Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

September 4, 1930 in Philadelphia, PA

Death

:

July 13, 2011 in New York City, NY

 

Jerry Ragovoy was an American songwriter, composer, and record producer who made significant contributions to the world of music. He was born on September 4, 1930, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and grew up in a musical family. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist, which influenced his love for music from a young age. Ragovoy started playing the piano at the age of six and began composing music when he was just 13 years old. He attended the Juilliard School of Music in New York City, where he studied composition and orchestration. After completing his studies, he started working as a songwriter and producer in the music industry. In the 1960s, Ragovoy became one of the most sought-after songwriters and producers in the music industry. He worked with many famous artists, including Janis Joplin, The Rolling Stones, and Dionne Warwick. He was known for his ability to write songs that were both soulful and catchy, and his productions were always of the highest quality. One of Ragovoy's most famous compositions is "Time Is on My Side," which was originally recorded by jazz trombonist Kai Winding in 1963. The song was later covered by The Rolling Stones, who had a massive hit with it in 1964. Ragovoy also wrote "Piece of My Heart," which was made famous by Janis Joplin and became one of her signature songs. Ragovoy's compositions were not limited to just soul and rock music. He also wrote classical music, including a symphony and an opera. His opera, "The Prophet," was based on the life of the biblical prophet Jeremiah and was performed at the New York City Opera in 1984. In addition to his work as a composer and songwriter, Ragovoy was also a record producer. He produced many hit records, including "Stay With Me" by Lorraine Ellison and "Cry Baby" by Janis Joplin. He was known for his attention to detail and his ability to bring out the best in the artists he worked with. Ragovoy's contributions to the music industry were recognized with many awards and honors. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2010 and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation in 2013. Jerry Ragovoy passed away on July 13, 2011, at the age of 80. His legacy lives on through his music, which continues to be celebrated and performed by artists around the world. His ability to write songs that were both soulful and catchy, and his attention to detail as a producer, made him one of the most influential figures in the music industry.

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