Quincy Jones has been left with a "heavy heart" following the death of Rod Temperton.

Quincy Jones

Quincy Jones

It was announced on Wednesday (05.10.16) that the legendary songwriter - who penned songs including Michael Jackson's 'Thriller', 'Off The Wall' and 'Rock With You' - had died of cancer last week, and the acclaimed producer has been left devastated by the death of a man he described as "the best" at his job.

Quincy told Rolling Stone magazine: "There are simply no words to express how heavy my heart is at the news of the passing of my friend, brother and colleague Rod Temperton.

"It all starts with the song, and Rod was one of my go-to songwriters. He was one of the best, period.

"Not just for Michael [Jackson], but for James Ingram, Patti Austin, Rufus and Chaka Khan, Herbie Hancock and a host of others.

"His creativity just never stopped. He had an excellent compositional instinct and wrote great music because he had absorbed it to such an extent that it just came straight out of him as if it were second nature."

The 83-year-old producer remembered how "insanely" prolific a writer Rod was when they were working on the 'Thriller' album and vowed to "forever treasure" their friendship and time working together.

He added: "He wrote three songs for 'Thriller'...'Baby Be Mine,' 'The Lady in My Life' and 'Thriller'; and wrote the Vincent Price intro to 'Thriller' in the car on the way from the airport to the studio.

"To say his talent was insane is an understatement. He was the best friend and brother you could ever work with, and I will forever treasure our friendship and all those decades together in the studio."

A number of other stars have also paid tribute to the late songwriter.

Guitarist Nile Rodgers has credited the star for making the world "funkier" with his records,

He tweeted: "Your genius gave us a funkier world! (sic)."

And Boy George has also praised Temperton for his contribution to the industry.

He said: "Sad to hear about the passing of Rod Temperton, a great British songwriter who gave us so much great music. R.I.P (sic)."

Whilst The Weeknd - whose real name is Abél Tesfaye - has also paid his respects to the "legend".

He wrote: "R.I.P to the legend Rod Temperton Abél Makkonen Tesfaye (sic)."

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