Goodbye to an icon. Rod Temperton, the legendary songwriter behind many of Michael Jackson's most iconic singles, died last week in London, Warner/Chappell Music confirmed. He was 66.
In a statement released Wednesday, October 5, Warner/Chappell Chairman and CEO Jon Platt announced that Temperton died "following a brief aggressive battle with cancer." He was memorialized at a private funeral ceremony.
"His family is devastated and request total privacy at this, the saddest of sad times," Platt added.
Temperton was best known for his work as the sole songwriter of several of the late King of Pop's songs, including "Thriller," "Rock With You," "Off the Wall" and "The Lady in My Life." He also composed tracks for legendary artists such as Donna Summer, Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones and The Carpenters.
