Even though MJ wrote the biggest songs of his career, another songwriter helped give Thriller — and Off the Wall for that matter — their personality, depth and swagger. Quincy Jones had to beg British disco writer Rod Temperton of The Heatwave to write some songs for Jackson when the two met on the set of The Wiz and decided to work together. Jackson was not yet a proven solo artist at age 19. Temperton agreed to compose some material and wound up writing the songs “Off the Wall” and “Thriller,” which became the title of both of Jackson’s classic albums. Can you imagine these albums under any other name??? Temperton also gave Jackson his first #1 as an adult artist as “Rock With You” was #1 for four weeks in 1979.
