Jerry Ragovoy

Jerry Ragovoy

Jordan "Jerry" Ragovoy (September 4, 1930 - July 13, 2011) was an American songwriter and record producer.

His best-known composition "Time Is on My Side" (written under the pseudonym of Norman Meade) was made famous by The Rolling Stones, although it had been recorded earlier by Kai Winding and Irma Thomas. Ragovoy also wrote "Stay With Me", which was originally recorded by Lorraine Ellison, and was performed by Mary J. Blige at the 49th Grammy Awards.

An important behind-the-scenes force of East Coast soul music, Ragovoy wrote or co-wrote several classic New York and Philadelphia soul records in the 1960s, often distinguished by a conspicuous gospel feel. The best of these included Garnet Mimms' "Cry Baby," Erma Franklin's "Piece of My Heart," Howard Tate's "Get It While You Can," all later covered by Janis Joplin, plus "Time Is on My Side" and "Stay With Me." Ragovoy also contributed to first-class soul records as a producer and arranger.