b. Rodney Lynn Temperton, October 1947, Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire, England.
Rod Temperton comes from Cleethorpes in the U.K.
During his early years Rod attended the De Aston School in Market Rasen.
This British songwriter began his career as keyboard player with Heatwave, also writing their hits including 'Boogie Nights', 'The Groove Line' and 'Always & Forever'.
Prior to being part of Heatwave, Rod was part of a group called The Hammer, who featured the singer John David Parker amongst others.
His songwriting skills were soon noticed by Quincy Jones who hired him to write songs for an album he was producing for Michael Jackson.
Rod ended up writing 'Rock With You', 'Baby Be Mine', 'The Lady In My Life' and the title track of Michael's 'Off The Wall' album in 1979, together with the title song 'Thriller' of his follow-up.
Also through Quincy Jones he wrote for the following singers / bands:
Rufus 'Masterjam' LP.
The Brothers Johnson 'Treasure' on the 'Stomp' LP.
Donna Summer 'Love Is In Control (Finger On The Trigger)', 'Livin' In America' and 'Love Is Just A Breath Away'.
Quincy Jones 'The Dude', 'Razzamatazz', 'Somethin' Special', 'Turn On The Action', 'The Secret Garden' and 'Back On The Block' and 'Q's Jook Joint'.
Herbie Hancock 'Lite Me Up', 'Getting To The Good Part'.
Aretha Franklin 'Livin' In The Streets'.
Jeffrey Osborne 'We Belong To Love' (which Rod also produced).
Bob James 'Sign Of The Times' and 'The Steamin' Feelin'.
Manhattan Transfer 'Mystery', 'The Spice Of Life'.
George Benson 'Give Me The Night' LP.
James Ingram 'It's Your Night' LP.
Anita Baker 'Mystery'.
Patti Austin 'Every Home Should Have One' LP.
Michael McDonald 'Sweet Freedom'.
Stephanle Mills 'Time Of Your Life' and 'Hold On To Midnight'.
Rod also wrote several songs on a 1979 solo album for Karen Carpenter of The Carpenters entitled 'Karen Carpenter'.
The album was eventually released in 1996 and contained Rod's composition 'Lovelines'.
Apparently, Rod believes that his smoking habit keeps the 'flu' away!
