Rod Temperton, best known for writing "Boogie Nights" and Michael Jackson's smash hit "Thriller," passed away last week.

Temperton's name is most closely linked with his work on "Thriller," but he was long established in the industry before that time.

He had worked with Jackson before the Thriller album, contributing the title track to the King of Pop's 1979 Off the Wall album.

The album also featured another Temperton penned song, "Rock With You."

Temperton's age has been disputed. His family claims Temperton was 66, however other sources say he was 68. The cause of death was cancer.

Temperton had a long career as a writer. He wrote for Jackson and a string of other pop stars, including British soul singer, Mica Paris.

Temperton is survived by his wife, Kath Temperton.