Rod Temperton, Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' Co-Writer, Dies at 66

Rod Temperton, the man behind some of Michael Jackson's early hits, has died at the age of 66, the BBC reports. He passed away in London last week after "a brief aggressive battle with cancer," Jon Platt of Warner/Chappell said in a statement. “His family is devastated and request total privacy at this, the saddest of sad times.”

The songwriter and producer connected with Michael Jackson after grabbing the attention of Quincy Jones in the late 1970s. Temperton collaborated with the late icon for several classics in the beginning stage of his solo career. Their work together included Off the Wall's "Rock with You," "Off the Wall" and "Burn This Disco Out," as well as Thriller's title track, "Baby Be Mine" and "The Lady in My Life."