Songwriter Jerry Ragovoy dies
July 18th, 2011 - 6:56 pm ICT by Aishwarya BhattManhattan, July 18 (THAINDIAN NEWS) One the best known soul songwriters, Jerry Ragovoy has died at the age of 80. Jerry is best known for his works in the 60s which included Rolling Stone’s “Time Is on My Side” and Janis Joplin’s “Piece of My Heart,” “Cry Baby” and “Try (Just a Little Bit Harder).”
Jerry’s widow, Beverly Matson Ragovoy told reporters that her husband passed away in Manhattan on Wednesday after suffering from complications from a stroke.
Born on the 4th of September 1930 in Philadelphia, Jerry learned how to play the piano all by himself. His father was an optometrist but Jerry at the early age of his life made music part of his life.
Though Jerry ended up writing several songs, he actually started his career as song buyer. He worked at Tregoobs and in 1953 he teamed up with the manager of the store Herb Slotkin to record “My Girl Awaits Me,” for the local group Castelles. The album ended up selling 100,000 pieces.
His desire to become a Broadway songwriter inspired Jerry to move to New York in 1962. At a point in his career, Jerry was hired by Chancellor Records.
He is survived by his wife, sister, two daughters and a granddaughter.
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