Jordan "Jerry" Ragovoy (September 4, 1930 – July 13, 2011)[1][2] was an American songwriter and record producer who wrote several pop songs including the instrumental "Time Is on My Side" (under the pseudonym of Norman Meade for Kai Winding), which was recorded by the Rolling Stones with lyrics added by Jimmy Norman for an earlier version by Irma Thomas; "Stay With Me" for Lorraine Ellison (later covered by Bette Midler in the film The Rose);[3] and "Piece of My Heart", which became a significant hit for Janis Joplin when still with Big Brother and the Holding Company.
He founded the New York recording studio The Hit Factory in 1969, producing and arranging artists such as Dionne Warwick and Bonnie Raitt until he sold it to Troy Germano in 1975.
[3] Another well-known song by Ragovoy is "Piece of My Heart", co-written with Bert Berns and recorded originally by Erma Franklin, and later famously covered by Big Brother and the Holding Company, featuring Janis Joplin.
[7] Prior to Joplin's death, Ragovoy wrote a song especially for her next album, titled "I'm Gonna Rock My Way to Heaven".
[3] In 1968 Ragovoy created and was the original owner of the famous world class recording complex HIT FACTORY STUDIOS in Manhattan hosting numerous well known R&R artists.