Died On This Date (July 13, 2011) Jerry Ragovoy / Wrote Numerous Pop Hits

Jerry Ragovoy
September 4, 1930 – July 13, 2011

Photo by Fernando Leon

Jerry Ragovoy was a prolific hit songwriter who over a career that spanned some 50 years, wrote or co-wrote some of popular music’s most iconic songs.  As one of the most important songwriting figures in the Philadelphia and New York soul scenes of the ’60s, his songs have been enjoyed by millions.  His most famous tunes were “Time Is On My Side” (Irma Thomas, the Rolling Stones), “Cry Baby,” and “Piece Of My Heart” (Janis Joplin).  His songs have also been recorded by Garnet Mimms, Howard Tate, Jimi Hendrix, Elvis Costello, the Yardbirds, the Small Faces, Dusty Springfield, Chaka Kahn, the Moody Blues, Barry White, Bonnie Raitt, and many more.  Ragovoy also produced several records throughout his career as well.  Those he worked with in that capacity include Dionne Warwick and Paul Butterfield.  Jerry Ragovoy died on July 13, 2011 of complications from an earlier stroke.  He was 80.

Thanks to Benji Isabel for the assist.

What You Should Own

Click to find at amzon.com



On This Date (July 12, 2008) Earl Nelson / Bob & Earl

Earl Lee Nelson
September 8, 1928 – July 12, 2008

With Barry White

Earl Nelson a member of the popular doo-wop group, the Hollywood Flames, and later, half Bob & Earl. With the Hollywood Flames, Nelson sang lead on what would become their biggest hit, “Buzz Buzz Buzz.”  In 1963, Bob & Earl wrote and released, “Harlem Shuffle,” which was produced by Barry White.  The song, now considered a soul classic was made into a hit by  the Rolling Stones in 1986.  Earl Nelson passed away at 79 on July 12, 2008.  He had been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

What You Should Own

Bob & Earl  - The Class Years (feat. Bobby Day & Earl Palmer) - Bob & Earl feat. Bobby Day & Earl



Died On This Date (July 4, 2003) Barry White / Soul Icon

Barry White (Born Barrence Carter)
September 12, 1944 – July 4, 2003

BarryA young Barry White was going down a wrong path when he heard Elvis Presley on the radio while serving four months in prison for burglary.  He was seventeen at the time, and music became his salvation.   After leaving gang life behind, White became a successful songwrither, producer, arranger and performer.  In 1969, White hit gold by producing a group called Love Unlimited Orchestra.  A string of hits followed, with their “Love’s Theme” hitting the top of the pop charts in 1974 becoming, arguably, the first disco hit ever.  White’s rich bass voice would become synonymous  with all that was sexy in the ’70s and beyond.  Hits like “Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love, Baby” and “Never, Never Give You Up” followed and endeared him to fans thanks to his romantic blend of soul and orchestra.  His career slowed down somewhat during the ’80s and part of the ’90s until he was introduced to a whole new generation thanks to an animated appearance in a 1993 episode of The Simpsons.  A handful of hits followed throughout the ’90s, as did numerous placements of his songs on popular television shows, including Alley McBeal on which he appeared twice.  He was awarded two Grammys for 1999 release, Staying Power.  White was plagued with health problems in his later years due in part to high blood pressure.  He suffered a stroke in May of 2003 and passed away two months later.  He was 58.

What You Should Own

Barry White: All-Time Greatest Hits - Barry White

Died On This Date (May 6, 2009) Viola Wills / Disco Diva

Viola Wills (Born Viola Wilkerson)
December 30, 1939 – May 6, 2009

v3Viola Wills was already a mother of six when she was discovered by Barry White in 1965.  In her early career, Wills mostly worked as a back up singer for White as well as Joe Cocker and Smokey Robinson.  In 1979, Wills began a streak of disco hits that included “Dare To Dream,” “Gonna Get Along Without You Now,” and “Stormy Weather.”  Her chart success lead to her being dubbed “Disco Diva,”  and that was during a time when “diva” wasn’t thrown around as much as it is these days.  For disco, she was a bit of an anomaly in that she wrote many of her own songs.  Wills passed away after a long illness on May 6, 2009.  She was 69.

What You Should Own

Click to find at amazon.com

Died On This Date (April 10, 2008) Carl Evans Jr. / Fattburger

Carl Evans Jr.
February 19, 1955 – April 10, 2008

carl-evans-jrCarl Evans Jr. was the keyboardist for San Diego contemporary jazz band, Fattburger. Evans began playing the keyboards as a child and by the time he was in high school, he was in a funk band called Power. The band was so good that Barry White hired them to go on tour with him, forcing Evans to finish high school a semester early. In later years, Evans could be heard performing with the likes of Cannonball Adderley, Stevie Wonder and Anita Baker. In 1984, Evans co-founded Fattburger, a jazz band that found great popularity throughout Southern California and beyond. They recorded several critically acclaimed albums and earned a Grammy nomination. Evans died at the age of 53 of complications from diabetes.

What You Should Own

Click to find at amazon.com

Livin' Large - Fattburger