British songwriter who wrote Michael Jackson's Thriller dies of cancer at 66.

• British songwriter Rod Temperton has died of cancer at the age of 66
• He was the man behind Michael Jackson hits Thriller and Rock With You
• Temperton also collaborated with Aretha Franklin and Herbie Hancock

The British songwriter who penned Michael Jackson's hits Thriller and Rock With You has died aged 66.

Rod Temperton died in London following a 'brief but aggressive battle with cancer, his music publisher announced.

Known to industry insiders as the 'Invisible Man', Temperton was also behind classics including George Benson's Give Me The Night and Heatwave's Boogie Nights.

Rod Temperton, pictured with wife Kathy, died after a 'brief but aggressive battle with cancer'. 

Jon Platt, chairman and chief executive of Warner/Chappell, said in a statement: 'Rod Temperton, British composer and musician, died last week at the age of 66 in London following a brief aggressive battle with cancer.

'His funeral was private.'

He added: 'He was often referred to as the Invisible Man. He was the sole writer of multiple successful songs such as Thriller, Off The Wall, Rock With You, Give Me The Night, Sweet Freedom, Always & Forever and Boogie Nights, to name just a few.

'His family is devastated and request total privacy at this, the saddest of sad times.'

The songwriter was behind Michael Jackson's hit songs Thriller and Rock With You. 

Temperton began his career as a member of the disco band Heatwave, penning the 1970s hits Always And Forever and Boogie Nights for the group.

He collaborated with the likes of Anita Baker, George Benson, Herbie Hancock, Aretha Franklin and the Brothers Johnson.

But he was best known for writing songs for Jackson's albums Off The Wall and Thriller, after working with the singer's producer Quincy Jones.