The man behind Michael Jackson's hits Thriller and Rock With You has died of cancer aged 66, his music publisher has announced.

Chairman and chief executive of Warner/Chappell, Jon Platt, said British composer Rod Temperton died last week in London "following a brief aggressive battle with cancer".

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."

His funeral was held in private, Mr Platt said.

Beginning his career as keyboard player in the disco band Heatwave, Temperton penned the 1970s hits Always And Forever and Boogie Nights for the group.

After leaving the band in 1978, he decided to concentrate on songwriting and throughout his career collaborated with Anita Baker, George Benson, Herbie Hancock, Aretha Franklin, Donna Summer 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.