Wednesday, July 13, 2011

July 13 - No More Girl Happy

Jerry Ragovoy, a songwriter credited with songs made famous by the Rolling Stones, Janis Joplin and others, has died at the age of 80. Ragovoy died at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. Jim Steinblatt, a representative for the performance rights group ASCAP, says he died of complications from a stroke.


Among some of Ragovoy's most famous tunes were "Time Is On My Side" by the Rolling Stones, "Piece of My Heart" by Janis Joplin and "Pata, Pata" by Miriam Makeba. Some of his songs were credited to a pseudonym, Norman Meade.


Over the years, his songs were recorded by greats like Elvis Presley ('Girl Happy'), B.B. King and Aretha Franklin. Ragovoy also was a producer for artists including Diana Ross and Dionne Warwick.


 (Source: Associated Press)