July 19, 2011 20:15

'Piece Of My Heart' songwriter Jerry Ragovoy passes away

Author of hits for Janis Joplin and The Rolling Stones dead at 80

Photo: PA

Legendary soul songwriter Jerry Ragovoy has passed away after suffering a stroke.

The writer penned classic hits such as 'Time Is On My Side', 'Get It While You Can' and 'Piece Of My Heart', which were performed by The Rolling Stones, Janis Joplin and Erma Franklin.

Joplin went on to cover four of Ragovoy's songs: 'Piece Of My Heart', 'Cry Baby', 'Try (Just A Little Bit Harder)' and 'Get It While You Can'.

Ragovoy wrote a song specifically for Joplin, entitled, 'I'm Gonna Rock My Way To Heaven' but the singer died before she could perform it.

Speaking to the LA Times, Jim Steinblatt, a spokesman for the performance rights group ASCAP said, "Jerry was a giant of soul, R&B and rock songwriting and record production. His songs were far better known than he was."

He is survived by his wife, Bev, two daughters, Melissa and Gillian, and a granddaughter, Loretta.

You can hear some of his hits below.