RIP: Jerry Ragovoy

The death of Jerry Ragovoy seems to have gone unnoticed by the media. This is surprising, given the incredible catalogue of hits he wrote or worked on. “Time is on My Side” was an iconic hit for the Rolling Stones. Janis Joplin made a classic out of “Piece of my Heart”.

Ragovoy was in the music business from the age of 23, writing and producing for The Castelles and The Majors. He co-wrote “Time is on My Side” (as Norman Meade) for the queen of New Orleans soul, Irma Thomas in 1963. It was slowed and became a huge hit for the Rolling Stones one year later and again in 1982. Ragovoy also produced recorded work by Bonnie Raitt and Milkwood.

Ragovoy died of a heart attack at the age of 80 on July 13, 2011.