The Invisible Man: The Story of Rod Temperton, the 'Thriller' Songwriter

The Invisible Man: Rod Temperton's journey from a Grimsby fish factory to becoming one of the most successful songwriters of all time is explored in the documentary. Temperton wrote the international hits 'Boogie Nights' and 'Always and Forever' for Heatwave and collaborated with Michael Jackson on his best-selling album 'Thriller'.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 01 November 2022
Publisher: The History Press Ltd

The remarkable journey of Rod Temperton, from his humble beginnings in a Grimsby fish factory to becoming one of the most successful songwriters in history, is vividly depicted in the documentary The Invisible Man. Born in Cleethorpes in 1949, Temperton embarked on his musical career with the funk band Heatwave, where he wrote the international hits "Boogie Nights" and "Always and Forever." His songwriting prowess caught the attention of legendary producer Quincy Jones, who worked with him on Michael Jackson's iconic Off the Wall album. Temperton's collaboration with Jackson extended to the creation of the best-selling album of all time, Michael Jackson's Thriller, which included the legendary title track. Despite his success, Temperton remained notoriously reclusive and rarely granted interviews. Jed Pitman, in his Sony Award-winning radio documentary on Temperton, provides a comprehensive and updated account of the life and career of this musical genius.

The documentary delves into Temperton's early years, growing up in a working-class family in Grimsby. His passion for music was evident from a young age, and he began playing the piano and writing songs. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, Temperton never gave up on his dream. He worked tirelessly to improve his skills and eventually caught the attention of the music industry.

One of the pivotal moments in Temperton's career was his collaboration with Michael Jackson. Jackson's producer, Quincy Jones, recognized Temperton's talent and brought him into the Jackson fold. Temperton's work on Jackson's albums, including Off the Wall and Thriller, was instrumental in the success of these albums. His songs, such as "Rock with You" and "Billie Jean," became iconic and are still celebrated today.

Despite his fame and success, Temperton remained humble and down-to-earth. He was known for his warm personality and his ability to connect with people. He was also a talented pianist and composer, and his music often reflected his personal experiences and emotions.

The documentary also explores Temperton's personal life, including his struggles with addiction and his battles with depression. Despite these challenges, Temperton continued to write and perform music, using his art as a means of healing and self-expression.

In conclusion, The Invisible Man is a captivating documentary that provides a deep insight into the life and career of Rod Temperton. It showcases his remarkable journey from a humble beginning to becoming one of the most successful songwriters in history. Through his music and his story, Temperton inspires and empowers others to pursue their dreams and never give up on their passions.

Weight: 346g
Dimension: 130 x 198 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803991849