Ralph MacDonald Dies

Ralph MacDonald, 67, a percussionist and composer who scored hits as the co-writer of “Where Is The Love?” and “Just The Two Of Us,” died Dec. 18 of lung cancer.

MacDonald got started in music under the mentorship of his father, a calypso bandleader, before scoring a gig at the age of 17 touring with Harry Belafonte’s orchestra.

He later transitioned to composing, writing songs for Roberta Flack and Bill Withers, and has hundreds of recording credits with artists including Aretha Franklin, Billy Joel, Carole King and Paul Simon.