Freedom'.
Patti Austin & James Ingram - 'Baby Come To Me'.
James Ingram & Michael McDonald - 'Yah Mo Be There'.
Quincy Jones - 'Razzamatazz'