Steve Porcaro

Steve Porcaro brought a synthesizer player's touch to the Thriller sessions. A founding member of Toto, he was part of the Los Angeles studio circle that Quincy Jones drew on, and his fingerprints are all over the album's electronic textures. His most lasting contribution is 'Human Nature,' a soft, wistful ballad that began as one of his own musical sketches before it found its way to Jackson. Lyricist John Bettis reshaped the words, but the melody and mood were Porcaro's. The song's dreamy, city-at-night feel offered a gentle counterweight to the album's harder cuts. Porcaro worked mostly behind the glass, shaping tones and programming keyboards rather than seeking the spotlight. His careful sound design helped give Thriller its polished, futuristic sheen without ever calling attention to itself.

Co-wrote 'Human Nature' with lyricist John Bettis. Played and programmed keyboards and synthesizers across the Thriller sessions. Helped shape the album's electronic sound palette.