Jerry Ragovoy, born Jordan Ragovoy on September 4, 1930, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was a prominent American songwriter and record producer. He was known for writing several pop and soul songs, including the instrumental "Time Is on My Side," famously recorded by the Rolling Stones with lyrics added by Jimmy Norman. Another notable composition was "Piece of My Heart," co-written with Bert Berns and initially recorded by Erma Franklin before becoming a hit for Janis Joplin with Big Brother and the Holding Company. Ragovoy also wrote "Stay With Me" for Lorraine Ellison, later covered by Bette Midler.

Throughout the 1960s, Ragovoy played a significant role in shaping the soul music sound, co-writing hits like "Pata Pata" with Miriam Makeba. He founded The Hit Factory, a renowned New York recording studio, in 1969, where he worked with artists such as Dionne Warwick and Bonnie Raitt. Ragovoy's career included a Grammy Award for producing the Best Score From an Original Cast Show Album for "Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope" in 1973.

His collaboration with Janis Joplin extended to several songs in her solo career, and he wrote "I'm Gonna Rock My Way to Heaven" for her, which was performed in the theatrical production "A Night with Janis Joplin" shortly before his death. Ragovoy passed away on July 13, 2011, in Manhattan, New York, leaving behind a legacy of influential music that continues to resonate.