Thriller songwriter Rod Temperton dies of cancer at 66

Updated

Rod Temperton, the songwriter behind Michael Jackson's Thriller and Rock With You, has died of cancer at the age of 66, his music publisher has announced.

Jon Platt, chairman and chief executive of Warner/Chappell, said in a statement: "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 added: "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."

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