Skip to content
Compare TV
Rod Temperton

Actor

Rod Temperton

  • Born: 9 October 1947, Boksburg, South Africa
  • Estimated net worth: $10 million

Rod Temperton was a British songwriter and musician known for his work in the music industry, particularly for penning iconic songs for Michael Jackson, including 'Thriller' and 'Rock with You.' His career spanned several decades, and he was celebrated for…

About Rod Temperton

Rod Temperton was a British songwriter and musician known for his work in the music industry, particularly for penning iconic songs for Michael Jackson, including 'Thriller' and 'Rock with You.' His career spanned several decades, and he was celebrated for his unique style and ability to blend genres, leaving a lasting impact on pop music.

Born
9 October 1947, Boksburg, South Africa
Height
5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Spouses
Patricia Temperton (1972-2016)
Children
1 child, name not publicly known
Parents
William Temperton, Gladys Temperton
Estimated net worth
$10 million

Fun facts about Rod Temperton

  • Rod Temperton was originally a keyboardist for the band Heatwave before becoming a successful songwriter.
  • He wrote the song 'Thriller' in just a few hours, which became one of Michael Jackson's most famous tracks.

Famous Rod Temperton quotes

“It's close to midnight and something evil's lurking in the dark.”
Thriller (Video) (1983)
“I just want to rock with you.”
Rock with You (1979)
“You can change the world, but only for the better.”
Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration (2001)

Rod Temperton filmography

Cast (2)

YearTitleCharacterRating
2023Thriller 40 MovieSelf (archive footage)8.7
2009Q: The Man MovieSelf7.8

Crew (8)

YearTitleRoleRating
1986Running Scared MovieOriginal Music Composer · Sound6.1
1986Running Scared MovieSongs · Sound6.1
1985The Color Purple MovieLyricist · Writing7.7
1985The Color Purple MovieSongs · Sound7.7
1983Michael Jackson's Thriller MovieOriginal Music Composer · Sound8.3
Show 3 more credits
YearTitleRoleRating
1983Michael Jackson's Thriller MovieSongs · Sound8.3
1982E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial MovieSongs · Sound7.5
1979Escape to Athena MovieSongs · Sound5.7

Latest releases

Questions about Rod Temperton

What are Rod Temperton's most famous songs?

Rod Temperton is best known for writing 'Thriller,' 'Rock with You,' and 'Give Me the Night.' His songs have been performed by several major artists, particularly Michael Jackson.

Did Rod Temperton win any awards?

Yes, Rod Temperton received several awards, including a Grammy Award for his work. He was also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2003.

What was Rod Temperton's first major hit?

Rod Temperton's first major hit was 'Boogie Nights' by Heatwave, which he co-wrote and helped propel the band to fame.

What contributions did Rod Temperton make to Michael Jackson's music?

Rod Temperton wrote several of Michael Jackson's most iconic songs, including 'Thriller,' 'Rock with You,' and 'Off the Wall,' significantly shaping Jackson's early career.

What was Rod Temperton's background before music?

Rod Temperton grew up in Boksburg, South Africa, and initially began his career as a keyboardist before transitioning to songwriting and music production.

What was Rod Temperton's estimated net worth?

Rod Temperton's estimated net worth was around $10 million at the time of his passing, reflecting his successful career in music.

What genres did Rod Temperton work in?

Rod Temperton worked primarily in pop and R&B, but his versatility allowed him to blend elements of disco, funk, and jazz into his music.

What is Rod Temperton's legacy?

Rod Temperton's legacy is defined by his timeless songs that continue to influence artists today. His work on 'Thriller' remains a landmark achievement in music history.