Rod Temperton - Songwriting Genius

I am a big fan of late 70's, early 80's soul funk pop (if that is a genre lol). Some of the best songs from this style were composed by Rod Temperton. I have listened to his first two albums with Heatwave a lot lately, and am familiar with his contributions to 'Thriller', his work with George Benson's 'Give Me The Night' album, as well as some of the compositions he composed for Michael McDonald (see 'Sweet Freedom'). I stumbled across an article online (here) that mentioned other works, but so far am really surprised that there isn't a definitive list of his compositions, a really good tribute website or (better yet) an in-depth documentary or book. Maybe I've just overlooked what's already out there. I was wondering if anyone has a particular "obscure" Temperton composition? Also, any recommendations for albums in a similar style to his work? I found a list of albums (here) that I am still working my way through. Some of those albums are good, while some.... meh. It's such a wonderful feeling to come across a true gem, isn't it.

 

Always thought he did some great work for Rufus. He wrote a few cuts on Masterjam.

 

Thanks!! I'll check them out

 

A couple of threads on him:

Rod Temperton RIP

Rod Temperton appreciaton thread

 

Thank you!!

 

Just a quick thought … when I was in the Military, I was stationed in Berlin, Germany for 3 years 1976-1979. 2 member's of the group Heatwave were ex-Military and the group used to play at this small club on the economy that catered to Black military men, I remember that Rod Temperton was still in the group then.

 

Wow that is awesome

 

Not obscure but I sure do love Boogie Nights.
Did a bunch of stuff with Herbie Hancock that is a bit obscure these days

 

Herbie Hancock - Lite Me Up!
Bob James - Sign of the Times
Patti Austin - Every Home Should Have One

 

Heatwave used to " Kill it " the women would be screaming when Johnny Wilder would do " Always And Forever " it always turned into a " easy pick up " night. Funny thing is, I can't remember the name of the club.

 

Um...really great songwriter.

Genius? No.

 

A very good songwriter,his work with-Heatwave is top notch.

 

I can never get over the fact that he came from CLeethorpes!

I love his stuff, btw.

 

yes...I agree.

 

A various artists compilation of his compositions (using the original versions) would be pretty cool. Perhaps not quite up to the standard of the similar Burt Bacharach sets, but still a worthy listen.

 

Couldn't agree more that Rod Temperton was an amazing songwriter. His lack of profile is down to the fact that Rod was famously protective of his private life, shunned publicity and gave very few in-depth interviews during his lifetime.

There's an excellent blog which covers lots of Rod Temperton songs:

Rod Temperton – Andresmusictalk

Also, Jed Pitman has written a good bio on Rob called The Invisible Man https://www.amazon.co.uk/Invisible-Man-Temperton-Thriller-Songwriter/dp/075098256X

Jed based the book on a BBC radio documentary he produced on Rod (also called The Invisible Man), which I think is floating around online. There's also an hour-long interview with Rod by Robbie Vincent

Various people have compiled Rod Temperton playlists on YouTube and they're worth checking out if you want to discover more songs from Rod.

The man was incredible and I wish he was still with us. But at least we - and future generations - have all his wonderful music to enjoy.

 

That Patti Austin album is a pop/soul gem from the era. "Baby Come To Me" should not have been the only pop hit from the album. "Do You Love Me" was a big dance hit. Both of those were Temperton songs, as were several others from the Quincy Jones produced album.

 

How old was he when he passed, and, what did he die from ?

 

Sorry, I have to disagree with you. It takes a genius to write songs that millions of people love. A "really great songwriter" wrote the Juicy Fruit commercial.

 

Thank you for all of this information

 

66, from cancer

 

I think it’s a matter of opinion as to the application/definition of the word “genius”, isn’t it? I don’t think it takes genius to write a pop song that millions of people love, because that would mean that virtually every artist in my record collection would be a genius. They’re not.

To each his own dictionary!

 

... and we'll leave it there