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Michael Jackson not so Off the Wall
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The passing of Michael Jackson has elicited many found musical memories. In particular is the 1979 release of his solo album “Off the Wall”. For many musicians and individuals throughout the recording industry this was a musical breakthrough. Every aspect of this production contributed to changing the way we record popular music today. However, one feature of this album that will never be duplicated is the vocal prowess of Michael Jackson himself.
Great artists also have the ability to spotlight individuals that would otherwise go unnoticed. The “Off the Wall” album was a turning-point in Jackson’s career and at the same time introduced us to one of the most successful and prolific popular songwriters of our time.
English songwriter, producer and musician Rodney Lynn “Rod” Temperton was born in Cleephorpes, Lincolnshire, England in 1947. It is rather unusual for a top funk and R&B writer to come from such a background, but it’s true. Mr. Temperton has written songs for more than 300 recordings. Michael Jackson fought for and won the right to have Quincy Jones produce the “Off the Wall” album despite the record company’s claim that Jones was too jazz-oriented for the job. As a result, Quincy Jones hired Rod Temperton to write two of the songs, “Rock with You” and “Off the Wall” (the title song). Three years later, Jackson, Jones and Temperton joined forces again and Rod penned “Thriller,” “Baby Be Mine,” and “Lady in My Life,” for the biggest selling album in history.
Temperton’s songwriting resume is a virtual who’s who of R&B, funk and soul music. His accomplishments are truly impressive and Michael Jackson deserves credit for bringing such a little-known, but very talented writer to the industry forefront.
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