In 1977, Disco ruled, and the multi-talented songwriter and keyboardist Rod Temperton and his group, Heatwave, were riding high with “Boogie Nights,” the first of several hits by the seven member British band.
Temperton also wrote their big hit, the classic slow jam “Always & Forever.”
In 1979 Temperton hit his stride, writing two mega hits for Michael Jackson: “Rock With You” and the title song from that album “Off The Wall.”
Then, a few years later, he put out his most noteworthy work for the “King Of Pop’s” 1982 album “Thriller” –still the best selling album in history.
Besides writing the title song he contributed two others on that iconic release: “The Lady In My Life” and “Baby Be Mine”.
Rod Temperton passed away earlier this month, at age 66, following a short battle with cancer. Though some of the public might not be familiar with his name, they will never forget his music.
Below are links to a 1-minute photo tribute to Rod, and also to “Boogie Nights,” which will immediately transport you back to the 70s.